This particular Kavalan Sherry Cask is a single cask picked by K&L here in Hollywood and damn do the Davids know how to pick ‘em. Not only did they manage to get their hands on a single cask from one of the hottest distilleries in the world right now, but they did it with a first-fill Oloroso sherry cask and bottle it at cask strength. Good on them.
In K&L’s Words: K&L Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask
“After months of waiting and waiting, we finally have our very own Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask (Solist is the International name for their single cask bottlings, it doesn’t appear on the label in the US, but it’s from the exact same line). The ultimate sherried malt from the special King Car Distillery in Taiwan is easily a contender for whisky of the year in my book. Kavalan is well known for producing top tier single cask single malt and we’ve had great success with previous bottlings. Last year we secured nearly an entire cask selected by our distributor. It disappeared in minutes. Since then it has been completely out of stock. Availability has been a huge issue for this mark and when we had the opportunity to buy our own cask I jumped at the chance.
I was excited, but could not have predicted the outrageous quality of the samples we received. We expect Kavalan to be explosive and powerfully flavored, ultra dense and complex, but we don’t often find those qualities so perfectly in balance as we did in this special cask. Few whiskies on our portfolio achieve the incredible depth and complexity of the Kavalan Solist Sherry cask and none come anywhere close at this price point. Just one taste easily explains the brands incredible rarity and international acclaim. We’re absolutely honored to have been chosen to offer this special cask. It’s the ultimate holiday surprise for any whisky lover and the perfect way to finish a cold winter’s night.”
Do you really need anything else from me besides tasting notes? Heavily sherried Kavalan single cask bottled at cask strength… pretty straightforward. On to the Kavalan Sherry Cask review!
K&L Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask Info
Region: Taiwan
Distiller: Kavalan
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Sherry
Age: NAS
ABV: 57.1%
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Batch:
Bottle: (bottled for K&L)
Price: $210
K&L Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask Review
EYE
Cola
NOSE
Sherry, dark chocolate, dense dark fruit, vermouth, blood orange, grapes and a bit of anise and powdered sugar.
PALATE
Sherry, dark chocolate, leather, sweet tobacco, nuts, grapes, vermouth, menthol and a bit of cinnamon oil and citrus.
FINISH
Long deep fade of sherry, dark fruit, char and spice.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Fantastic balance, big full body and a round oily feel.
OVERALL
K&L Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask reminds of the old paxarette Scotch whiskies with how deep and dense the sherry and dark fruit quality is across the nose and palate. Adding some water brings out more cinnamon and a buttery malt quality on the nose. On the palate water unpacks the dark fruit and I’m noticing aspects of cherries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and plums.
One thing I noticed with this cask is that it needs a bit of air to really open and splash of water definitely helps. When I first poured it the aroma was a bit closed off and the palate tight and hitting a bit overly sweet. I left it in the glass and took my dogs for a walk (~45 minutes) and when I got back it had blossomed into an excellent whisky. If you pick up the K&L Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask give it time to open and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
SCORE: 92/100 (A-)
