6 February 2021
Kavalan Solist Port Cask #0100505024A
Kavalan is one of our favourite new world distilleries. The Taiwanese distillery proved itself several times with some great examples like the Solist Vinho Barrique and (our favourite) Solist Sherry Cask
About time we looked at another one in the series: Solist Port Cask.
Matured on a post cask and bottled at 58.6% ABV, this isn’t for the faint of heart. Port maturation is difficult for good alcohol integration, in our experience, and this isn’t an exception. A teaspoon of water is very welcome here to break through the spirit.
Tasting notes
Nose
The nose is like a visit to the dentist at first, with minty and medical hints like iodine, nail polish and glue. Aromatic flowers and port shine through too. It’s quite spicy as well, with cinnamon and cloves. And if that wasn’t enough, it has some nutty hints, mostly almonds.
Palate
The palate is full bodied and dry. Perfumed and bittersweet, with red fruits, cherry and dark chocolate. Almonds as well.
Finish
Drying nuts, warm maple syrup, raisins and apricots. Lychees, grapes and port that has been in the cabinet for far too long, a bit gritty.
The notes are very interesting, although the alcohol is quite intimidating. Not a pour we take too often, far from a daily dram. But unique nonetheless.
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