St. Kilian Distillers

History of St. Kilian Distillers

The story of St. Kilian Distillers begins in 2012, not with a long lineage of whisky makers, but with a passionate whisky collector and a dream. Andreas Thümmler, a successful technology investment banker, joined forces with David F. Hynes, an Irish whiskey legend, with the ambitious goal of creating Germany’s largest single malt whisky distillery. Their sights were set on the beautiful Odenwald region near Miltenberg.

Inspired by History, Driven by Innovation

The distillery’s name, St. Kilian, pays homage to a 7th-century Irish monk who, along with his companions, brought the concept of “Aqua Vitae” (Latin for “water of life”) to Franconia during their Christianization mission. This early spirit, a precursor to whisky, served as inspiration for the founders’ vision.

The founders found the perfect location in the village of Rüdenau. An old textile factory offered the ideal environment for their venture, with its spacious layout and potential for conversion. After meticulous planning and construction, the distillery was finally ready to begin production.

First Steps and Milestones (2016-2019)

St. Patrick’s Day 2016 marked a significant milestone for St. Kilian Distillers. Their two custom-made 6,000-liter Forsyth copper pot stills, crafted according to the Scottish model, roared to life, and the first distillation commenced. The team embraced a blend of tradition and innovation. 

Traditional Scottish techniques were combined with state-of-the-art technology and German engineering. They sourced Scottish wooden washbacks and employed specially programmed software from Rockbrook in Ireland.

Three years is the minimum legal maturation period for single malt whisky. With eager anticipation, the wait finally ended in May 2019. St. Kilian Distillers proudly presented their first single malt whisky, the aptly named “First Kilian.” This marked a new chapter in German whisky production, setting high quality standards for future bottlings.

Experimentation and Growth (Present Day)

St. Kilian Distillers doesn’t shy away from experimentation. They utilize various malt and yeast strains, and their impressive cask collection boasts over 300 different types. This allows them to explore a wide range of flavor profiles in their whiskies. Interestingly, the matured casks aren’t stored within the distillery itself. 

Instead, they reside just a few kilometers away in a former NATO bunker facility nestled amidst the Odenwald’s unspoiled nature. These unique conditions, with constant cool temperatures and a high level of humidity, provide the perfect environment for the whisky’s maturation.

Today, St. Kilian Distillers remains a relatively young distillery but has already garnered recognition within the whisky world. While still classified as a medium-sized company with around 25 employees, they hold the title of Germany’s largest single malt whisky producer. 

Their dedication to quality and innovation ensures a bright future for St. Kilian Distillers, as they continue to redefine German whisky and explore the endless possibilities of this captivating spirit.

Awards Won by St. Kilian Distillers

World Whiskies Awards 2023: St. Kilian Distillers won a total of eleven awards, including the Category Winner and Gold medals for their “Judas Priest – Angel of Retribution” and “Terence Hill – The Hero (mild)” whiskies. Other products received silver medals, showcasing the distillery’s broad range of high-quality offerings​.

World Whiskies Awards 2024: The distillery continued its success with four gold medals, six silver medals, and a bronze medal. Notably, the “Whisky Solera by St. Kilian – Peated”, “Signature Edition THIRTEEN”, and “Judas Priest – Ram it Down” were recognized as Category Winners and Gold Medalists​.

World Spirits Award 2023: St. Kilian Distillers received the prestigious titles of “Distillery of the Year” and “World-Class Distillery”. They also won numerous medals, including double golds for “St. Kilian PEATED – Rich & Smoky” and “Terence Hill – The Hero (smoky)” whiskies​.

World Spirits Award 2024: The distillery was honored again as a “World-Class Distillery” and “Master-Class Distillery”, securing 20 medals overall, including two double golds, 13 golds, four silvers, and one bronze​​.

Catavinum World Wine & Spirits Competition and China Wine & Spirits Awards 2023: At the CWWSC, St. Kilian Distillers earned a Great Gold medal for “Signature Edition THIRTEEN” and multiple gold and silver medals for other entries. The distillery also performed well at the CWSA, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals for various products.

St. Kilian Distillers Tour Information and Experience

St. Kilian Distillers offers an immersive distillery tour experience, perfect for whisky enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. Dive deeper into the world of German single malt whisky with two distinct tour options:

The Barrel Experience Tour (120 minutes)

• This comprehensive tour delves into the heart of St. Kilian’s whisky production process. Witness firsthand the entire journey, from the initial mashing of malted barley to the maturation process within the unique cask storage facility.
• Engage all your senses as your guide expertly explains the intricate steps involved in crafting St. Kilian’s award-winning whiskies.
• The tour culminates in the distillery shop, where you can explore their collection and perhaps even take home a bottle as a souvenir.
• Most importantly, the Barrel Experience Tour includes a delightful tasting session. Sample three of St. Kilian’s core expressions, allowing you to appreciate the unique nuances of their whisky. To tantalize your taste buds even further, you’ll also have the opportunity to try a cask strength whisky, drawn directly from a barrel for an exclusive taste.
• This tour costs €30 per person.

