For those looking for the elite of Japanese whiskey and finding only empty shelves, perhaps it is time to explore these remarkable selections from Kavalan. Taiwan’s Kavalan distillery once faced an uphill battle, selling the quality of their precocious, young single malt whisky to a world of skeptics. It didn’t take long, however, to sway the critics. Starting with their Ex-Bourbon offering winning “World Whisky of the Year” from Whisky Advocate and then their Vinho Barrique taking “World’s Best Single Malt Whisky” at the World Whisky Awards the entire planet took notice. It was clear to all that Kavalan’s Single Cask offerings were among the finest whiskies being produced anywhere in the world. For the past year the single cask line, referred to by the distillery as Solist casks, they’ve become nearly impossible to get.

Here at K&L we are lucky to have a close relationship to both the company and to the master distiller Ian Chang, who hosted our group in Taiwan back in 2014. Due to the close bond that was formed between K&L and Kavalan, we were allowed to select three single barrel casks to be bottled exclusively for our store; all three of which were ex-Bourbon barrels. Because of Taiwan’s subtropical climate and intense humidity, the whisky ages more rapidly and soaks up the flavor of each cask with intense concentration. In all three cases, the Bourbon flavor comes through on the whisky almost more than the single malt character.

Check out more On the Trail but don’t miss out on these incredibly exclusive selections while they’re available. Simply put, there’s nothing like them.

Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Cask #52″ K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)

Barrel #52 has classic American whiskey aromatics with intense oak and a high dose of vanilla with more toasted oak character coming through strong on the palate. At 58.6% ABV, the alcohol is potent and intense, so water is definitely recommended. With a few drops, the whisky unloosens itself and opens up more fruit and spice with additional layers of toasted oak and vanilla, but the structure never fades. The oak has penetrated deeply into this whisky. The finish is strong.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 30, 2016

Cask #52 has a massive nose of creamy rich coconut, powerful Tahitian vanilla, and sweet fresh spices. Expect deep toasty caramel on the palate, with piles of over ripe fruit and American oak spices taking over on the back palate. This may be too powerful for many single malt drinkers without water, but should satiate the most seasoned bourbon lover right out of the bottle.

Gary Norton | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 24, 2016

I often find that the spirit itself plays second fiddle to the finishing median (…my fancy term for barrel) when it comes to whiskies. This offering, however, shows a tremendous interplay between the single malt character and the ex-bourbon casks it was aged in. Vanilla, salted caramel, dried fruit, layers of complexity. This is one for the ages–grab a bottle while it’s still here.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 24, 2016

This is one of three (and my personal favorite) new exclusive single barrel whiskeys from Kavalan. A sweet butterscotch nose with light hints of warm stone fruit lead in to a very pleasant whiskey. There is a nice full texture with notes of stone fruit, vanilla, and butterscotch culminating into a baking spice finish with some lingering heat. This is a great bottle to give as a gift to someone or to yourself.

Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Cask #75 K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)

Barrel #75A is another beast of a whisky at 58.6% ABV, but it’s the richest of the three by a hair with subtle floral elements that dance atop the intense oak flavor. There’s more maltiness apparent on the palate than the others and there’s a tropical coconut note on the finish that comes from the sweetness of the oak. It still needs water, however, as the high proof masks much of the complexity when taken neat. It’s a whisky to unlock slowly and methodically.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 30, 2016
Cask #75 is easily the most closed of the three casks right out of the bottle. It shows dark flavors, more exotic wood and deeper spice notes, still exhibiting incredible complexity, but without the intense sweet notes of the other two casks. With water however, this baby really opens up and starts to bring in complexities not available in its sisters. First, the mahogany notes begin to move more toward sandalwood and around the omnipresent vanilla, you’ll see fresh mint and echoes of malted grain. This whisky begs you to take your time an watch it’s layers unfold.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 24, 2016
Another excellent exclusive for us here at K&L, this single barrel Taiwanese whisky opens with a rich nose resplendent with some dense fruit notes and plenty of caramel. The body is creamy with fruit and lots of baking spice. The finish is somewhat woody and coats the mouth, leading to a super long finish with some heat. This is a long, rich whisky that has plenty of complexity.

Sal Rodriguez | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 22, 2016
This baby is intense, and delicious! The sweetness (think brown sugar and maple syrup) is quite evident from the nose, and continues on throughout the palate. A good deal of vanilla extract and a touch of anise is waiting for you as you continue to drink. If you just add a little water to this, it is going to sing! Just incredible!

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 22, 2016
With water this baby really opens up and lets loose a wave of sweet vanilla, crème brulee, soft fruit, and even a hint of tropical fruit on the finish. Kavalan’s Solist series has always been popular, and now we’ve got our own limited edition batches here at K&L!

Joe Manekin | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 22, 2016
This is a delicious cask of whiskey! It’s got incredible richness and sweetness: think vanilla cream frosting and cake batter. Adding a bit of water helps to bring out more layered aromas and balance this intense whiskey. This has my highest recommendation for anyone who loves full flavored Scotch not that is not lacking in decadent richness or sweetness.

Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Cask #76 K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)
Barrel #76A is the softest of the three at a mere 57.8%, and with water showcases a creamier and more nuanced palate of vanilla, fruit, and burnt sugar. This is the prettiest of the bunch with pronounced maltiness on the finish and plenty of spice. It’s classic Bourbon barrel-aged single malt, but with more oak concentration from the warm maturation environment.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 30, 2016
The gorgeous cask #76 is perhaps the most balanced of the three. Like getting that perfect dessert from a world class chef, it shows incredible richness and complexity but never feels out of balance. Big bold sweet notes, but moving away from the frosting and caramel of cask #52 toward a more seamless spiced honey tone. Slightly lower proof than her sisters, this whisky drinks right of the bottle like a dream, although a touch of water does highlight some of the wild honey that I love. Either way, this whisky seems to have no edge and while bold, it’s never sharp or aggressive. A truly special cask and a pleasure to have on the bar for however long it can possibly last.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 27, 2016
Cask 76 has aromas that are honey and floral-like. In the mouth it is round and pretty, with honey flavors and a touch of floral notes. It is full-bodied and will open and soften up with a splash of water.

Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 24, 2016

We’re all in agreement here at K&L, the Kavalan whiskies are straight up delicious. Whether one puts that down to the skill of the distiller, the shape of their still, the heat and humidity in which the barrels are matured or another multitude of variables that affect whisky is anyone’s guess…but one thing’s for sure…there is something magic here. The whiskies have texture and richness more akin to spirits at least twice their age. The integration of the barrel spice and the seamless feel they have on the palate is just awesome. If really pressed to declare a favorite of the three current casks I would pick this #76. However, to be honest, if I tasted them a third time I might have another favorite again. Each cask has something to offer, with just subtle nuances defining them. It’s so awesome that we have access to doing single barrel cask strength bottlings with these guys…they’re the real deal.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 24, 2016
In my opinion this was the richest of the exclusive single barrel whiskies from Kavalan. Right off the bat, the nose hold lots of caramel and dense fruit with hints of butterscotch. This holds true on the palate where layers of butterscotch coat the fruit, while vanilla and hints of spice season it. A rather spicy finish with some heat leaves the tongue tingling and ready for another sip.

K&L Wine Merchants
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Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA