Tasting notes·St. Kilian

St. Kilian Judas Priest Turbo – Unpeated (2024)

With this limited edition, St. Kilian pays tribute not only to one of the most iconic metal bands in history, but also to one of its most polarising albums - ‘Turbo’ from 1986. More electronic, more colourful, more freaky than anything before it. And that's exactly what this unpeated, four-years single malt delivers: a quirky but delicious journey through sweet wine, fruit and oak.

The panel

Marcel
79
Sascha
78

Mean 78.5 · spread 1

Value for money 3/5

Distillery
St. Kilian
Type
Single Malt
Country
Germany
Strength
48% ABV
Character
mellow

Tasting

Nose

Bitter almond, ripe pineapple, mango, banana, grape, vanilla - the whole tropical fruit salad with a dash of sweet wine. Almost like an exotic bomb on tour, accompanied by French elegance and a hint of synthwave - in true Priest style. And yes, you have to smell it twice. Not because it's bad - but because it's such a wickedly good combination.

Palate

The attack is soft and creamy, almost like a tropical yoghurt with a kick. Apple and mango take the leading role, supported by light oak spice that blends smoothly into the flavour. Not a heavy hit, rather a subtle structure in the background. The sweetness is natural, not artificial - the barrel has done its job, but without taking control. Balanced, but not boring.

Finish

Medium-bodied, with exotic fruit, including lychee and an almost furry texture reminiscent of an unfiltered fruit brandy - but fancy.

Verdicts

Marcel

If you’re into wild bursts of fruit and a touch of extravagance, the St. Kilian Judas Priest Turbo offers a crazy ride – unconventional, sweet-winey, yet charmingly gentle. It’s not mainstream, but that’s exactly what makes it so much fun.

Sascha

A well-balanced dram that impresses with subtle oak spice and natural sweetness without losing its structure. The complexity of the fruit notes blends harmoniously with the moderate cask maturation, resulting in an unusually harmonious unpeated whisky.

What it is worth

No auction record for this distillery, so we cannot tell you what this bottle is worth. We would rather say that than guess.

Source

Tasting note and scores by WHISKY:EDITION — tasted by Marcel and Sascha, published 2025-05-21.