If you’re a frequent traveler with access to airport lounges, you’ve likely grown accustomed to the usual lineup of beverages—predictable, uninspired, and often uninspiring. Imagine our delight, then, when a layover in Germany revealed an unexpected gem at the Lufthansa lounge: not one, but two whisky expressions from a local distillery, including a smoky, peated masterpiece. It was a moment that transformed the humdrum ritual of travel into an experience worth savoring—a gateway not just to a destination, but to the bold world of St. Kilian Distillers.
This serendipitous encounter introduced us to the St. Kilian PEATED, a whisky that with its bold 54 ppm phenol content embodies the adventurous spirit of its creators. From the first sip, it was clear this wasn’t just a drink to pass the time between flights; it was a destination in itself, a reminder that sometimes the best travel discoveries are poured, not planned.
St. Kilian's Peated expression delivers a story that’s as bold and intricate as its profile. From its deep golden hue to the beguiling bouquet of grilled apricots, juicy pears, and ripe bananas, every element sings in harmony. Sweet vanilla and a whisper of lime add brightness, while a cloak of mild peat smoke, dry ash, and cooling mint lends depth.
The taste is no less captivating. Imagine a full-bodied dance of creamy toffee, vanilla, and apricots mingling with subtle yet persistent peat smoke. Warming oak spice, a pinch of white pepper, and a fresh minty lift complete the ensemble. The finish lingers, a warm embrace of fruit compote and dark toffee, all underpinned by ashy smoke and dry oak spiciness. In essence, St. Kilian's Peated is a whisky that speaks of heritage while boldly standing apart—a testament to German ingenuity infused with Scottish tradition.
From Aqua Vitae to Whisky Royalty: The St. Kilian Journey
Nestled in the small German village of Rüdenau, St. Kilian Distillers stands as a testament to innovation and heritage. Their whisky story harks back to the 7th century when three Irish monks—Kilian, Kolonat, and Totnan—brought Christianity and, crucially, Aqua Vitae, to Franconia. Fast forward over a millennium, and three modern-day pioneers—Andreas Thümmler, David F. Hynes, and Mario Rudolf—revived this spirit, creating Germany’s largest whisky distillery.
Their secret?
A harmonious blend of traditional Scottish methods and bold German ingenuity. Using Forsyth copper pot stills and a mix of bourbon, sherry, and exotic oak casks, St. Kilian crafts whiskies that dare to stand out.
What caught our attention wasn’t merely the craftsmanship but the distinct personalities reflected in some of St. Kilian's special edition bottles, i.e. one honoring cinematic brawler Bud Spencer and the other paying homage to heavy metal titans Judas Priest. Each series carrying not just flavor but the essence of its namesake—figures who, not unlike St Kilian's whisky, embody a blend of grit and grace.
St. Kilian Distillers have artfully woven the essence of two cultural titans into their expressions, creating liquid tributes as bold and enduring as their namesakes.
Bud Spencer: The Barrel-Aged Hero
If Bud Spencer were a whisky, he’d be a single malt with a swagger—strong, unpretentious, and unapologetically rich. Enter Bud Spencer – The Legend – Smoky, an expression as robust as the man himself. Aged in Amarone and Bourbon casks, it radiates a rugged charm, much like Spencer’s on-screen brawls—gritty yet underpinned by a certain warmth.
The whisky greets you with smoky and spicy aromas, tempered by the lush fruitiness of wine casks. On the palate, it’s a tale of contrasts: smoky embers meet a sweet, caramel undertone, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. It’s a campfire in a glass, a hearty laugh shared with an old friend, a nod to the larger-than-life charisma of a man who made simplicity heroic.
Judas Priest: A Heavy Metal Malt
On the other end of the spectrum is a whisky that roars with the same intensity as a blazing guitar riff. Judas Priest – Invincible Shield, named after the band’s 19th studio album, is nothing short of a symphonic masterpiece.
Aged in Tawny Port, ex-Brandy, and Bulgarian oak casks, this single malt doesn’t just whisper its story; it sings it, loud and proud. The rose-gold liquid shines like stage lights, promising an experience as complex as a Priest anthem. Dark fruits and creamy vanilla dominate the nose, a prelude to the crescendo of marmalade and dark chocolate on the palate.
The finish?
Long, warming, and oaky—like the encore you never want to end. Much like Judas Priest’s legacy, this whisky is a testament to breaking barriers, pushing boundaries, and rocking on for decades.
Two Whiskies, Two Icons
In these two expressions, St. Kilian Distillers have distilled more than just spirits—they’ve bottled the essence of resilience, artistry, and timeless appeal. Whether you find yourself drawn to the hearty heroism of Bud Spencer or the electrifying edge of Judas Priest, there’s a glass waiting to tell you their story. As you sip, you’ll taste not just the nuances of how St. Kilian's channels its alchemy, but the echoes of laughter and the power chords of history—a fitting tribute to two legends who’ve left indelible marks on their worlds.
From Monks to Mavericks
Summa summarum, St. Kilian Distillers’ journey, rooted in Franconian lore and Irish distillation traditions, mirrors the ethos of its collaborations. From the medieval monks who brought “Aqua Vitae” to Franconia, to modern-day legends like Bud Spencer and Judas Priest, the brand seamlessly ties history, craftsmanship, and cultural rebellion into every dram.
The PEATED expression sets the stage with its rich smokiness, Bud Spencer's whisky raises a toast to resilience, and Judas Priest’s bottle roars with bold innovation. Together, they form a triumvirate that isn’t just about whisky—it’s a celebration of stories worth savoring.
If you’ve got a penchant for peated whisky and an admiration for how distilleries beyond Scotland’s hallowed borders infuse their creations with a distinct sense of place, consider St. Kilian your next port of call. This German gem doesn’t just dabble in peat—it crafts it into an art form, blending smoky allure with a bold expression of local terroir that demands a spot in your whisky repertoire.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of St. Kilian Distillery.