Kavalan Solist Brandy Cask - 30th Anniversary Whisky.de | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Produced by Yuan Shan Distillery, located in the northeast of Taiwan.
Type: Kavalan Solist, Brandy Cask.
Distillation and Maturation: Double distillation process with full-size stills imported from Scotland. Matured in brandy casks in five-story tall warehouses, which accelerates the maturation process due to the subtropical climate of Taiwan.
Age Statement: No age statement, but it's suggested that the whisky is relatively young, yet mature due to the climate.
Color and Bottle Design: Not explicitly described, but the whisky is part of the Kavalan Solist line, known for its clear and elegant bottle design. The whisky is non-chill filtered and without added color.

Balance of Flavors: A complex and well-rounded whisky with a balance between oakiness, fruitiness, and a slight astringent note due to its high ABV.
Unique Characteristics: Despite its high alcohol content (58.6% ABV), it has a surprisingly smooth and oily texture without a strong alcohol burn. The brandy cask maturation imparts a damp, dark profile with dried fruits, earthy touches, and a wine-like, grapey essence.
Comparison: The flavor profile is reminiscent of a visit to a sherry bodega that also produces brandy, suggesting a unique blend of whisky and brandy characteristics.

Special Edition: This whisky celebrates the 30th anniversary of Whisky.de, making it a limited edition with only 329 bottles produced.
Production Insights: The Yuan Shan Distillery, where Kavalan is produced, is highlighted for doing nearly everything in-house, except for roasting the barley. The distillery's location benefits from fresh spring water from the Xushan mountains and a subtropical climate conducive to fast maturation.

Taiwanese Distillery: The distillery's location in Taiwan, with its mountainous terrain and subtropical climate, plays a crucial role in the unique maturation process of Kavalan whiskies.
Brandy Cask Influence: The use of brandy casks for maturation is a nod to the distillation process of brandy, which, like whisky, involves distilling a fermented liquid but uses grapes instead of malt.

"This is a dangerous one. If you sip that neat and it has that much alcohol, you will probably get more alcohol than you would expect."
"Cavallar, very well made. Probably deserves a Whiskey.com award."

Kavalan Solist Brandy Cask is a special edition celebrating the 30th anniversary of Whisky.de, with only 329 bottles produced.
Produced in Taiwan at the Yuan Shan Distillery, benefiting from the region's fresh spring water and subtropical climate.
The whisky is matured in brandy casks, contributing to its unique flavor profile of damp, dark notes with dried fruits, earthiness, and a wine-like essence.
Despite its high ABV (58.6%), it has a smooth and oily texture, with a complex balance of oakiness, fruitiness, and a slight astringent note.
The whisky is a testament to the distillery's high-quality production, deserving of recognition, though it won't receive a Whiskey.com award due to conflict of interest.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a penchant for exploring unique cask finishes and appreciating the subtleties of brandy cask maturation.
For Collectors: The limited edition nature and the special anniversary significance make it a valuable addition to any collection.
For High-ABV Whisky Lovers: Individuals who enjoy the challenge and complexity of higher alcohol content whiskies without the harsh burn.
For Adventurous Drinkers: Those interested in the fusion of whisky and brandy characteristics, seeking a unique tasting experience.