You are KILLING ME Rob. I am trying to not buy more scotch but your reviews make this one sound amazing. I might have to make an exception for the Kavalan brand. Great review!
I just got a bottle of this today for about 250 USD. Gonna to open it up tomorrow night with the family for Christmas Eve. I’m very excited. Great review bro. Cheers and happy holidays. 🥃
It’s good to hear this whisky is super good! I had the bottles back to 2015 when I visited my hometown Taiwan from NY. I haven’t open it yet n I am waiting a special day to open it.
Very nice review. The Vinho Barrique is indeed a very, very special bottle. I'm blessed to have tasted the complete range from Kavalan. Completely agree it's hard to believe this is bottled at cask strength due to its smoothness, thick, rich, and complex texture. TWE has an exclusive bottle of Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask, I strongly recommend to give that one a try as well.
I wish I could Michael. TWE won't risk sending bottles to Canada. Ontario has terrible liquor laws. Thanks for watching. Lucky you were able to try the entire line indeed.
Michael Lee, I've seen the bottle of Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask at TWE. If I don't want to spend the money, what do you think of the Sherry Oak. Its suppose to be the same juice, but brought down to 46% abv. What was you opinion of the Sherry Cask also.
Keith, The regular Sherry Oak is very, very good as well. With a lower ABV, you'll get more dry fruits, nutmeg, hints of almond and vanilla on the nose and lots of dry fruits, hints of chocolate, some fig, and the usual sweet, smooth, complex, and long-lasting finish on the palate. I have the entire Kavalan range in my collection, and all of them are exceptional whiskies. Try them out if you can, you'll not regret it. Cheers!
Great review ! I like the three Solists that I bought (samples) at the distillery in 2012. VB, Sherry and Bourbon. I think the Solists are certainly the ones to go for. But at some USD90/750cc bottle they were at the Distillery they were already expensive. The prices they are going for now is just c.r.a.z.y. With so much production capacity let's hope prices get down to nearer 90/bottle again. I would like to try the others in the range as well. I hear there is a one year waiting list at the distillery for VB. Perhaps for the Amontillado now that it too won a coveted award.
Amazing review! I can almost taste the dram as you describe it. I have a bottle but I do not want to open it. I wish I had a mini I could sample but your review was the next best thing. Cheers
Been around and commenting, but not so much as usual because I've been pretty busy the last month or so. I've caught most of yours. :) I'm off to pick up a bottle of the Sherry Soloist CS tomorrow life permitting. Love the VB so I am hopeful on the Sherry CS.
Good review Rob. Really glad you enjoyed this. I can get pretty much the whole range. This is about £200 in the U.K. I have no doubt this is great stuff and it's been on my wishlist for a while. It's the price that's stopping me getting it. Some might say supply and demand. Sure, I understand. I just think this is too expensive and I don't want to get used to drinking £200 bottles.
Thanks buddy. I hear you. My only justification for these guys is the rate at which their product evaporates. They only got 230 bottles out of a whole Barrique Cask which can fit 225 litres. This channel has caused me to spend much more than I would justify usually on whisky.
I think I am just going to have to buy something of theirs. I'm just too curious. I think we all have to watch our spend though. I was talking to Mark at Whisky Whistle about this and we both agreed that we'd both gone a bit over the top since we got serious about it. I'm no millionaire.
Welsh Toro agreed. I'm lucky I have friends that help out once and a while. I'm a big book guy as well Welsh for the record. I with you when it comes to purchase with the intent to consume. I just don't like having a lot of bottles opened at the same time.
My wife teaches English. I'm surprised you find the time for this. I'm not bragging with the number, I'm just curious about my enthusiasm. After a couple of years of wild experimentation I have a much better idea about what I like now. Much easier to open a bottle than read a book.
Welsh Toro it gets challenging for sure. I teach grade 7/8s by day, teach Thai boxing three times a week and then the channel. I read before bed and usually have an audiobook going while I drive. In Ontario elementary/middle school teachers teach English, Math, Science, Geography,History, PsyEd and in my case Religion as well. I love teaching but the rest are my hobbies.
Ya this one is an absolute beauty. I totally geeked out in this video. Been looking for information on the Fino and Amontillado all morning. I can't believe how good the Vinho Barrique is.
Just went to Taiwan and visited the Kavalan Distillery itself and bought a bottle. They go for around $120 USD base price. However, after returning to Taipei from Yilan (Where Kavalan is located), I wanted to bring back another bottle so I went looking for it at their official stores in the city. Every store was sold out of them. You could only get them in secondary market for around $250 USD. Meh. But yeah, shared it with a couple of friends and we all agree it definitely is different from any whiskies we've tried in a good way. It definitely hits a lot of fruit notes in the palate, but don't take that it as saying it's like drinking liqueur. It's still a delicious whisky straight up.
