St. Kilian Distillers: History, Whisky Range and Visitor Guide
Updated: 2 days ago
St. Kilian Distillers is a whisky producer in Rüdenau, Bavaria, Germany. This Whisky Clan guide explores its recorded history, the people behind it, the whisky making process, notable bottles and practical visitor information, with research sources and image credits at the bottom.
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St. Kilian Distillers at a glance
Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
Distillery | St. Kilian Distillers |
Location | Rüdenau, Bavaria, Germany |
History | Project founded 2012; first spirit ran in 2016 |
Founders or ownership | Andreas Thümmler, David F. Hynes and Mario Rudolf |
Whisky | First Kilian, Signature Editions, Single cask editions |
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History of St. Kilian Distillers
Andreas Thümmler, a whisky collector, joined forces with Irish distilling specialist David F. Hynes and master distiller Mario Rudolf in 2012 to establish a distillery in the Odenwald area of Germany. Their project took four years to build.
The first new make spirit ran through two 6,000 litre Forsyths copper pot stills in 2016. After the requisite maturation, St. Kilian presented First Kilian in May 2019. The distillery takes its name from the Irish missionary St Kilian, reflecting the whisky making traditions that inspired its founders.
Ownership and people
The people named in the distillery’s published history are Andreas Thümmler, David F. Hynes and Mario Rudolf. The founders and early team should be distinguished from present shareholders, which can change.
How the whisky is made
St. Kilian chose copper pot stills and wooden washbacks instead of treating maturation alone as the source of whisky character. Fermentation and the distiller’s spirit cut help to establish the new make flavour before oak begins its work.
The distillery explores peated and unpeated barley and different cask regimes. Bourbon, sherry and wine casks feature in various editions, but their recipes and strengths must be read bottle by bottle.
Whisky bottle range
The following are identifiable expressions, including historical and sometimes limited releases. Tasting descriptions here are based on published producer information, not an independent Whisky Clan tasting.
First Kilian
The historical first single malt released in 2019.
Signature Editions
Small batch and experimental releases with different cask and peat profiles.
Single cask editions
Limited releases with cask specific strengths and maturation information.
Pictured: the genuine St. Kilian Signature Edition Sixteen, bottled in 2025 at 55.3% ABV, a specific release rather than the entire Signature series.
Awards and notable milestones
A major producer in Germany’s single malt movement, St. Kilian has issued many editions; do not assume medals listed for one edition apply to every bottling.
Visiting St. Kilian Distillers
Tours and tastings take place at Hauptstraße 1–5, 63924 Rüdenau. Availability and visitor times change and should be confirmed with the distillery.
Opening hours, tours, prices and product availability can change. Check current arrangements with the distillery before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Where is St. Kilian Distillers?
Rüdenau, Bavaria, Germany
When did it begin whisky production?
Project founded 2012; first spirit ran in 2016
Who founded or developed St. Kilian Distillers?
Andreas Thümmler, David F. Hynes and Mario Rudolf
Which bottles are associated with this distillery?
First Kilian, Signature Editions, Single cask editions. Release availability and age statements vary.
Can you visit?
Tours and tastings take place at Hauptstraße 1–5, 63924 Rüdenau. Availability and visitor times change and should be confirmed with the distillery.
Explore more Germany distilleries
Continue with other whisky producers across Germany.
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Sources and image credits
Research updated 23 October 2026. External reading and photo credit links are kept here at the end of the guide.
About the author
Whisky Clan researches whisky history, production and bottles and welcomes verifiable corrections from the community.
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