St. Kilian Hedan (2021/2025)
The Hedan 2021/2025 is more than just another German single malt. It epitomises the vinophile side of Franconia and combines regional identity with sophisticated maturation in Dunkelfelder red wine barrels from the Palatinate. The distillery relies here on its tried and tested "Heimatmalt" made from regional organic barley, which was allowed to mature for four years in these special wine barrels.
The panel
Mean 74.0 · spread 8
Value for money 3/5
- Distillery
- St. Kilian
- Type
- Single Malt
- Country
- Germany
- Strength
- 46% ABV
- Character
- rich
Tasting
Nose
The first impression is impressively intense. Red fruits immediately dominate - raspberries and cherries literally jump out of the glass. An interesting hint of leather develops behind this, giving the whisky a rustic yet elegant flavour. The nose is complex and multi-layered, with a slightly tart undertone that builds up tension.
Palate
On the palate, the Hedan is surprisingly drinkable and accessible. The malty sweetness is perfectly balanced and is supported by the red grapes from the red wine barrel maturation. A hint of black pepper brings spicy complexity into play, while the slight astringency from the nose is more subtle here. In fact, a beautiful harmony develops between sweetness and spice.
Finish
The oak is present, but not dominant, and brings a pleasant structure. A touch of dark chocolate joins in and harmonises perfectly with the sour cherry notes. The finish is long and complex - exactly what you want from a well-matured single malt.
Verdicts
Marcel
With the St. Kilian Hedan 2021/2025, you get a young single malt that surprisingly exudes a lot of character and drinkability. The red wine casks impart a fruitiness that’s genuinely enjoyable and makes it feel full-bodied despite its youth – a real treat for anyone who likes their whisky lively and straightforward.
Sascha
The Hedan 2021/2025 impresses with its remarkable balance between malty sweetness and subtle spicy notes, carried by the red wine barrique maturation. The structure is clear, the oak well integrated, giving this four-years whisky an impressive depth – a technically solid and harmonious single malt.
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.