by-kilian Single Malt Review: The Discontinued Legend Worth Hunting Down
A deep dive into the boozy, woody masterpiece that became a collector's obsession.
by-kilian Single Malt is more than just a fragrance; it's a piece of modern perfume history. Launched in 2015, it wasn't a global blockbuster. It was a quiet, confident release, initially exclusive to the Kilian boutique in London's Burlington Arcade. This exclusivity was part of its charm, positioning it as a secret handshake among those in the know. It was part of the 'Addictive State of Mind' collection, a trio of scents inspired by intoxicating substances—coffee, tobacco, and in this case, whisky.
In the by-kilian lineup, Single Malt stood as a testament to the brand's commitment to olfactive artistry over mass-market appeal. While other scents from the house, like Love, Don't Be Shy, were gaining mainstream traction, Single Malt remained a connoisseur's choice. It was a bold, unapologetically boozy, and woody composition that prioritized realism and quality. It didn't smell like a 'perfumey' interpretation of whisky; it smelled like the genuine article, captured in a bottle.
The inspiration is straightforward: a dram of the finest single malt whisky, enjoyed in a quiet, wood-paneled room. The concept was to translate the sensory experience—the fruity sweetness of the spirit, the malty character of the grain, and the aged aroma of the oak cask—into a wearable scent. Perfumer Sidonie Lancesseur masterfully achieved this, creating a fragrance that is both evocative and deeply comforting. It doesn't just mimic the smell; it captures the feeling of warmth, sophistication, and quiet indulgence associated with its namesake.
Its reputation today is legendary, primarily because it was discontinued not long after its release. This short production run transformed it from a niche favorite into a 'unicorn' or 'grail' fragrance. In the fragrance community, owning a bottle of Single Malt is a mark of a serious collector. Its scarcity has driven secondary market prices to astronomical levels, fueling a mythos around the scent. It's often cited in 'Top 10 Discontinued' lists and is a frequent topic of discussion in online forums, where users lament its absence and praise its unmatched quality.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Sidonie Lancesseur. A senior perfumer at Robertet, Lancesseur has been a long-time collaborator with Kilian Hennessy, responsible for many of the house's most iconic scents, including Straight to Heaven, Black Phantom, and the original Apple Brandy.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A photorealistic opening of boozy, syrupy plum. It's sweet, rich, and immediately evokes the aroma of a fruity Scotch whisky without any harsh alcoholic sting. Incredibly intoxicating and bold.
The plum note recedes slightly to reveal a malty, grainy heart from the wheat absolute. This phase adds a dry, almost bready texture that perfectly balances the initial sweetness, creating a more complex and authentic 'malt' experience.
A long, luxurious drydown of dry cedarwood, rich vanilla absolute, and warm tolu balsam. The scent becomes a creamy, woody, and resinous skin scent that lasts for hours, reminiscent of the aged oak cask and the lingering sweetness of the spirit.
Performance Dashboard
Exceptional. Lasts a full 10-12+ hours on skin and can linger on clothes for several days.
Very strong. Projects heavily for the first 3-4 hours, creating a large, noticeable scent bubble. Requires careful application.
Leaves a powerful and memorable scent trail. It's a head-turner that will be noticed by those around you.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Receives strong reactions. Those who like it tend to love it, leading to passionate compliments. However, its boldness makes it polarizing.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ A benchmark for realistic boozy fragrances
- ✅ Exceptional longevity and projection ('beast mode')
- ✅ High-quality, smooth blend of ingredients
- ✅ Unique and memorable scent profile
- ✅ Coveted status as a discontinued 'grail' scent
- ❌ Discontinued and extremely difficult to find
- ❌ Exorbitant price on the secondary resale market
- ❌ Can be overpowering if not applied sparingly
- ❌ Too bold for casual or professional daily wear
Price & Value
“Worth the price only for dedicated collectors with significant disposable income. For others, it's an object of admiration rather than a practical purchase.”
📜 Reformulation History
No significant batch variations or reformulations are known. Its short, exclusive production run resulted in a consistent product.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Fragrance collectors and connoisseurs (30+)
- Lovers of bold, boozy, and gourmand scents
- Individuals with a sophisticated, confident style
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Beginners in the fragrance world
- Anyone who dislikes sweet or alcohol-themed scents
- Use in conservative office settings or warm climates
The Family
This was a limited, exclusive fragrance with no subsequent flankers or different versions.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a boozy DNA but focuses on cognac and cinnamon, making it sweeter and spicier.
Another hyper-realistic whisky fragrance, but more potent and with a muskier, more animalic drydown.
Shares a similar rich, sweet, and warm profile, but focuses on tobacco and vanilla instead of booze.
💡 Clone Alternatives
A well-regarded 'inspiration' that aims to replicate the original's boozy, fruity, and woody profile at a fraction of the cost.
Another clone house attempt to capture the essence of Single Malt for those seeking an affordable alternative.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Fans of the boozy, sweet, and atmospheric vibe will appreciate this rum and tobacco scent.
Offers a similar level of richness, sweetness, and performance, centered around a spicy tobacco and vanilla accord.
Appeals to those who enjoy complex, opulent, and fruity-resinous compositions with a touch of smoke.
More from by-kilian
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple, dry cedarwood fragrance (like Molecule 01) to amplify the woody base.
- A non-sweet vanilla scent (like Kayali Vanilla 28) to enhance the creamy vanilla in the drydown without adding more sugar.
- A light touch of a smoky fragrance to evoke a peated-scotch feel.
🏆 Final Verdict
by-kilian Single Malt is an artistic triumph. It accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: capture the soul of a fine whisky in a bottle. The scent is rich, evocative, and performs exceptionally well. It is, without exaggeration, a modern classic and a benchmark for the boozy fragrance genre.
The critical issue is accessibility. As a discontinued and highly coveted item, it has become a collector's trophy rather than a wearable fragrance for most people. If you have the means and the passion for collecting, acquiring a bottle is a worthy pursuit. For the practical luxury consumer, the recommendation is to sample it via a decant to understand the hype, then invest in one of the excellent, currently available alternatives that share its spirit. It is a fragrance you should experience, but not necessarily one you should own.