Truth Malters’ Cigar & Whisky (Pairing #1)
Kavalan Solist PX Sherry & Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure De Luxe
About this Cigar
Cigar: Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure de Luxe
Country of Origin: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
Length: 4 1/2 Inches
Ring Gauge: 52
About this Whisky
Whisky: Kavalan Single Malt Whisky
Cask Type: PX SHERRY
Country of Origin: Taiwan
Distilled: 2010.06.30
Bottled: 2020.08.06
Age: 10 Years 1 Month 7 Days
Abv%: 54.8%
HOYO DE MONTERREY is usually known to be more delicate and mild but this one is more of a full-bodied cigar. It is consistent the whole way on taste and burn, the taste profile does not change much throughout. A creamy, cereal taste with a peppery cocoa note is noticed off the start, that settles into a malty chocolate and cashew taste with the same pepper notes continuing. I notice a slight floral taste and smell that is usual with Hoyo De Monterrey but overall this one is much stronger than many others of the same brand. I really enjoy the powerful spicy, creamy, buttery notes that are left in the mouth.
The Kavalan PX Sherry is a sweet PX whisky that brings out a lot of raisin, chocolate, toffee and nut flavors that are all covered with your favorite sherry tastes. It is an amazing Sherry Bomb that has such a complex sweetness I can’t imagine it not being enjoyed by all. This is one that you can drink many times and it continues to bring out a consistent, well balanced amazing taste.
How Did They Pair?
The Kavalan PX Sherry sweetness, chocolate and nuts along with its thick syrup notes highlight exactly what the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure de Luxe Cigar is all about. The strong flavors of nut and chocolate along with the spices are coated by the sweet sherry of the Kavalan PX and really shine through, while bringing out more of the juicy raisin taste of the Kavalan PX Sherry. The cigar lasted a little over an hour and all the while they brought out the best in each other. This pairing was an absolute blast from start to finish and the only disappointing part was when it had to end.
Pairing Scoring: 8.5/10
Kavalan Continues To Be Awarded Top Honors
Kavalan took home the TOP 3 spots again, this time it was at the International Review of Spirits (IRS), which is organized by the Tastings-Beverage Testing Institute in the US.
Author - Larry Schoen
Kavalan took home the TOP 3 spots again, this time it was at the International Review of Spirits (IRS), which is organized by the Tastings-Beverage Testing Institute in the US. They took 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the Scotch, Irish and World categories. At last year’s competition they were given 2 x Platinum Superlatives, which is an amazing honor, but this year they were given an incredible 4x Platinum Superlatives for the Solist Sherry, Solist Ex-Bourbon, Solist Vinho Barrique and Solist Fino along with 16 other Kavalan expressions that were awarded the GOLD.
Platinum Superlative
No. 1 in contest
98 Kavalan Solist Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Judges notes: A port-like Single Malt with highly concentrated fruity flavors; this stunning display of intensity will satisfy most any lover of cask-finished spirits and may even convert rum drinkers into whisky lovers.
97 Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Judges notes: caramel-chocolate truffle with a satiny, vibrant, dry medium body and roasted kiwi, green tea, sage ... A funky and tropical Single Malt with a spicy, peppery palate.
97 Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Judges notes: a hot, very complex, very long suede, kalamata olives, glazed nuts, dates, dark chocolate, fine tobacco, luxury tea, and dried tropical fruits finish. A delicious and captivating Whisky that inundates the senses with luxury.
96 Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Judges notes: “Aromas of madeira cake, raisins and roasted walnuts, leather, and roasted meats with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dryish full body and a hot, engaging, long coffee gelato, soft licorice, and ripe red apple finish. A flavor-packed indulgence.
Gold Medal
95 Kavalan Distillery Reserve Rum Cask Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
95 Kavalan Solist Port Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
94 Kavalan Ex-Bourbon Oak Single Malt Whisky
94 Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
93 Kavalan Distillery Select No.2 Single Malt Whisky
93 Kavalan Classic Single Malt Whisky
93 Kavalan Concertmaster Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky
93 Kavalan Oloroso Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky
93 Kavalan Podium Single Malt Whisky
93 Kavalan Distillery Reserve Peaty Cask Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
93 Kavalan Earth Silver Wine Cask Matured Single Cask Single Malt Whisky
93 Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
93 Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
93 Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
92 Kavalan Distillery Select No.1 Single Malt Whisky
91 Kavalan Sky Gold Wine Cask Matured Single Cask Single Malt Whisky
93 Kavalan Earth Silver Wine Cask Matured Single Cask Single Malt Whisky
Kavalan: A Unique Taste Experience In Every Cask
The Kavalan Single Malt Whisky Solist Series: A Unique Taste Experience In Every Cask
Author - Larry Schoen
There have been many online articles as well as talk within whisky groups recently posting questions about Taiwan’s Kavalan Single Malt Whisky (more specifically the Solist Vinho Barrique) since they claimed “BEST OF THE BEST” along with 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 8th spot out of 128 Single Malts entered from around the world at Tokyo’s 2020 TWSC.
