Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Single Cask Strength

Wonderful. Some one gave me the Solist Olorosso Sherry Cask and I just fell in love with it. So went out and bought the Vinho Barrique and also the Ex-Bourbon casks. They are all great. The best way to drink these almost 60% ABV solist casks is to have them neat. Let them slowly explode and dilute in your mouth. Chew on it and experience their superb richness and tastiness. Of the 3, my favourite is Vinho Barrique. However, all 3 are excellent. Ex-Bourbon is the sweetest with nice Vanilla. Sherry is most oaky and a sherry bomb. Vinho Barrique is a happy marriage of both. Be warned... after trying these, all other whisky taste too bland.

Whisky maturation takes time. Smaller casks and warmer climate can accelerate the process to some extent, but there are obviously limitations. The nose of this Kavalan Solist reveals quality sherry wood, and yet it remains rather hot and feisty. Water tames it a bit, accentuating prunes, balsamic vinegar and After Eights. On the palate… well, this is too extreme. Oaky and spirity at the same time, a crescendo of bitter oranges, soda and strong herbal notes culminates in a medium-length, 90% dark chocolate finish. This is way too disharmonious for a soloist. RATING: 3.4/5.0 stars ≙ 82 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [-]

Everything I want in a Whisky. Rich and full of flavours!

Amazing natural copper amber hue. Easily looks like 20+ year Scotch. No legs to speak of though. Nose 93 Packs a good punch at 59.4%, but not as fiery as some other cask strength bottles. Can be sniffed as such without diluting. It’s all those lovely sherry notes of marzipan and blood orange marmalade, but carried with dark, deep, roasted coffee grounds. That’s contrasted with a very sweet burnt caramel. Hints of ageing with walnuts and old wood. Very impressed with the ageing and depth. Taste 89 Had to add a few drops of water to tame the fire. Burnt caramel, orange zest, clove and cinnamon are all very prominent. It’s not sweet as the nose suggests. This is spicy, fruity, and very deep. Finish 93 Mint chocolate and cinnamon for ages.

Dont get much better with sherry than this

Kavalan sure knows to make sherried whiskies. This is as good as any Edradour, Dalmore or even a Glendronach. Maybe a little expensive, but due to the higher abv, the tasting notes just appear to make you feel good. Bottled at 58.6%abv, this baby has a reddish deep copper color. On the nose it is amazing. Very complex. Bacon, blackberry marmalade, christmas turkey filling, ham, figs, Dr. Pepper or any Cherry Cola, glazed pork, quince jam. Superb. On the palate it is very rewarding. A very refined, fancy sherriness, quince jam, molasses and marmalade. Aftertaste it gets a little rough due to the high abv, but still great. Oak spice, sawdust, slight smoke, quince jam all over again. Overall this is a wonderful dram. A fancy one as well. Not to overly expensive, (like $135), and it is a good addition to your collection. My score for it is 93 over 100.