High-Proof Partnership: St. Kilian Distillers and Elch-Whisky Present Franconian Vatted Malt Whisky

Craftsmanship, Innovation, and Distillery Philosophy from Rüdenau and Thuisbrunn United in a Franconian Co-Production

Rüdenau, September 2023

St. Kilian Distillers from Rüdenau in Lower Franconia and Elch-Whisky from Thuisbrunn in Upper Franconia have collaborated for the first time to create a unique Franconian Vatted Malt Whisky. This special bottling combines Franconian tradition and the craftsmanship of both distilleries, celebrating Franconia's rich distilling culture. The extraordinary product promises masterful enjoyment of taste and craftsmanship at the highest level.

The experienced master distillers of both distilleries each selected an exclusive single cask to realize this very special, purely Franconian joint production. The St. Kilian Single Malt Whisky matured for four years in a former barrique cask from the Fürst winery in Bürgstadt, which was first filled with Spätburgunder red wine and then with cherry brandy for 20 years. Georg Kugler, founder and master distiller of Elch-Whisky, selected an eight-year-old peated single malt whisky that was allowed to mature in a former 190-liter Bourbon Tennessee Whiskey cask from Jack Daniel's. The single casks reflect the commitment of both distilleries to the highest quality standards and were married by St. Kilian's Master Distiller & Blender Mario Rudolf in a perfectly balanced ratio.

"I have a long-standing friendship with Georg Kugler, and we get along perfectly," says Mario Rudolf. "We are both brewers who also produce whisky. So it made sense to strengthen our friendly bond with a Franconian joint production. Especially after the devastating roof fire at the brewery and distillery building at Elch-Whisky, the Franconian Vatted Malt Whisky demonstrates the willingness to support each other in difficult times."

The result of this partnership is a remarkable blended malt whisky that demonstrates the perfect harmony between the different styles and flavor profiles of the two distilleries. The aroma impresses with a harmonious balance between creamy vanilla, enchanting fruit, and gentle smoke. The flavor notes of creamy fruit, finest cherry notes, and noble chocolate with spicy elements, as well as a delicate smoky accompaniment, give the Franconian Vatted Malt Whisky 2023 a lasting depth and complexity.

"Our common goal was to create a unique whisky creation that reflects the quality and diversity of Franconian distilling art," says Georg Kugler. "The gentle smoke and vanilla sweetness of our Single Malt 'Torf vom Dorf' and the creamy fruity St. Kilian Whisky from the cherry brandy cask are perfectly matched and result in an exceptional bottling that captures the soul of Franconia in every bottle."

Available in limited numbers

The Franconian Vatted Malt Whisky 2023 is neither colored nor chill-filtered and was bottled at an alcohol content of 50% Vol. in a newly designed 0.5 liter bottle. The retail price for consumers is € 59.90. This special edition, strictly limited to 920 bottles, is available both online at Elch-Whisky and St. Kilian Distillers, as well as directly at the shop of each distillery.

Tasting Notes

Appearance
Gold

Aroma
The captivating fruity notes of ripe apples and pears, as well as delicate cherry tones, are accompanied by fragrant vanilla pudding and finely spicy oak aromas with subtle smoke in the background.

Taste
After a deliciously sweet start with vanilla cream and light fruity notes as well as delicate cherry aroma, it becomes increasingly spicy with a subtle peppery sharpness, which is wonderfully balanced by creamy toffee and a hint of smoke.

Finish
The creamy mouthfeel of vanilla and warming spices lingers pleasantly with some fruit jam and dark chocolate with a hint of smoke.

Alcohol Content
50% vol

RRP
€ 59.90 (0.5 liters)

About Elch-Whisky

The German distillery Elch-Whisky has been producing single malt whisky in Thuisbrunn in the Upper Franconian pleasure region since 2014. Under the leadership of the multi-award-winning master brewer, beer and fine brandy sommelier Georg Kugler, special whisky specialties are created there, whose malt is smoked with peat from Northern Germany and processed into wort in the in-house brewery. The distillates obtained in the bonded distillery mature on-site mainly in Bourbon, Sherry and local acacia casks.

About St. Kilian Distillers GmbH

The German whisky distillery from Rüdenau in Lower Franconia near Miltenberg am Main produces top-class whiskies and liqueurs that have been awarded over 200 gold medals in the most renowned competitions around the globe. In addition, awards such as "World-Class Distillery," "Distillery of the Year," and "Whisky of the Year" attest to the international top level at which the young distillery, founded in 2012 by investment banker Andreas Thümmler and producing since 2016, operates with its whiskies. St. Kilian Distillers supports responsible alcohol consumption, about which you can find information at https://www.massvoll-geniessen.de/. Further information about the company and portfolio can be found at www.stkiliandistillers.com.