Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask Matured 57.8% Whisky

Bought this as a birthday present for myself. Reviewed after sitting for 15 minutes with a drop of water. Glencairn glass.
Nose: Vanilla, port, maple syrup, molasses, raisin, sherry. Very rich, a bit hot. It needs time to sit before it opens up.
Taste: It packs a punch and does need the water. I ended up adding a splash more water after the first sip. The taste is very similar to the nose with the addition of cream and clove.
This is without a doubt the best sherried whisky I've ever had. It's like Aberlour A'bunadh but even more intense (if you can believe that!).

A friend of mine in Taiwan recommended I try this one. I tried to compare a sample of the Sherry Solist to the Sherry Oak, tasting both the same evening several hours apart (no drinks between). My initial thought was the Sherry Oak had the better aroma and was better overall. As I wrote the reviews, I started enjoying the long lasting finish of the Sherry Solist which is one of the top three finishes I have ever tried. Trying another sip I appreciated the flavor more. Definite sherry bomb! For final word, I would judge this as the better of the two. The Solist is more expensive and the price point is hard to swallow for me but if the price doesn't phase you the Kavalan Sherry Solist is very impressive.

Closest thing to actual sherry I've ever found in a whisky - Dark sweet sherry, Berries, dark wines, long finish, excellent rich mouth watering body. Very good drop - if it was'nt so expensive in Oz it would be a higher mark

Some clean sherry sweets. Dates, raisin and dundee cake. Very good finish and the alcohol is really att taste delivery device.

Ive tasted the regular single malt and the King car bartending at Mgm Grand Las Vegas. Let say I was pleasantly impressed, at least enough to do some research on Kavalan's other products and stumbled on this Gem. WOW!!! So glad I did, now I just wish I had bought the Vinho Barrique.