Kavalan Solist Bourbon Cask (bottled 2017), 58.6%

Introduction

Kavalan Solist Bourbon Cask represents the pinnacle of Taiwanese whisky craftsmanship, showcasing how this relatively young distillery has revolutionized the global whisky landscape with its innovative approach to maturation in Taiwan’s unique subtropical climate.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Premium malted barley, pure spring water from Snow Mountain’s mineral-rich sources in Yilan County, Taiwan
• Distillation process: Double distillation in copper pot stills imported from Scotland, designed to create a refined spirit with excellent fruity character
• Maturation: Aged in carefully selected first-fill American oak bourbon casks in Kavalan’s maturation warehouses, where Taiwan’s subtropical climate accelerates the aging process
• Special techniques: Non-chill filtered and bottled at natural cask strength to preserve maximum flavor complexity; single cask selection ensures uniqueness of each batch

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Intense vanilla, toffee, and coconut with rich tropical fruits, honey, and subtle oak spice
• Palate: Creamy mouthfeel with waves of butterscotch, ripe mango, pineapple, and dark chocolate, complemented by gentle cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper
• Finish: Long and warming with lingering notes of dried fruits, oak tannins, vanilla custard, and a subtle hint of menthol

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (18-21°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat; a few drops of water can open up additional complexity without diminishing the intensity
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate, dried fruits, aged cheeses, or lightly smoked almonds

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 58.6% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Taiwan, Yilan County
• Certifications/Awards: Multiple gold medals at the World Whiskies Awards and San Francisco World Spirits Competition; part of Kavalan’s award-winning Solist series

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Kavalan Solist Bourbon Cask represents a masterclass in whisky maturation, demonstrating how Taiwan’s subtropical climate creates exceptional complexity in a fraction of the time required in cooler regions.

As a single cask expression, each bottle represents a truly limited experience that can never be precisely replicated once the cask is emptied.

Renowned whisky critic Jim Murray has consistently praised Kavalan’s expressions, confirming the distillery’s status among the world’s elite whisky producers despite its relatively recent establishment in 2005.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Whisky enthusiasts worldwide have embraced Kavalan Solist Bourbon Cask, with collectors specifically seeking out these 2017 bottlings for their exceptional quality and character.

Devoted Kavalan followers consistently return to the Solist series for its remarkable consistency and the pure expression of the distillery’s house style.

The numerous gold medals and accolades awarded to this expression serve as testament to the exceptional quality that has established Kavalan as Taiwan’s premier whisky producer.

From Kavalan Distillery to You

Each bottle of Kavalan Solist Bourbon Cask is hand-selected by Master Distiller Ian Chang, offering you direct access to his expertise and passion for creating world-class whisky.

The approachable yet complex character of this expression makes it both impressive to seasoned collectors and welcoming to those beginning their journey into premium single malts.

By enjoying this Kavalan Solist Bourbon Cask, you join a global community of discerning whisky enthusiasts who appreciate how this Taiwanese distillery has redefined excellence in whisky production – secure your bottle to experience this remarkable achievement in distillation.