Kavalan Solist Brandy Cask Strength

57.8% ABV / Brandy Cask Y141119007A Nose - Very strong heat, immature pineapple, toffee, zesty ginger, green papaya, raw mango (with water) Still very strong heat, abundant similar tropical fruit notes Palate - Very strong heat, sugary pineapple, white pepper / habanero burn/buzz, touch of cocoa, mature tropical fruits, caramel (with water) Still very strong heat, fruity burn/buzz, immature pineapple, mango, guava, faint papaya funk, caramel, black pepper Finish - Enduring sweet hot fruity burn, pineapple, fiery peppers, fresh ginger (with water) Essentially identical Rating - 65/100 Concluding Remarks - My goodness, this drank like it was hazardous material. Extremely intense heat on the nose that carried through to the palate and persisted into the finish. I feel the burn on this one overshadowed the entire experience and concealed what might have been present. The heat obscured any potential contribution from the Brandy cask, though perhaps it intensified the tropical fruit character. Disappointing that a bit of water offered minimal improvement. It seemed promising but ended up excessively hot and peppery to be truly pleasant. Would I consume it if presented? - Perhaps Would I specifically request it? - Perhaps Would I purchase a bottle? - Not likely NOTE - All assessments disregard cost.

Cask A090620040. Matured for 4 years and 2 months. From LMDW. Nose: Red berries, salted caramel, milk chocolate, butterscotch, tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, pepper, pears, dried fruits such as raisins and sultanas, raspberries, passion fruit, dates, bananas, and floral notes of violets and almonds. Palate: Tropical flavors of guava, mango, papaya, and pineapple; dried fruits like raisins and cherries; stone fruits like apricots and peaches; salted caramel, coffee, bananas, coconut, and honey. Finish: Lingering notes of coffee, guava, papaya, pineapple, apricots, tart cherries, sultanas, salted caramel, peaches, bananas, and orange zest.

Delicious, potent, and surprisingly intense, offering a burn with a sweet character.

Pleasant aroma, but the palate was lacking; the ending was agreeable and mild.