St. Kilian Exceptional Range Mizunara (2025) – Soft Peated

Nose

First things first: this whisky is in a league of its own when it comes to aroma. We both take a sniff of this light golden elixir and exchange meaningful glances. First, there is the wonderfully innocent, light fruity sweetness of apple and pear that we know and love from a classic Franconian single malt. But then it gets interesting: honeydew melon makes its presence felt. Not just any melon, but the perfectly ripe variety you find at the market in summer and want to buy a whole one of. The smoke? Yes, it's there, but it behaves like a well-mannered guest at a garden party. It weaves its way discreetly through the fruity notes without ever becoming intrusive. And then comes the moment that makes us both pause for a moment: a slightly cooling hint of eucalyptus, which gives the whole bouquet a refreshing, almost mentholated dimension. It's as if someone had planted a Japanese Zen garden in the middle of a Franconian orchard. Sounds crazy? It is. But it works fantastically well.

Palate

Now it's getting serious. The first sip at over 53 per cent demands respect, but rewards you with an absolute explosion of flavour. The melon is back, this time even creamier and more present. The mouthfeel is slightly tingly, almost sparkling, which gives the whole thing a lively texture. But then something happens that we wouldn't have expected from a German whisky: this ultra-funky spice kicks in. And here we have to get technical for a moment, because it's important: this spicy note is completely atypical for normal oak barrel maturation. That's the Mizunara thing. This Japanese oak brings aromas that cannot be squeezed into classic categories. It's spicy, but different. It's woody, but exotic. It's, well, just funky. Caramel joins in, followed by the familiar honeydew melon and pear, which run like a thread through the tasting. And then there's that incense vibe. Not the coarse, maritime peat smoke you know from the island, but that fine, aromatic smoke you'd rather associate with Asian temples. The smoke remains elegantly in the background, a constant companion that never takes centre stage.

Finish

The finish is extremely warming, and we don't mean that in a negative way. At 53.4 per cent, this pleasant warmth creeps through your chest and stays. And stays. And stays. Long-lasting is no exaggeration here. First, a slightly herbal note develops, then it becomes beautifully spicy and fruity again. The melon and pear wave goodbye. But the final act belongs to her alone: this funky oak. It lingers like a fingerprint, unmistakable and memorable. Even minutes later, you can still taste this characteristic spice, reminding you that you have just experienced something truly special.