Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Australian & New Zealand Exclusive Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

An Aussie and New Zealand exclusive from Kavalan, distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2017 from single cask No.W121213065A (an American oak wine barrel). Officially released several months ago with a total outturn of just 211 bottles, this is now mostly sold out.

As one of the key players on the new world whisky stage, the 'Vinho' label is now highly sought after due to the exceptional quality of its cask program. Fully matured in x red & white American oak wine barrels, slow grown and seasoned in the open air for at least 34 months, the casks then undergo a process called STR (Shaved, Toasted and Re-charred). Controlled toasting converts wine residues into a complex mixture of fruit flavours. The casks are then briefly charred to release vanilla and caramelised sugars.

Tasting note: Brilliant amber gold. Yields dense and warming aromas of spiced orange cake, hazelnut and dark chocolate with brief air contact adding notes of honey, apricot marmalade and toasty oak. Bold yet surprisingly poised; an expansive whisky that saturates the mouth in a bevvy of juicy dried fruits, chewy malt and late cocoa developing intensity and sustained length. Follows through with impressive staying power. Great whisky from a great barrel. 57.8% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.