After spending more time with the Kavalan Solist Port Cask, I'm finding some lovely notes in it. I've also found a fig note on the smell and taste. Anyone else have similar notes?
Thanks for watching and commenting! We'll be in Taipei next week (@findingGinaMarie) so I'll be on the lookout for Taiwanese expressions I haven't tried yet. Cheers!
The Solist Port Cask is one of my favourite whiskies. The dark fruit is so tasty. It seems to be even more concentrated than Edradour Natural Cask Strength, but the Edradour is more sherry. So sweet and tasty, I can spend an entire evening with a glass of the Kavalan Solist Port cask. I like that Kavalan expression over the Solist Sherry cask and the Solist Vinho Barrique.
Thanks for sharing! My wife and I are heading to Taipei for a month starting at the end of March (@FindingGinaMarie) and maybe I'll get some local whisky. Cheers!
I have had every Kavalan Solist expression and the Port Cask probably around a dozen bottles or so (the packaging is now square, about half the size of the ex-bourbon box you showed, Kevin). I would say this about the Vino B. Ex-bourbon and Sherry soloist casks - each cask varies and some I LOVE and some I feel are just okay. Some tips if the Soloist cask seems a little too up front in a particular note: get past the neck pour; leave it for 3 months; try it again. It might just need to air out a few hours in the glass. Great review, Kevin.
Thanks, Richard! These have already changed for me on second and third tastings, so I can believe that they will evolve. The big problem with single cask bottles is consistency. I know that the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bottles and Booker's both vary greatly from batch to batch. Cheers!
Already had several Kavalan Solist. My first was the Solist Amontillado wich is the most expensive whisky I ever bought and still have it after almost three years, still 50% of the whisky to go. The second was the Kavalan ex-bourbon oak, not Solist, wich I really like and several months ago I got the Solist version of it wich is a different bottle than yours with a green label (there are two versions of it). Always wanted to try the Solist Port because I love port finished whiskies but already watched some other reviews that also weren’t very fans of it. In general I don’t know if these kavalan solists are for me. They have quite different and specific profiles compared to the Scottish cask strengths. They are really hot and present a kind of spice that you don’t find in Scottish whiskies but it’s typical even to some Asian food. I don’t think I would buy Solists again.
Thanks for sharing, Antonio. I have to agree with you: the Solist series might not be my choice for future purchases. At the prices I paid, I'm glad that I've tried them, but I can't say they are my favorites. Even my first impression of the ex-bourbon one has softened and my subsequent tastes haven't been as brilliant. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs i have only tried one solist ex bourbon. Liked it and i am now thinking of ordering on of each solist and sample away half of the bottles etc to cover some of the cost..
After spending more time with the Kavalan Solist Port Cask, I'm finding some lovely notes in it. I've also found a fig note on the smell and taste. Anyone else have similar notes?
As a Taiwanese, and a whiskey lover, Thanks for your praise to Kavalan.
Thanks for watching and commenting! We'll be in Taipei next week (@findingGinaMarie) so I'll be on the lookout for Taiwanese expressions I haven't tried yet. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs I live in Taipei, may I could provide you some good whisky bar in Taipei.
Wow, thanks! I believe we're staying in the Guangfu section of Taipei. Cheers!
The Solist Port Cask is one of my favourite whiskies.
The dark fruit is so tasty.
It seems to be even more concentrated than Edradour Natural Cask Strength, but the Edradour is more sherry.
So sweet and tasty, I can spend an entire evening with a glass of the Kavalan Solist Port cask.
I like that Kavalan expression over the Solist Sherry cask and the Solist Vinho Barrique.
Thanks for all those great details, Matthijs! The Solist Port Cask is giving me lovely fig notes now when I taste it. Very impressive.
I live in Taiwan and the bourbon cask is absolutely wonderful
Thanks for sharing! My wife and I are heading to Taipei for a month starting at the end of March (@FindingGinaMarie) and maybe I'll get some local whisky. Cheers!
I have had every Kavalan Solist expression and the Port Cask probably around a dozen bottles or so (the packaging is now square, about half the size of the ex-bourbon box you showed, Kevin). I would say this about the Vino B. Ex-bourbon and Sherry soloist casks - each cask varies and some I LOVE and some I feel are just okay. Some tips if the Soloist cask seems a little too up front in a particular note: get past the neck pour; leave it for 3 months; try it again. It might just need to air out a few hours in the glass. Great review, Kevin.
Thanks, Richard! These have already changed for me on second and third tastings, so I can believe that they will evolve. The big problem with single cask bottles is consistency. I know that the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bottles and Booker's both vary greatly from batch to batch. Cheers!
What a great selection. Great review.
Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers!
Have not had the opportunity to try any Kavalan, but now will need to find some 😊
It's a very interesting distillery with several impressive high-ABV expressions. Cheers!
Kavalan .... i liked , very interesting whisky . Kevin good choice , cheers )))
Thank you very much. I've enjoyed exploring these two expressions since the episode was recorded. They both are evolving for me. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs I choise it for myself too Kavaln Solist Burbon Cask strength , i hope like it )))
The irony of seeing your broadcast emporium of discerning taste framed by ads about packaged survivalist cuisine is not lost upon me. 乾杯!
Hah! I've paid for UA-cam Premium for so long, I don't even know what kind of ads appear. Cheers!
Already had several Kavalan Solist. My first was the Solist Amontillado wich is the most expensive whisky I ever bought and still have it after almost three years, still 50% of the whisky to go. The second was the Kavalan ex-bourbon oak, not Solist, wich I really like and several months ago I got the Solist version of it wich is a different bottle than yours with a green label (there are two versions of it). Always wanted to try the Solist Port because I love port finished whiskies but already watched some other reviews that also weren’t very fans of it. In general I don’t know if these kavalan solists are for me. They have quite different and specific profiles compared to the Scottish cask strengths. They are really hot and present a kind of spice that you don’t find in Scottish whiskies but it’s typical even to some Asian food. I don’t think I would buy Solists again.
Thanks for sharing, Antonio. I have to agree with you: the Solist series might not be my choice for future purchases. At the prices I paid, I'm glad that I've tried them, but I can't say they are my favorites. Even my first impression of the ex-bourbon one has softened and my subsequent tastes haven't been as brilliant. Cheers!
Believe I have the Port Cask Solist, must get it out to crack open & taste now after another one of your fine reviews 👍
I'd love to hear your notes when you do. I tried it again last night and enjoyed the Port Cask Solist more than I did during this review. Cheers!
2 years later.. what about the port cask now? :D
I haven't tried Kavalan since leaving San Francisco at the end of 2022. I was even in Taiwan and missed my opportunity. What are your thoughts?
@@WhiskyRiffs i have only tried one solist ex bourbon. Liked it and i am now thinking of ordering on of each solist and sample away half of the bottles etc to cover some of the cost..
Make an old man cry.....I have been after these...I can get Kavalan...but, not these
I was shocked when they showed up at K&L Wine in SF.
Great find!