Great review! The Kavalan's are readily available in Alberta. High time you save some money and make a road trip out here, with a truck! You would be like a kid in a candy store out here.
It was from a hunt on craigslist. Watch my review from yesterday, I talk about it. In the last 4 months I've found a Solist Sherry Cask (not avail in US) for $100 and a Solist Amontillado which I traded a couple bourbons for
Not yet. I buy with the intent and plan to open every bottle I have. I've just collected so long and to often that there are way more un open than open. I only like to keep about 13 or so open at a time
When I went to the distillery I bought as much as I could afford: Solist Fino, Solist Vino, Solist Ex-Bourbon, and their distillery reserve. The Fino is up there with the best whiskies I've ever tasted, a masterpiece for sure. The ex-bourbon is also excellent but I've kept my Vino barrique sealed for a special occassion. Great review!
W6, I'm assuming its a single cask as its 72/216 and its high abv. They must use really small casks to get only 216 bottles. To be only 5-7 yrs and also Non chill and natural color, that sure is a very dark bottle. So the climate sounds like the same as in India, where Amrut is produced. Which one would you buy first, Amrut or Kavalan? I'm leaning toward Kavalan, maybe the KAVALAN SOLIST 2009 BOURBON CASK. Great review!
Put it this way Keith. My new mission in this hobby is to try every Kavalan I can. One of the best whiskies I've ever tried for sure. It is single cask. A barrique carries 225 litres of whisky, however because of the sub tropical climate in Taiwan, it's likely there are some very thirsty angels taking an alarming share.
W6, that's a great mission. So it sounds like you prefer Kavalan over Amrut?? If Taiwan and India can produce killer whisky in 5-7 years, hopefully Scotland will take note and reduce their prices. This could maybe have an impact on scotch in the future?? I hope Malt Mondays below can answer my question.
Keith Petersen I can only see it impacting Scotchish distilleries negatively. It wouldn't be apples to apple I've only tried a sherried Amrut. When I try the Sherry Cask Kavalan I'll know for sure but right now leaning to Kavalan over everything lol.
W6, sounds like my next purchase may have to be a Kavalan. I'm currently watching a video by Liquor Hound regarding 4 of the Kavalan expressions. This was done in Jan 15, 2016
Don't worry about other review brother *Your Drinking a Worlds Best Whisky* its like having a *CHAMPIONSHIP BELT*! It doesn't get any better. This is the definition of #ElitistWhiskyDrinkers ! When you got the best you look back the Rest! You say quietly to yourself. *OH* what a feeling to drink like a champion! *Thats the smile @ 12:00! #Kavalan Vinho Barrique! #21st Thumbs up Shared on Twitter, Google Plus, Pinterest and to the World!!
Well I've only give. 3 A+ but I plan to rereview a whisky that might bump one of these. Let's just say for now Benriach 1998 PX, Mac ED2 and this are in the top three at the moment.
You are KILLING ME Rob. I am trying to not buy more scotch but your reviews make this one sound amazing. I might have to make an exception for the Kavalan brand. Great review!
Tom R they are some of the sweetest single malts I’ve ever tried.
Really enjoying your videos mate.Cheers.
Thanks buddy. I appreciate you watching. Cheers!
Found your channel just a couple off weeks ago by watching Ralfy..
Hope it measures up. Ralfy is a legend.
Yeah you can't beat a legend but your doing great job. Cheers..
thank you. Cheers buddy.
I just got a bottle of this today for about 250 USD. Gonna to open it up tomorrow night with the family for Christmas Eve. I’m very excited. Great review bro. Cheers and happy holidays. 🥃
Enjoy. Cheers and Happy Holidays.
amazing taste indeed ! I just try and this Taiwanese whisky is too too too good! if you haven't tasted yet, you should try !
It’s good to hear this whisky is super good! I had the bottles back to 2015 when I visited my hometown Taiwan from NY. I haven’t open it yet n I am waiting a special day to open it.
Great review rob
Very nice review. The Vinho Barrique is indeed a very, very special bottle. I'm blessed to have tasted the complete range from Kavalan. Completely agree it's hard to believe this is bottled at cask strength due to its smoothness, thick, rich, and complex texture. TWE has an exclusive bottle of Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask, I strongly recommend to give that one a try as well.
I wish I could Michael. TWE won't risk sending bottles to Canada. Ontario has terrible liquor laws. Thanks for watching. Lucky you were able to try the entire line indeed.
Michael Lee, I've seen the bottle of Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask at TWE. If I don't want to spend the money, what do you think of the Sherry Oak. Its suppose to be the same juice, but brought down to 46% abv. What was you opinion of the Sherry Cask also.
