Over 50% Off a Collector’s Dream Single Cask, For a Limited Time
Kavalan “Solist” Amontillado Sherry Cask Strength 56.3% ABV Single Barrel Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml)
(Previously $600) ($249.99)

“I hope these jaw-dropping releases become available to us regularly at this pricing. That unfortunately is a pipe dream, so we’ll just have to enjoy it while it lasts.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

At the cornerstone of this coveted whiskey line, the sherry-aged casks present the quintessential Kavalan poise and grace that has won this iconic distillery its countless accolades and awards over the years, including the 2021 Distillery of the Year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, as well as a near-maniacal following among the most committed collectors. One of two spectacular amontillado-aged single casks recently sourced at utterly mind-boggling pricing, this 56.3% ABV barrel is described by our own David Othenin-Girard as “wildly complex” with an approachability that lends itself to a very broad audience of aficionados. The overtly opulent profile “more than delivers the goods in way that distinguishes it from the other two casks,” as David notes. Collectible whiskies like this very rarely come up at such discounted pricing, so any savvy collector looking to maximize their purchasing power should beat a quick path and secure their bottles today.

Kavalan “Solist” Amontillado Sherry Cask Strength 56.3% ABV Single Barrel Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Previously $600) ($249.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: August 17, 2022

It’s pretty exciting tasting these Kavalans and doubly so getting to compare similar casks. The two amontillados we have were both distilled in 2010 and bottled at around eight years old in April of 2008. This barrel is slightly lower proof, and the character is distinct from its sister cask. The same burnished color, though. The nose is a big fruit bomb with lots of stewed stone fruit and raisined characteristics—dried plum, baked peaches, molasses syrup, confectionary candies, almond cookies, and sweet tea. On first glance, this barrel is closest to the oloroso stuff but with something extra—a sur-age character that’s unique to amontillado. Big fruity nose translates to a much less spicy palate, with exceptional sweetness and a seriously creamy character. This is likely the most approachable of three Kavalans but by no means a slouch. It’s wildly complex even without the extra savory character of the higher-proof cask. Tough call on which is better, but this is the one I’d recommend if Kavalan has ever felt a little over the top on the tannins for you, as it’s the softest expression of the three barrels we have. It more than delivers the goods in way that distinguishes it from the other two casks.