Jose-Massu-Espinel
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength
Single Malt — Taiwan
Reviewed
December 18, 2020 (edited May 11, 2021)
The 2015 World Whiskies Award best single malt winner, Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique, was matured in red and white wine casks, which were retoasted before filling them with this strong and powerful spirit. That year, it also won Los Angeles Wine & Spirits competition, obtaining 91 points in that spirits challenge.
Bottled at 57.8%abv, at Cask Strength, with the most beautiful dark red color ever, almost black.
On the nose it is close to perfection. The first aroma is the most accurate, thick Blackberry jam note that ever existed in a whisky. I felt like taking a spoon to grab a "bite" of it. Red fruits, Chocolate, Strong oakiness; Lots of strawberries and red fruits. The blackberry jam is wonderful; Plums and prunes. Sawdust
And Maraschino cherries. A second sip revealed Chocolate and hazelnut, and exact "Hanuta" waffer hazelnut.
On the palate, strong spiciness, Blackberry juice. Ginger note is very powerful, more red fruits with strong alcohol bite. It is very grapey and winey. Increibly fruity and strong.
Aftertaste is way too dry: Oaky, sawdust, very woody, with a slight chocolate.
I don't usually do this, but i added a couple drops of water to see if anything new appeared. Lemon on the nose was the main change, still very powerful with plums and prunes everywhere with hints of chocolate.
Overall, i truly believe this is a great whisky, but the aftertaste was too oaky, which is a little dissonant with all the dehydrated and red fruits. It is powerful enough to develop some complex aromas and flavors, but unlike some cask strength scotches, it is rougher and feels younger. My score for it is an 87 over 100, and i understand why it won prizes, but for my subjective opinion, aftertaste could be better.
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@Jose-Massu-Espineln @ContemplativeFox I haven’t had much of Kavalan, but this one was quite enjoyable. Well stated.
Keep in mind these are single casks and there are certain casks that people go crazy for and some that they don't.
@ContemplativeFox hahhaahhaah i actually had a couple of drams for free on a friend's house, maybe that made it better, free stuff is always nice.
Dang I'd totally get a bottle based on that recommendation @Jose-Massu-Espinel if it didn't cost half a month's rent 😂
@ContemplativeFox last year i had the Fino one, it was amazing, i think it was one of my top 5 whiskies of 2019
Kavalan is great at packing in flavor at young ages, but it does come across as a bit rough and rugged at times. The soloist port has the most flavor per sip of anything I've yet to taste.