The questions that keep coming up are:
- Is there really that much of a difference from cask to cask?
- Is one year better than another?
- What makes each cask so unique?
- When you try different casks side by side is there a noticeable difference?
I have been fortunate enough to try numerous Kavalan Solist Single Malt expressions ranging from the first year they were produced up to and including this year and some yet to be released and I can say without a doubt that due to the incredible cask selections along with the quality and consistency each is very similar, yet very different in its own unique way.
In the past having done several side by sides with the Solist Vinho Barrique one thing that remains the same is from the moment the cork is popped in every bottle and the whisky is nosed, it is unmistakably a Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique. By that I mean each and every bottle has the Kavalan characteristics that continue to win awards (including the 2015 World’s Best Single Malt Whisky) with the vanilla and caramelized sugars, the dark chocolate, citrus fruits and peppery notes on the nose, and the dark chocolate, mango, vanilla and peppery tastes on the palate. Although some of these tastes and notes may be subtle and not as easy to pick out as others, for the most part they are there, but this is where the similarities stop as each and every Single Cask then takes you on its own unique taste adventure and this is what separates Kavalan Single Malt Whisky from many others.
Whether the cask previously held red or white wine, or it is a W07 (2007) or a W15 (2015), a 60% or a 54% abv. there will be something special in each and every sip. They are all similar in the sense that all have been meticulously selected, and put through the same STR process (Shave / Toast / Re-char) created by the late Dr. Jim Swan, and then matured and cared for in the same manner but in the end they will all have differences.
Kavalan has done an amazing job of keeping the quality as high as possible and the consistency as even as possible but during maturation the wood and mother nature will always take control and add their own unique twists to the final product and this is what makes all Kavalan Single Malt Single Casks so special.
So, is one better than the other? Let’s just say that they are all slightly different and depends on the person and palate tasting these expressions to decide. One thing is certain, no matter what Kavalan Solist bottle you try, you can be sure it is of the highest standard and quality, so enjoy each sip and get ready for your own taste experience with Kavalan Single Malt Whisky.
The "Best Of the Best Single Malt (2020)" Awarded To Kavalan
The "Best Of the Best Single Malt (2020)" Highest Honors Awarded To Kavalan- Kavalan took home a total of 14 Awards making them the biggest winner of the TWSC
Author - Larry Schoen
Not only did Kavalan receive 14 awards at the second Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition but the Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique was selected from the 128 single malt whisky blind drinks as the “Best Single Malt Whisky”. Then after the a special jury narrowed down the competition to only 14 single malts, the Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique was then crowned “Best of The Best Single Malt 2020”. The Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon, Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry along with the Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique were also awarded the Superior Gold and 8 other Kavalan expressions claimed gold awards.
TWSC2020 Best of the Best Top 10 Single Malts:
1. Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (Best of the Best)
2. Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Cask
3. Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask
4. The Essence of Suntory Whisky Yamazaki Distillery Refill Sherry Cask
5. Komagatake 1991 28 Years Old Single Cask No.160
6. The Essence of Suntory Whisky Yamazaki Distillery Montilla Wine Cask
7. Tomatin 30 Years Old
8. Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry
9. Glenfiddich 21 Years Old
10. Glenfiddich 18 Years Old Small Batch Reserve
Along with these top awards the Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry was named the “World Single Malt Whisky Category Winner-NAS” and if that wasn’t enough to top off a great night the Kavalan Distillery was then given the prestigious “Best World Distillery of the Year” award. It is hard to imagine such a young distillery taking home 3 of the top Category and Special awards along with 3 of the “Superior Gold” awards and 8 “Gold” awards but the Kavalan distillery in Yilan, Taiwan just did that. It goes to show that their craftsmanship and attention to detail can compete with whisky worldwide. After such high praise from judges for the unique tase that Kavalan creates, Mr. Li Yuding, General Manager of King Car Group, said, "The results of the selection are unexpected, and we are deeply grateful and very honored to be highly praised by the Japanese whisky industry." This is an incredible start to 2020 and we expect more great things from Kavalan in the near future.
The King Car Kavalan Distillery was established in 2005 and was the first distillery in Taiwan to create whisky. In 2008 the first whisky was produced and for the last 10 years, since 2010 Kavalan has been participating in major International Spirit Competitions, during that time they have won over a staggering 400 Gold or higher medals. Shortly after the Distillery expanded in they won the world's only international award -"The Distiller of The Year" in 2017, which surprised many at first, but since then they have continued to show the whisky world that their product deserves high recognition.
