Solist is German for 'Soloist', which in this case refers to the fact that this expression is from Kavalan's single cask range (they really, really like musical metaphors). Given this whisky is of course Taiwanese, I can't really tell you why this range has an apparently German name but I can tell you that their ex-Bourbon cask releases won a Gold Medal at both the ISC 2010 and the IWSC 2011. Impressive.
As well as adding gifts to lucky MoM orders, #WhiskySanta is granting wishes on social media every day! Hit the button above and let them know what you'd like. It could be yours!
"Though production takes place in Taiwan, the distillers are from Scotland, the pot stills from Germany and the barrels from Europe and America." Perhaps the stills being German has something to do with the Solist name. Anyway, good stuff.
Nose: Vanilla, tropical fruits .cask. Taste: Heavenly fruity like pineapple and Mango . Vanilla followed by a sweet oaky aftertaste. A real pearl 90/100
Cask: B080519045. Bottle #10/226 Was lucky enough to have some of this today in Zhengzhou, China. Apparently it's pricey and harder to get in the west. Nose: Quite complex. Maple, dark berries, blackberries, blueberries. Palate: More dark fruit, with some vanilla. Sweet at first with toffee and caramel accompanying the berries. Finish evolves into red Apple, pepper and spice. Body: full bodied, oily and creamy. Overall: What a pleasant surprise from Taiwan of all places. Great whisky. Just try it. I know an NAS from Taiwan may put people off as it did me at first, but I'm so glad I tried this.
The Nose; Very fresh & clean - it really gives you a false sense of whats going to happen on the palate. Bourbon, Vanilla, Coconut. Theres a youthfulness to it but not in a bad way!Soft honey & pears. The Taste; Instant Spice, Ginger & nutmeg followed by strong Oak & bourbon, it’s truly mouth watering. Theres subtle green apples & soft yellow fruits, mellow papaya & pineapple notes gently roll over the strong woody notes. Creamed barley & pear. The memory; Long! starts with a uncorrupted lingering spice, followed by a cask strength bourbon (think Eagle Rare) then finished with a return of those light sub-tropical continent fruits. Just when you think its finished you're mouth salivates & you immediately pour another!
I thought it was worthy of a Gold Award so I bought 6 bottles and hope the price will continue to go up.
