PBMichiganWolverine
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength
Single Malt — Taiwan
Reviewed
April 10, 2016 (edited July 23, 2018)
This definately can use a bit of water. Without it, it's like eating wasabi. Once water is added, the heat calms down and you can smell a grape-y, grassy, malty aroma. Let it sit for a while, and the taste is well balanced between vanilla and red grapes. I'm not a fan of the finish though, it's rough and you can feel the tingle in your nose. I think the key in this one is water, and letting it sit out for a while. I'm on vacation in Maui, and actually bought this bottle along to enjoy here. Glad I did. Update 6/30/18: just opened a new bottle of this...back when I had it the first time, I wasn’t really blown away. And I realized why—-two years ago, when I had this, it was over a large cube of ice. Don’t do that to this. Lesson learned. This time, just a 1/2 teaspoon of water, and wow...the flavors really opened. Dark cherries, figs, raspberry...oily sweet with a touch of red wine tannin, but nothing overpowering. Closest I can think of is a Yamazaki 18. Simply amazing.
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@PBMichiganWolverine I don't dilute my drams with anything, I just drink mine neat.
I paid $205 for this bottle, plus shipping.
@LeeEvolved how much is it for now? I had bought mine two years ago—-a sample and a full bottle; the full bottle for about $200.
Awesome update, Pranay. @Generously_Paul & I loved this one at Whiskyfest. So much so I just bought myself a bottle. Such a rich and varied flavor profile. This is one to sit and ponder
Update 6/30/18: just opened a new bottle of this...back when I had it the first time, I wasn’t really blown away. And I realized why—-two years ago, when I had this, it was over a large cube of ice. Don’t do that to this. Lesson learned. This time, just a 1/2 teaspoon of water, and wow...the flavors really opened. Dark cherries, figs, raspberry...oily sweet with a touch of red wine tannin, but nothing overpowering. Closest I can think of is a Yamazaki 18. Simply amazing.
Thanks Scott. Maui is gorgeous but glad I bought my own...prices are here are outrageous. A glenfiddich 12 is $70!!
Thanks Scott.
Enjoy Maui and the whiskey. Sounds like you are.