The complete list of awards given to Kavalan at the 2020 Tokyo International Whiskey & Spirits Competition:
Category & Special Awards:
Best of the Best Single Malt Whisky of 2020
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique
World Single Malt Whisky Category Winner-NAS
Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry
Best World Distillery of the Year
Kavalan Whisky Distillery
Superior Gold:
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique
Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon
Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry
Gold Award:
Kavalan Concertmaster Port Cask Finish
Kavalan Concertmaster Sherry Finish
Kavalan Distillery Reserve Peaty Cask
Kavalan Distillery Reserve Rum Cask
Kavalan Oloroso Sherry Oak
Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry
Kavalan Solist Port
King Car Conductor
Kavalan is Crowned the World Whisky Superior Gold Single Malt
Kavalan is crowned the World Whisky “Superior Gold” Single Malt - Claiming 3 of the 12 prestigious awards at this years TWSC show in Japan.
Author - Larry Schoen
When people think of Asian whisky, the first thing that comes to mind for most is Japanese whisky, and rightfully so as the Japanese have been producing some incredible whiskies and have been gaining worldwide recognition. So when the 2020 TWSC results were announced just a couple days ago, some were surprised as Taiwan’s Kavalan Single Malt Whisky took home all 3 of the World Whisky “Superior Gold”” awards in Tokyo, Japan.
Taiwan’s Kavalan Single Malt Whisky has been making a name for itself since its Solist Vinho Barrique was awarded World’s Best Single Malt Whisky in 2015, and this year proved that they are continuing to produce incredible Single Malt Whisky that can go head to head with whisky from anywhere around the globe.
2020 marked the second year of The Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, also known as Japan’s “original” whisky & spirits competition. This year there were a total of 427 entries from around the world and 37 judges had the daunting task of tasting and scoring each expression blindly. They were instructed on which order to taste the samples as well as the glass type to use ensuring a fair and even playing field from all. Judges were then to award scores from 1 to 100 and the average scores would decide the winners, due to the Covid-19 virus this year all judging was held remotely.
After the rigorous judging was completed there were only 12 Superior Gold Winners awarded, of which 3 were from the Kavalan Distillery in Taiwan.
The Superior Gold was awarded to entries that scored above the extremely high standard set forth from the TWSC, and were divided into the following categories; whisky, brandy, rum, gin, vodka and tequila as well as by country/region, main ingredients and maturation length.
Here are the 12 winners of the Superior Gold out of the 427 entries:
Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon (World Whisky/Single Malt)
Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry (World Whisky/Single Malt)
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (World Whisky/Single Malt)
Glenfarclas 1997 22 Years Old ‘The Family Reserve’ (Scotch Whisky/Single Malt)
Tomatin 30 Years Old (Scotch Whisky/Single Malt)
The Essence of Suntory Whisky Yamazaki Distillery Refill Sherry Cask (Japanese Whisky/Single Malt)
Komagatake 1991 28 Years Old Single Cask No. 160 (Japanese Whisky/Single Malt)
Rittenhouse Rye Bottled In Bond (American Whiskey/Rye)
Jean Fillioux Christophe Fillioux No.1 (Cognac)
Cane Island Nicaragua 12 Years Old Single Estate (Rum)
Ron Abuelo Finish Collection XV Oloroso (Rum)
Don Julio Anejo (Tequila)
The competition also awarded 79 Gold Winners, 9 of which were awarded to Kavalan, 154 Silver Winners and 83 Bronze Winners.
The Chair of the TWSC Executive Committee, Mamoro Tsuchiya, who is well known as one of Japan’s leading whisky experts, commented that “This year’s results once again represent a strong showing from Taiwan, such as Kavalan. Taiwan has demonstrated their whisky-making prowess while simultaneously attracting international attention for their containment of the coronavirus.”
Looking closely at the results throughout the competition the Single Malts dominated the blended whiskies and a new trend may be starting with Rye Whiskies earning higher scores than Bourbons.
Here is a list of which Kavalan expressions took home the awards at this year’s 2020 TWSC in Tokyo, Japan:
Superior Gold – Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon
Superior Gold – Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry
Superior Gold – Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique
Gold - Kavalan Concertmaster Port Cask Finish
Gold - Kavalan Concertmaster Sherry Cask Finish
Gold - Kavalan Distillery Reserve Peaty Cask
Gold - Kavalan Distillery Reserve Rum Cask
Gold - Kavalan King Car Conductor
Gold - Kavalan Oloroso Sherry Oak
Gold - Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry
Gold - Kavalan Solist Port
Gold - Kavalan Solist Rum Cask (Yamaichi Original)