Keith, The regular Sherry Oak is very, very good as well. With a lower ABV, you'll get more dry fruits, nutmeg, hints of almond and vanilla on the nose and lots of dry fruits, hints of chocolate, some fig, and the usual sweet, smooth, complex, and long-lasting finish on the palate. I have the entire Kavalan range in my collection, and all of them are exceptional whiskies. Try them out if you can, you'll not regret it. Cheers!
Michael, good to know. That description is exactly what I like to find in my sherried scotch. Thanks alot...
Great review ! I like the three Solists that I bought (samples) at the distillery in 2012. VB, Sherry and Bourbon.
I think the Solists are certainly the ones to go for. But at some USD90/750cc bottle they were at the Distillery they were already expensive. The prices they are going for now is just c.r.a.z.y. With so much production capacity let's hope prices get down to nearer 90/bottle again. I would like to try the others in the range as well.
I hear there is a one year waiting list at the distillery for VB. Perhaps for the Amontillado now that it too won a coveted award.
They are all really expensive. Definitely not an every man drink. Really want to try the Amontillado.
Amazing review! I can almost taste the dram as you describe it. I have a bottle but I do not want to open it. I wish I had a mini I could sample but your review was the next best thing. Cheers
Cheers Max
Bottling date is on back in stencil. But I am so late to this review you have probably already figured that out. Love this stuff.
Triplecap it’s been a while.
Just happened to be doing some Kavalan VB research tonight and came across this one. Nicely done.
Triplecap thanks brother. You’ve been M.I.A for a while. Hope all is well.
Been around and commenting, but not so much as usual because I've been pretty busy the last month or so. I've caught most of yours. :) I'm off to pick up a bottle of the Sherry Soloist CS tomorrow life permitting. Love the VB so I am hopeful on the Sherry CS.
Great whisky mate 👏🏻👏🏻🥃🥃
Good review Rob. Really glad you enjoyed this. I can get pretty much the whole range. This is about £200 in the U.K. I have no doubt this is great stuff and it's been on my wishlist for a while. It's the price that's stopping me getting it. Some might say supply and demand. Sure, I understand. I just think this is too expensive and I don't want to get used to drinking £200 bottles.
Thanks buddy. I hear you. My only justification for these guys is the rate at which their product evaporates. They only got 230 bottles out of a whole Barrique Cask which can fit 225 litres. This channel has caused me to spend much more than I would justify usually on whisky.
I think I am just going to have to buy something of theirs. I'm just too curious. I think we all have to watch our spend though. I was talking to Mark at Whisky Whistle about this and we both agreed that we'd both gone a bit over the top since we got serious about it. I'm no millionaire.
Welsh Toro agreed. I'm lucky I have friends that help out once and a while. I'm a big book guy as well Welsh for the record. I with you when it comes to purchase with the intent to consume. I just don't like having a lot of bottles opened at the same time.
My wife teaches English. I'm surprised you find the time for this. I'm not bragging with the number, I'm just curious about my enthusiasm. After a couple of years of wild experimentation I have a much better idea about what I like now. Much easier to open a bottle than read a book.
Welsh Toro it gets challenging for sure. I teach grade 7/8s by day, teach Thai boxing three times a week and then the channel. I read before bed and usually have an audiobook going while I drive. In Ontario elementary/middle school teachers teach English, Math, Science, Geography,History, PsyEd and in my case Religion as well. I love teaching but the rest are my hobbies.
Great Review bud. Always exciting to try new gems.
Ya this one is an absolute beauty. I totally geeked out in this video. Been looking for information on the Fino and Amontillado all morning. I can't believe how good the Vinho Barrique is.
I have heard mixed things about the fino and mostly great things about the amontillado. Never tried them though.
They aren't cheap so I'm trying to find something concrete. May just buy another Vinho Barrique lol.
Just went to Taiwan and visited the Kavalan Distillery itself and bought a bottle. They go for around $120 USD base price. However, after returning to Taipei from Yilan (Where Kavalan is located), I wanted to bring back another bottle so I went looking for it at their official stores in the city. Every store was sold out of them. You could only get them in secondary market for around $250 USD. Meh.
But yeah, shared it with a couple of friends and we all agree it definitely is different from any whiskies we've tried in a good way. It definitely hits a lot of fruit notes in the palate, but don't take that it as saying it's like drinking liqueur. It's still a delicious whisky straight up.
Completely agree. It's expensive stuff.
just bought a 1L bottle for $212 in thailand duty free
Great review! The Kavalan's are readily available in Alberta. High time you save some money and make a road trip out here, with a truck! You would be like a kid in a candy store out here.
