Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry is aged in oak casks that previously held Moscatel Sherry. What is Moscatel Sherry? Well I’ve never had it before so I had to look it up and this is what I found. Moscatel is made from the grape variety Moscatel de Alejandria, most of which come from the town of Chipiona, and it’s fortified relatively early in its fermentation process so more sugar stays behind – kind of like how a port is made.
In Kavalan’s Words: Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry
“Moscatel is a special variety of sherry wines. The combination of Moscatel casks, Kavalan new make and our subtropical heat is simply magical in terms of maturation quality. This Kavalan single malt is packed with surprises for all of the sensory receptors that once again brings out the richness and complexity to the fullest.”
So what does a Moscatel barrel do to a single malt spirit? Find out in the Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry review below!
Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry Info
Region: Taiwan
Distiller: Kavalan
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Moscatel
Age: NAS
ABV:
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Price: $525*
Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry Review
EYE
Ruddy
NOSE
Brown sugar fruit cake; heavy layers of dark fruit, dark sweets, baking spices dried orchard fruit and a bit of waxy licorice. It’s so dense, water helps unpack it quite a bit.
PALATE
Brown sugar fruit cake; thick layers of sherry, licorice, dark fruit, apricot, cherries, graham and spice. Like the aroma, a bit of water goes a long to open it up further.
FINISH
Long winding fade of brown sugar, dark fruit, graham, earthy malt and spice.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great sense of balance, thick round body and a heavy syrupy feel.
OVERALL
Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry is good, really good. The rich heavy raisiny fruit driven sweetness is enjoyable from first sniff to lingering fade. The rich dense sweetness paired with the almost metallic earthy malt makes for a tremendous whisky that I was an instant fan of. The only thing I don’t like about this whisky is that now I’m jonsing for a bottle I can’t afford… thus is life.
SCORE: 94/100 (A)
*Disclosure: This Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry sample was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
