Of all the Amontillado cask-aged whisky I’ve had this Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry is my favorite, but it still only gets a B+ for my tastes. Which isn’t an indictment on Kavalan in any way, but more a statement on me not caring much for Amontillado sherry. Even the regular sherry I’m not a massive fan of and at sherry tastings it almost always ends up being among my least favorite.
In Kavalan’s Words: Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry
“Amontillado is a kind of dry sherry which is darker than Fino but lighter than Oloroso, maturing with a cap of flor and then expose to the air for further oxidation due to the loss of flor. Toasted almond and hazelnut are the classic aromas for Amontillado casks.”
Distilled and aged in Taiwan this Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry is one of the dozen+ unique expressions of whisky put out by Kavalan all of which focus on the casks they’re aged in. Instead of focusing on age statements Kavaln focuses on aging in high-quality casks that give each expression of their whisky a distinct character and since they’re also all bottled as single casks it’s constantly a new adventure.
Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry Info
Region: Taiwan
Distiller: Kavalan
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Amontillado Sherry
Age: NAS
ABV: 54.8%
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Price: $525*
Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry Review
EYE
Dark amber
NOSE
Heavy raisiny fruit rolls out with bits of toasted malt, graham, brown sugar, fruit cake and a sprinkle of toffee and spice.
PALATE
Big golden raisin sweetness and some light notes of toffee, vanilla, graham, brown sugar, spice and cocoa.
FINISH
Medium fade of raisins, malt and brown sugar
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Well balanced, medium body and a silken feel.
OVERALL
Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry has an incredibly strong sweet golden raisin essence. It needs a bit of water to open it up but once it does it becomes a more dynamic and interesting whisky. The aroma gets more brown sugar and some nice bits of roasted apples, baking spice and added dark notes that vaguely remind me of a Dr.Pepper. On the palate water brings even more raisins and a bit of roasted apple.
A wee bit of water really opens up the aroma, but it does flatten out the palate some so it’s a bit of a trade off. Though even if you don’t add the water the Aberfeldy 19 Years Manager’s Dram is pleasant just as it is. Definitely worth a taste should you get the opportunity.
SCORE: 89/100 (B+)
*Disclosure: This was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.