Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Whisky

Time for a whisky from somewhere different. In celebration of World Whisky Day, let’s try a whisky from Taiwan. The Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique cask strength single malt whisky. On the 21^st of May, it was World Whisky Day. Dreamt up by Blair Bowman while studying at the University of Aberdeen, participants are encouraged to drink whisky on this day.

As if we need an excuse! It is a day to invite friends and neighbours over to try a few drams and celebrate the glorious ‘water of life’. It is about making whisky fun and enjoyable. Spreading the whisky word to people who have not tried it before. You should drink what you enjoy. Be it Scottish or bourbon, Irish or world whiskey – enjoy it and share it.

I have saved our last small bottle of Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique whisky for this special day. What better whisky to celebrate World Whisky Day with than a world whisky.

The King Car Group distils Kavalan. The whisky was named after the indigenous people who initially inhabited the area – the Kavalan people. Kavalan is the only dedicated single malt distillery in Taiwan. The distillery uses a similar production process as well as the same rules as Scottish whisky.

Kavalan had their stills made in Scotland, and they even have an Edinburgh-educated (Taiwanese) master blender – Ian Chang. Mr Lee, the distillery founder, is a big fan of classical music. There is a full-size concert hall at the Kavalan distillery. The Kavalan whiskies all have a musical connection like the Kavalan Concertmaster release.

The Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique cask strength single malt whisky was matured in used American oak wine barrels that have been toasted and charred again.

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Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Whisky Review

COUNTRY: Taiwan

ABV:  57%

COLOUR: Ruby red amber colour.

NOSE: It almost looks like burnt caramel. Initially, the nose is sweet with hints of berries, cherries, fermented grapes and slight floral  notes. Some vanilla and caramel are floating around. After a while, faint hints of oak and  bitter chocolate emerge.

PALATE: It an almost sweet jam-like quality, followed by an unusual spiciness which lingers around for a long time, slowly dissipating away. There are notes of oak and fruit. It’s a rich mouth-filling dram that feels luxurious on the palate. The addition of water smooths the dram and takes away some of the alcohol heat. It makes the whisky easier on the palate.

FINISH: One of the highlights of this whisky.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Solist Vinho Barrique Cask is a rich complex bold, full-bodied whisky. It has complexity and flavour notes that complimented each other. Very well balanced. Now to find myself a proper full-sized bottle! It is a bit on the expensive side, but so worth it.

In South Africa, this release retails for around R 2 300. The Vinho Barrique whisky is big and bold; it lingers forever. What a beautiful dram. A bit expensive, but a dram I don’t mind paying extra for.

Also read: Macallan 10 yo Whisky