Kavalan Solist Ex Bourbon Cask B141231048A
As the name suggests, this single malt from the Taiwanese Kavalan distillery was matured in ex-bourbon casks - more precisely in first fill ex-bourbon casks. The Solist series is Kavalan's product range for cask strength bottlings.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A first breath reveals a captivating coconut note, accompanied by a hint of tropical fruit. Malty flavours mingle with enticing vanilla, honey and a hint of caramel. The presence of oak rounds off the bouquet.
Palate
Ein cremiges Mundgefühl begrüßt den Gaumen, begleitet von einem Hauch von Sirup. Vanille und Honig tanzen in perfekter Harmonie mit fruchtigen Noten, während eine subtile Getreidepräsenz die Sinne erfrischt. Wie ein sanfter Luftzug lässt sich die Eiche auf der Zunge nieder und offenbart eine enorme Tiefe.
Finish
The finish is of medium length and leaves a pleasant warmth. A subtle bitterness tickles the palate, while spicy and dry nuances leave a lasting impression.
Thoughts
Marcel 85/100
This Kavalan Solist Ex Bourbon Cask shows just how much joy a tropical, malty whisky can bring – cask strength, intense, and with an enticing coconut note that immediately makes you crave the next sip. For anyone looking for a characterful dram that’s fun and never boring, this is a real winner.
Sascha 86/100
The Kavalan Solist Ex Bourbon Cask impresses with its balanced structure and clear cask strength, which precisely carries the vanilla and honey notes. The harmonious balance between fruitiness, oak, and a subtle bitterness makes it a technically convincing single malt with excellent drinking maturity.
Value for Money: Fair
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83/100Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'First Fill Ex Bourbon Cask' mean for this Kavalan whisky?
'First Fill Ex Bourbon Cask' means that the whisky was matured in barrels that had only been used once before for aging bourbon. These casks impart intense vanilla and caramel notes, which significantly influence the whisky’s aroma.
Why does the Kavalan Solist Ex Bourbon Cask have such a high alcohol content of 57.1%?
The high alcohol content results from Kavalan’s Solist series bottling cask strength whiskies without dilution. This approach preserves the whisky’s intense aromas and complexity more effectively.
How does the taste of the Kavalan Solist Ex Bourbon Cask differ from other Kavalan releases?
Compared to other Kavalan whiskies, the Solist Ex Bourbon Cask release offers a particularly pronounced vanilla, honey, and coconut note thanks to the first fill bourbon barrels, along with a creamy texture. The cask strength bottling delivers intense oak spice and complex depth.