Kavalan Solist PX Sherry is another one of those whiskies that I wish I had a whole bottle of. I’m not begrudging the sample mind you, but it’s kind of like the mythical drug dealer who gives you the first free taste just to get you hooked – and now I am. I want more of this sweet and waxy concoction that graced my glassware twice to bring us this review.
In Kavalan’s Words: Kavalan Solist PX Sherry
“PX Sherry is one of Kavalan whisky’s classic collection. The new make spirit matured in the PX sherry casks produces our uniquely special character and flavor with classic fruity, nutty and chocolate aromas.”
Before jumping into the Kavalan Solist PX Sherry review, for those who don’t know, I want to take a second to explain what PX sherry is. In a nutshell PX is a super sweet style of sherry made from the Pedro Ximenez grape that achieves its sweetness from the use of dried grapes which concentrates the sugar. Aged in oak casks that dense sweetness permeates the wood which is why the casks are often sought after by whisky makers. Now on to the review.
Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Info
Region: Taiwan
Distiller: Kavalan
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Pedro Ximenez Sherry
Age: NAS
ABV: 55.6%
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Price: $625*
Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Review
EYE
Red – almost blood red
NOSE
Sherry wrapped malt; blood orange, blackberry taffy, waxy licorice, cocoa, dark fruit candy, vermouth, oak, sour cherries, and a touch of mango. This is delightful.
PALATE
Blackberry taffy; oaky, waxy, spicy and malty with bits of vermouth and sour cherries underneath. Damn this thing is dark and lovely.
FINISH
Long slow fade of blackberries, citric acid, vermouth, oak, spice and vanilla.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, round full body and a slick warm feel.
OVERALL
Kavalan Solist PX Sherry is great. There’s so much happening in this swirling ball of tannic oak, sour cherries and a vermouth sweetness. It’s dark and heavy and tip-toes that thin line of cloying sweetness and that oak is crazy. I’ve never picked up a strong sense of oak in a Kavalan, but this has it in a way that reminds me of a well aged oaked bourbon. Weird, but good… very good.
SCORE: 92/100 (A-)
*Disclosure: This Kavalan Solist PX 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.