KAVALAN Tasting Part 2

 

So here you have part 2 of the tasting, Ian says Kavalan Solist whiskies are each expressions from a particular type of aging tradition for world whiskies.

 

 

Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon
Kavalan Soloist Sherry

Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon

 

The Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Cask is whisky aged in American White Oak, giving the spirit a "North American character." It is named for the "earliest clan that inhabited the Lan-Yan Plain." The taste is described as having a "hint of sweet mango juice."  Bottled at 57% ABV, this one needs a wee drap o water.

Tasting…

Nose: Vanilla and coconut with mango, pineapple and banana. Nutty.

 

Palate: Initial shock of pepper, then sweet vanilla with some hard fruits, pears.

 

Finish: Dry closing with wood and slight sweet vanilla.

 

Comments:

This wee Dram is only three years old. Personally the nose is better than the taste, a lot of tanning. After water is added its lost.

 

 

 

 

 

Kavalan Soloist Sherry

 

The Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask is spirit finished in Spanish Oloroso casks, The Sherry Cask Solist is at cask strength. This particular bottle (one of 534) comes from cask no. S060710009, with a date stamp of May 14 2012 (there is no age statement). It has no added caramel and is non chill-filtered. Bottled at 57% ABV, this one needs a wee drap o water.

 

Tasting…

Nose: Rich dark cherry fruits, mince pies, sherry.

 

Palate: Immediate lip sting, dry spice like cardamom and cumin, sherry wood. Espresso.

 

Finish: The finish is not as powerful as I would like but lingering liquorice and cherry Coke.

 

Comments:

This is an amazing Dram. Thinking back to the discussion with Ian regarding the casks used and the preparation you can see it works here no sulphur notes anywhere.