St. Kilian Closes Its Signature Edition Series with the Eighteen

The Last Chapter of a Series

St. Kilian Distillers in Rüdenau, Lower Franconia, is ending its Signature Edition series. The St. Kilian Signature Edition Eighteen 50cl, announced in October 2026, is the last edition, and the label says so plainly: The Final Release.

The Signature Editions have accompanied the distillery for years, each one showing how different casks can reshape the St. Kilian character. The Eighteen is an unpeated single malt, distilled in 2021 and 2022 and bottled in 2026 after four to five and a half years of maturation.

Earlier chapters of the series are also listed on Spiritory, among them the St. Kilian Signature Edition Seventeen and the St. Kilian Signature Edition Sixteen.

The Cask Recipe

At its heart, 54% of the whisky comes from casks that previously held Oloroso from Montilla, which shape its fruity, vinous character. Another 20% matured in virgin European oak, adding fine oak spice and an elegant structure.

A further 16% comes from casks that previously held PX from Málaga, bringing sweetness, fruity notes and a certain lightness. The final 10% matured in former Tequila casks, which add one more facet to the recipe.

It is bottled at 52.8% ABV, with natural colour and without chill filtration according to the label.

The Distillery's Tasting Notes

Nose: fresh grapes and ripe red apple meet juicy pear and a hint of apricot. Creamy vanilla, honey and butter biscuit bring a soft sweetness, with fine spicy, herbal notes in the background.

Palate: round grape sweetness with a vinous character comes first. Fine oak spice and gentle tannins give structure, and creamy vanilla adds body. Ripe fruit sits at the centre, above all pear and apple, with soft hints of mango and a slightly earthy undertone.

Finish: medium in length and warming. Light tannins linger before ripe apples and pears take over, carried by creamy vanilla and a note of toffee.

Bottle Count and Price

The Signature Edition Eighteen is limited to 3,187 bottles of 0.5 litres, with a recommended retail price of €49.90. There are also 300 miniatures of 0.05 litres at €11.90.

On Spiritory, the 0.5 litre bottle is listed as St. Kilian Signature Edition Eighteen 50cl.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the St. Kilian Signature Edition Eighteen?

The final edition of the Signature Edition series from St. Kilian Distillers in Rüdenau: an unpeated German single malt at 52.8% ABV, bottled in 2026.

Which casks were used?

Over four to five and a half years, 54% matured in casks that previously held Oloroso from Montilla, 20% in virgin European oak, 16% in casks that previously held PX from Málaga and 10% in former Tequila casks.

How many bottles are there and what does it cost?

3,187 bottles of 0.5 litres with a recommended retail price of €49.90, plus 300 miniatures of 0.05 litres at €11.90.

What does it taste like?

The distillery describes grapes, red apple, pear and apricot with vanilla and honey on the nose, grape sweetness, oak spice, pear, apple and mango on the palate, and a warming finish of apple, pear, vanilla and toffee.