Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength

My final Kavalan tasting concludes. Moving from ex-Bourbon cask strength, to Olorosso Sherry cask, and now the Solist Vinho Barrique cask strength. I suspect some variation among batches of this single cask bottling, but it seems to influence the bitter-sweet balance. However, a single sample seems adequate. The Vinho is fully aged in previously used American oak wine barrels, which have been toasted and re-charred. This process draws out fruity vanilla notes from both the spirit and the wood, layered over a subtle foundation of complex fruitiness. The oak casks are crafted from American oak seasoned outdoors for a minimum of 24 months. This slow-grown timber yields a greater flavor extraction into the whisky, reducing the harshness of tannins and releasing more vanilla spice and herbal hints like dill and lemon grass, contributing to a smooth and complex character. These casks have been employed for both red and white wine maturation, which ultimately imparts the complex fruity background to Kavalan Solist Vinho. Post-wine aging, the casks are meticulously shaved internally, then gently toasted over an oak chip fire under precise time and temperature controls. This converts wine remnants into a rich blend of fruit flavors, including lime, berries, and peaches. Subsequently, the casks are briefly charred to release abundant flavors such as vanilla, ice cream, and caramelized sugars. Honestly, all this sounds a bit pretentious. Is this an attempt to overcompensate, or does it meet the considerable expectations? Nose: Exhibits slight acidity, with juicy apple and pear leading the way. Delightful, gentle caramelized sugar, subtle chocolate and vanilla notes work harmoniously, accented by a touch of vibrant pepperiness. Deeper inspection reveals notes of melon and perhaps citrus. Wood spice makes an appearance. Wonderfully delicate yet assertive, refined with substantial character. A superb beginning. The color is also striking, a deep hue between tawny and burnt umber, appearing quite appealing. A small addition of water reveals a balsamic quality and a juicy tropical evolution of the initial apple/pear notes. Palate: Oily and slightly drying, with a noticeable upfront intensity that recedes with drying force. Burnt orange, wood spice, cinnamon, cocoa, sultanas, and espresso, with a hint of coconut. A remarkable complexity, akin to a wonderful cake batter into which the entire pantry has been thrown. It's complex yet well-integrated, with all elements in their proper place. A subtle nuttiness is also present. This spirit truly delivers. A second sip reveals it's far less drying (thankfully); oaky spices and the mocha-like chocolate and espresso take center stage, softened by a touch of vanilla for approachability. This cask registers at 57.8% ABV but isn't overly aggressive and accepts water well. Brown sugar emerges (a common Kavalan trait?) alongside a hint of dark blackberry sweetness. Absolutely delightful. Finish: Medium-long. Fig-like and sticky, with a bit more spicy tingle carrying vanilla and cocoa. Conclusion: After sampling three Kavalans, this is the standout. It's objectively excellent. Possessing immense character with abundant flavors, it's clean, purposeful, crisp, and beautifully presented. It offers exciting depths while remaining accessible. The 57.8% alcohol is potent but not overwhelming, and its compatibility with water for lengthening is a great feature. Here's the drawback, though: AUD$299.99. That's a substantial price, comparable to Red Breast 21, the 2014 Lagavulin 12, and considerably more than a Highland Park 18, among others. The question then becomes, is it worth it? Not for me. I'm very pleased to have had the opportunity to try it. Well done, Kavalan. [Pictured alongside this dram during its evening stroll is an Asaphus lepidurus, a ~470 million-year-old trilobite from near St. Petersburg, Russia. Its body plan was perfectly adapted for navigating bottom sediments while maintaining a low profile.] Whisky tasting notes #124

I am following my own advice as I write this review from a lovely country cottage in wine country (with a fireplace, how wonderful!). While I do enjoy excellent wines, I also brought some whisky samples for the trip. Kavalan's Solist Vinho Barrique is made using American oak casks that held red and white wines, which are then re-toasted before use. This Taiwanese copper-gold whisky is bottled at cask strength, 57.8% ABV. Its aroma is luxurious with rich lychee, aged oak, orange blossoms, and grape jelly. Chocolate and red fruits (like red currant jam) emerge over time. A brief grape note rises to peppery blackberries. The spiciness fades into a long, oaky, wine-like, slightly tannic finish. Adding a few drops of water brings more sawdust to the nose but enhances the fruit notes in the flavor profile along with caramelized sugar. The woody notes in the finish are mellowed with a few drops of water, which I consider an improvement. A very interesting dram, the Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique. I particularly enjoy its undiluted nose and am pleasantly surprised by the improvement in flavor/finish from minimal water. I believe the Solist Vinho Barrique would be a good whisky for those who enjoy high-proof bourbon and are interested in exploring international options, and it's also a conversation starter for whisky enthusiasts. 8/10

Overall Score: 4.38 [English] [Nose] - The subtle banana and smooth vanilla scent intensifies over time. - There's almost no alcohol burn; it's very mellow. - It's not a fresh or tart fruit, but it has a strong aroma of high-sugar tropical fruits and dried fruits. - There's also a slight scent of fresh melon. - It doesn't feel as potent as molasses, but the presence of caramel and oak is definitely noticeable. [Palate] - A slightly sweet and pleasantly spicy sensation upon entering the mouth (not cloyingly sweet). - A balanced spiciness that isn't overly sharp, only hinting at the presence of the oak barrel. - Slightly bitter. - It has a well-balanced saltiness, and at the same time, a savory quality. [Finish] - The scratchiness or spiciness is minimal when swallowing, but a warming sensation from the high alcohol content remains. - In my exhaled breath, I detected a faint woody scent and a sweet caramel aroma from the oak.

Aroma: Honey, ripe guava, lychee, nectarines, coconuts, crisp apples, vanilla, Concord grapes. Taste: A rush of tropical punch, pink guava, lychee, red mangoes, overripe bananas, coconut flakes, honey, passion fruit, sugar glaze, Concord grape jam. Finish: Lingering, full-bodied, oily, juicy fresh tropical fruits, woody, spicy. This whisky is a masterpiece. I own three bottles, each with a different alcohol percentage due to the batch. Among hundreds of whiskies I've sampled, this consistently ranks in my top three. The taste is incredibly rich and oily, coating the mouth completely for a lasting flavor. Even the empty glass retains a delicate woody/floral tea scent that persists and transforms. Being cask strength, it might be too intense for newcomers, and diluting it makes it overly sweet and simplistic for my preference. My favorite was a bottling around 62% alcohol. A must-have purchase!

King Car Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique 55.6% is a well-balanced whisky from King Car in Taiwan. This version is aged in casks that previously held red & white wines and then re-toasted. It begins with notes of toasted oak, vanilla, caramelized sugars, dark chocolate, ripe melon & mango; while a rich & spicy body adds notes of kiwi, citrus & a hint of pepper; leading to a clean & complex end with hints of chocolate & ripe berry & plum. July 2017 / March 2019 / July 2022

Cherry and blueberry with a strong peppery kick, offering creamy complexity. 2.75 Grape, creamy, with a tart sweetness (this sourness is polarizing for me, quite distinct and unusual), strawberry, red fruits, exhibiting youthfulness. 2.5 Oak and bitterness on the finish with moderate sustain. 2.25 2.5 Grape, berry, red fruits, dense complexity, strong mid-palate pepper. 2.75 Sweetness, thick creaminess, grape, red grapes, berry, substantial complexity with zesty lemon. 3.5 Sweet creaminess, red berries, and moderate sustain. 3