The World Whisky Tour (120 minutes)

• Elevate your distillery experience with the World Whisky Tour. This in-depth exploration offers everything included in the Barrel Experience Tour, with an additional special touch.
• After the distillery tour and cask storage visit, head to the St. Kilian World Whisky Lounge. This haven for whisky aficionados boasts a staggering collection of over 1,000 bottles, featuring international whiskies from around the globe.
• As part of the World Whisky Tour, you’ll have the privilege of comparing a St. Kilian whisky with an international selection, allowing you to appreciate the distillery’s distinct character within the broader world of whisky.
• Of course, the World Whisky Tour also includes the signature tasting session. Sample three core St. Kilian expressions and a cask strength dram, followed by the international whisky comparison in the lounge.
• For this whisky adventure, expect to pay €40 per person.

Important Tour Information:

• Both tours are conducted in German by a knowledgeable St. Kilian team member.
• Tours last approximately 120 minutes.
• Whisky tastings are included in both tours, but please note they are restricted to participants over 18 years of age.
• To ensure a personalized experience, tours are limited in size. Advanced booking is highly recommended, especially during peak season.

Beyond the Tour

If you have time after your tour, be sure to explore the distillery shop. Here you can find a wide selection of St. Kilian whiskies, including special releases and limited editions. They also offer merchandise and other whisky-related items.

Whether you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur or simply curious to learn more about this unique spirit, a tour of the St. Kilian Distillers promises an unforgettable experience.

​Flask & Barrel Review of St. Kilian Distillers

Let me tell you, as a whiskey collector who’s done his fair share of distillery tours, St. Kilian Distillers was a breath of fresh air. Don’t get me wrong, I love the classics – Scotland, Ireland, the whole shebang. But St. Kilian offered something new and exciting, and I gotta say, I was impressed.

First off, the vibe. This wasn’t some dusty old barn they were churning out whiskey in. The distillery itself was modern and sleek, but it still had a cool, industrial charm. Plus, it’s nestled right in this beautiful German countryside. Nature vibes and top-notch whiskey? Sign me up.

The tour itself was fantastic. Our guide knew their stuff, explaining the whole process from barley to bottle in a way that even a newbie could understand. Plus, they weren’t afraid to geek out a bit on the technical details, which I always appreciate.

And let’s not forget the best part – the tasting! We sampled three of their core expressions, each with its own unique flavor profile. You could really taste the quality in the ingredients and the care they put into the whole process. The highlight, though, was the cask-strength dram. That extra kick was pure heaven.

The only thing that stopped this from being a perfect 5/5 for me was the fact that the tours are only offered in German. While my German is decent, some of the finer points of the whisky-making process were a bit lost in translation. However, the guide was super accommodating and did their best to explain things in English whenever possible.

Overall, St. Kilian Distillers is a must-visit for any whiskey enthusiast. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and creating a truly unique product is evident in everything they do.

What To Do Nearby St. Kilian Distillers

Spend an afternoon in Miltenberg: This charming town, located just 4.7 miles from the distillery, boasts a beautiful historic center with half-timbered houses, a medieval marketplace, and a 13th-century castle (Miltenberg Castle). Take a stroll along the banks of the Main River, explore the narrow streets lined with shops and cafes, or visit the Town Museum to learn about the region’s history.

 

Explore the Eltz Castle: For a fairytale castle experience, head to the Eltz Castle, located 19.8 miles from the distillery. This stunning 12th-century Rhine castle is perched on a 70-meter high rock above the Eltz River and surrounded by forest. Take a guided tour of the castle’s interior or simply admire its impressive architecture from the outside.

Go wine tasting in Frankenland: The Franconia region is renowned for its wine production, particularly Silvaner and Riesling grapes. Take a day trip to Würzburg, the region’s capital city (31 miles from the distillery), and explore its numerous wineries or charming villages along the Main River valley. Sample local wines, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Hike in the Bavarian Odenwald: The Odenwald Forest, a low mountain range that stretches for miles, is a perfect destination for nature lovers. Hike or bike through scenic trails, explore hidden waterfalls, or visit the ruins of medieval castles scattered throughout the forest. The closest entry point to the Odenwald Forest is just a few miles from the distillery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near St. Kilian Distillers?

Restaurant Schmitt: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Untere Wallstr. 2, 63785 Obernburg am Main, Germany. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +49 6022 2090.

Gaststätte Zur Sonne: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Hauptstraße 30, 63924 Rüdenau, Germany. For reservations, you can contact them at +49 9371 944500.

Restaurant Flockenwerk: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Luitpoldstraße 7, 91413 Neustadt an der Aisch, Germany. For reservations, you can reach them at +49 9161 662486.

What hotels are near St. Kilian Distillers?

Hotel Schmitt: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Untere Wallstraße 2, 63785 Obernburg am Main, Germany. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +49 6022 2090.

Gasthof & Hotel Zum Löwen: It has a rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Ostring 8, 63924 Kleinheubach, Germany. For reservations, you can contact them at +49 9371 4040.

Landgasthof Grüner Baum: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Hofstetter Str. 21, 63839 Kleinwallstadt, Germany. For reservations, you can reach them at +49 6022 2622.