LeeEvolved
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength
Single Malt — Taiwan
Reviewed
April 21, 2018 (edited October 1, 2018)
** Disclaimer: This review is what I would consider a “Quick Hit”- meaning I won’t have my usual in-depth notes that I usually like to take. The reason: this sample was poured at Whiskyfest DC on 4/17/18. All of these reviews will not be scored and I am actively looking to try them again at some point to do them more justice.
Down to the best 2 whiskies I experienced at the festival. It’s between this and the HP The Dark 17yo. This one was so different than anything else we tasted that night. It was rich and powerful with a heavy dose of grapes and raisin sweetness. There was an interesting way the oak cask presented itself here as well. It came across as dry, because of the near 60% ABV, and it felt as though it dried/evaporated off the tongue at one minute, only to leave your mouth watering. It was insane. The sweetness lingered on as well. I actually went back to the Kavalan table 3 times to re-sample this one. The entire sipping experience is 5 stars, while the flavor profile might not be as dynamic as the HP Dark. That’s the only reason it wasn’t my Best In Show. I’ve found a bottle online here in the states for $230 and I think I gotta bite. I need more of this one. Highly recommended. Cheers.
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@Generously_Paul ironically and surprisingly, I liked the Dalbeallie much more than the Mac Rare Black. More so maybe because I just didn’t expect that power from Tamdhu
HP 25 was great too
@PBMichiganWolverine I am just about to pour this one, but I’m sure it will be among the top. I loved the EH Taylor 4 grain, Springbank 24, Macallan Rare Cask Black, and Hibiki 21 as far as the bonuses went
@LeeEvolved @Generously_Paul @Telex now that we’ve finished all the samples in the SDT, which 3 stood out as the best? ( i didn’t include @Scott_E bc he’s still finishing). For me,it’s all from the bonus ones: Hibiki 21, HP25, and a toss up between the Springbank 24 sherry or Tamdhu Dalbeallie
I’m getting another chance to try this thanks to the generosity of Mr @PBMichiganWolverine - this still kicks major ass. Lots of wine cask depth and plenty of cask profiles. The heat is just intense enough to make your mouth sweat, lol. This is a near perfect dram and a wonderful change of pace from a traditional scotch. Thanks again, Mr. B. ...and with that I’m officially done with all of the SDT and bonus samples. I drank @Generously_Paul ‘s Dalbeallie Dram the other night and should be writing a full review of that in the coming days. Cheers to seeing this thing all the way through fellas! @Telex @Scott_E @PBMichiganWolverine @Generously_Paul
@PBMichiganWolverine : No doubt. Just providing a little anecdotal information as I didn't expect to see Kavalan. They are stepping of there marketing.
@Scott_E. Product placement...Kavalan probably gave a boatload of money for that.
I have yet to taste this and it sounds great. Side note: I watch Showtime ‘Billions’ and in season 1 there was a scene where this whiskey was the center-point of a dialogue between the primary characters (just some silly trivia)
@LeeEvolved I have 2. I’ll include a pour for us in the final round. See if you like it again before buying it.