Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Single Cask Strength

I've developed a strong affinity for Kavalan and finally made the significant financial commitment to purchase this bottle for $417 (a steep price). Nose - Initially, I detect primarily vanilla over a fruity malt, along with a notable alcohol presence. Adding water didn't significantly alter or enhance the aroma. With time, it evolved to reveal fruity notes and a distinct sherry character alongside vanilla. Taste - My experience with manzanilla casks is limited. This expression has a sweeter profile than Oloroso but differs from the sweetness of PX. The taste is sweet with some spice. I don't perceive a distinct sherry flavor, rather a generally sweeter whisky with ample fruity elements that are difficult to pinpoint. Even after adding water, I'm still finding it challenging. Berries appear first, followed by spices. Something seems to be muting the whisky; it's as if the sherry aims for a sweet candy note, but an oaked, bready element intervenes, reducing the sweetness, introducing spice, and leaving a long, yet bitter finish. My expectation was a dessert-like dram, which this is not. The sweetness is somewhat subdued, the barrels impart oak, the natural malts are heartier than anticipated, and while the cask finishing is prominent (a definite sherry bomb), other components are more impactful than expected and more so than in other pours from this series. I'm rating this 4 stars, though I'm considering 3.75. It's a high-quality whisky but not truly exceptional. However, the cask strength, single barrel, and sherry bomb characteristics are quite appealing. I will re-evaluate, as it has opened up considerably in the bottle. Likely a 4.5, perhaps 4.25.

This sample was from a 2011 single cask, 57.8% ABV. The aroma is strong and heavy, with a thick sweetness. It begins with chocolate cake, sugar-coated cooked blackberries, and old wood polish. Then, roasted almonds and new pipe smoke appear, followed by cherry liqueur, cooked mangoes, and baked, salted orange. This leads to licorice, cardamom, saffron, and aged leather, with a strong alcohol sting. The palate has a thick, syrupy body. It starts with smooth tropical fruits, then quickly turns to a medium tart spice. This slowly gives way to cocoa-dusted dried plums and old wood polish. Next comes fresh cigar and marzipan, followed by apricot spread, tart cherries, and baked, salted orange. It finishes with black pepper, licorice, cardamom, saffron, and slightly bitter black tea, with a powerful alcohol burn. The finish is extended, featuring smooth tropical fruits, cocoa-dusted dried plums, marzipan, licorice, cardamom, saffron, old books, and polished antique furniture. This is another superb bottling from Kavalan. The flavors are deep and potent, blending tart fruit, aged wood, and distinct spices. However, it doesn't quite reach the level of the Moscatel for me. The spice is more pronounced, and the fruit has a tartness I don't recall from the Moscatel. Kavalan's Solist range is quite pricey. I don't feel this particular bottle warrants its high cost. If I had to choose a Solist, I would likely pick the Moscatel, which remains my top choice, with the Amontillado a very close second.

This was a rare find for me, and I finally obtained it thanks to a friend visiting Taiwan (thanks, John). Since it was purchased in Taiwan, the cost was less than half of what it sells for in the US (this is hypothetical, as I couldn't find it domestically). Therefore, my rating reflects the purchase price. If I had paid the full US price, I would have to lower my score slightly. With that said, this spirit is incredibly enjoyable. The nose is an explosion of appealing scents, both sweet and lush. And the taste? It has the depth of flavor of the Mariana Trench and a taste that lingers like a memorable song. Add a drop of water to reduce the intensity a bit – this spirit is as potent as Popeye after eating spinach, at over 58% ABV – and you'll be in for a real treat. Zoinks! I'm captivated. It's sweet (but not excessively so) and viscous – this spirit is fantastic. I intend to sip and savor this for as long as possible! The song that comes to mind for the Kavalan Solist Manzanilla is Queen's 'Don't Stop Me Now'.

Pleasant aroma, vibrant and fruity with a sharp alcohol bite. The initial taste is powerful, featuring caramel, vanilla, and sea salt. The aftertaste was sweet, leaving a sensation from the alcohol. For 400NT, you can sample 4 Malts at their reception area. That's $12 for four bottles valued over $200, quite a bargain.

Cask MA100721003A. Aged 5 Years 9 months. Outstanding spirit with flavors of honey, floral notes, vanilla, salt, caramel, toffee, white chocolate, hazelnuts, passion fruit, milk chocolate, raisins, sultanas, blueberries, pepper, cloves, and cherries.

The bartender and I were chatting about whiskey, and they gave me a pour from their private stash. I thought it might be similar to Solist Sherry, but it's completely different. Not much of a thick mouthfeel; it’s quite fresh, bright, and light. Better balanced than the Solist Sherry. It seems to have a distinctive floral aroma.