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.