Country Taiwanese Whisky
Distillery/Brand Kavalan
Style Single Malt Whisky

Kavalan Solist (57.8%)

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.

Winner of 8 spirit awards

Gold
Gold
Single Malts - 2015
Wizards of Whisky Awards
Winner
Winner
Asian Whisky of the Year - 2014
Wizards of Whisky Awards
Winner
Winner
Asian Single Malt Whisky of the Year - 2014
Wizards of Whisky Awards
Gold
Gold
Asian Whisky - 2014
Wizards of Whisky Awards
Trophy
Trophy
Worldwide Whiskey - 2013
International Wine & Spirit Competition

Allergy information

This product does not contain any notifiable allergens
More allergen information



Reviews for Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Cask (57.8%)
Solist > pot stills are German
"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.
Greg W , United States
5 years ago
Northernlight malts
Nose: Vanilla, tropical fruits .cask.
Taste: Heavenly fruity like pineapple and Mango . Vanilla followed by a sweet oaky aftertaste.
A real pearl 90/100
Robert L , Sweden
7 years ago
What a surprise
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.
Master of Malt Customer
7 years ago
facebook.com/maltmondays - my whisky blog!
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!
Joe , Australia
8 years ago
Nice and smooth
I thought it was worthy of a Gold Award so I bought 6 bottles and hope the price will continue to go up.
Gregory R , United States
9 years ago
It's big, it's smooth and delicious!
I happened upon this Whisky with no prior knowledge of Kavalan. Cask strength means much of the joy from this drop is in the long, creamy finish. A wonderful whisky.
Master of Malt Customer
9 years ago
@Sucks
I agree with @Surprisingly nice. If you actually tried this whisky you wouldn't rate it so poorly. Taiwan's hot seasons simulate the aging process in spirits more quickly than the climate in Scotland which allows them to release younger spirits that are still flavorful and complex.

Kavalan ex-Bourbon really is delicious whisky, and quite unique in my collection with tropical flavors of coconut, banana and spice. Fantastic.
Master of Malt Customer
9 years ago
Bounty bar beauty
My third experience of a Kavalan malt and whilst the other two were very good this is superb and up there with the best ex bourbon cask influenced malts I have tried. Quite a hot and spicy explosion but it soon soothes its way into your heart with its coconut,custard,vanilla,white chocolate, cinnamon toast flavours.lots going on the nose, palate and a finish to die for.A bourbon cask party in the mouth and all the flavours you expect are invited.The whisky flaneur
Master of Malt Customer
9 years ago
Surprisingly nice.
I don't really think the guy below tasted this whisky at all because if he did he should have at least given 3 or 4 stars. The smoothness and richness of this whisky all show that, despite the cliche, age is not the most important factor.
The price is a little bit high in the UK but I got it in Taiwan; only £50 in Taiwan airport duty free shop.
Master of Malt Customer
9 years ago
Sucks
this whisky is OK if it's priced at 30 pounds, i wouldn't pay the price of a premium whisky for this 4 year old Kavalan
Master of Malt Customer
9 years ago