VaryingViewpoint you're right. I really need to. Any recommendations where I should take my family? I would clean the shelves there lol.
Edmonton for the most part has the best prices compared to Calgary, but it's still worth going to both cities since you are in Alberta.
Good review Mark.
The Whisky Hunter lol this isn't Whisky Whistle Allen.
Ps. Where did you grab that Solist you bought yesterday?
It was from a hunt on craigslist. Watch my review from yesterday, I talk about it. In the last 4 months I've found a Solist Sherry Cask (not avail in US) for $100 and a Solist Amontillado which I traded a couple bourbons for
You open any or simply collector pieces?
Not yet. I buy with the intent and plan to open every bottle I have. I've just collected so long and to often that there are way more un open than open. I only like to keep about 13 or so open at a time
Love the % on this...excellent bottle. You're lucky to have a full 750mL! Cheers Rob!
Ya... Problem is all I can think about is buying the rest of the Solist collection.
When I went to the distillery I bought as much as I could afford: Solist Fino, Solist Vino, Solist Ex-Bourbon, and their distillery reserve. The Fino is up there with the best whiskies I've ever tasted, a masterpiece for sure. The ex-bourbon is also excellent but I've kept my Vino barrique sealed for a special occassion. Great review!
I'm working on getting the Fino and perhaps the Amontillado.
Malt Mondays, which ex-bourbon are you talking about? Do you mean the Kavalan Solist Bourbon Cask 2009 or 2010?? I'm looking at the TWE website.
W6, those 2 bottles are between $300-$400 at TWE.
Do you like cigars? Do they go well with particular whisky?
I smoke the occasional cigar. I prefer not to pair the two. I enjoy whisky on its own.
W6, I'm assuming its a single cask as its 72/216 and its high abv. They must use really small casks to get only 216 bottles. To be only 5-7 yrs and also Non chill and natural color, that sure is a very dark bottle. So the climate sounds like the same as in India, where Amrut is produced. Which one would you buy first, Amrut or Kavalan? I'm leaning toward Kavalan, maybe the KAVALAN SOLIST 2009 BOURBON CASK. Great review!
Put it this way Keith. My new mission in this hobby is to try every Kavalan I can. One of the best whiskies I've ever tried for sure. It is single cask. A barrique carries 225 litres of whisky, however because of the sub tropical climate in Taiwan, it's likely there are some very thirsty angels taking an alarming share.
W6, that's a great mission. So it sounds like you prefer Kavalan over Amrut?? If Taiwan and India can produce killer whisky in 5-7 years, hopefully Scotland will take note and reduce their prices. This could maybe have an impact on scotch in the future?? I hope Malt Mondays below can answer my question.
Keith Petersen I can only see it impacting Scotchish distilleries negatively. It wouldn't be apples to apple I've only tried a sherried Amrut. When I try the Sherry Cask Kavalan I'll know for sure but right now leaning to Kavalan over everything lol.
W6, sounds like my next purchase may have to be a Kavalan. I'm currently watching a video by Liquor Hound regarding 4 of the Kavalan expressions. This was done in Jan 15, 2016
Like or Dislike: Like -- quite possibly your best thumbnail ever. Great review, too.
6, do you prefer the solist vinho barrique or the solist Port?
Don't worry about other review brother *Your Drinking a Worlds Best Whisky* its like having a *CHAMPIONSHIP BELT*! It doesn't get any better. This is the definition of #ElitistWhiskyDrinkers ! When you got the best you look back the Rest! You say quietly to yourself. *OH* what a feeling to drink like a champion! *Thats the smile @ 12:00! #Kavalan Vinho Barrique! #21st Thumbs up Shared on Twitter, Google Plus, Pinterest and to the World!!
Wait a minute I'm done yet! I didn't say *Decoded Transmission* >>>********Resecured*******.
Seattle206723 lol awesome buddy. Thanks for watching. I'll get the to Sherry soon. Cheers.
Would you say that it's the best whisky that you've tried?
Definitely in the top 3.
What would be those top 3?
Well I've only give. 3 A+ but I plan to rereview a whisky that might bump one of these. Let's just say for now Benriach 1998 PX, Mac ED2 and this are in the top three at the moment.
Alright but let's just say you could only pick one whisky to drink for the rest of your life.
lol... Honestly it changes all the time. Today I'm going to say Kavalan Vinho Barrique.
12/07/2010 bottle date barrel 54 of the day...........I think is what it means
asilver1234 yep and bottled in 2016
Whisky In The 6 cool, mine a 2012, just added you on fb, thanks for the reviews!
Cheers brother, thanks for the add.
11.15 min
""""amaro""".... whithout amaro (bitterness) ... is the biggest bullllssss..... i ever heard .....
Muro ashbanawazza 🤫