One of the Hottest Names in Collectible Whisky Returns
2008 Kavalan “Solist – K&L Exclusive” Sherry Cask Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky ($209.99)
“Little in the world compares to this…”—David Othenin-Girard, K&L SoCal Spirits Buyer
Now that Kavalan is a household name among whisky aficionados after garnering World Whisky of the Year and World’s Best Single Malt Whisky honors, their bottlings are disappearing from the market at an astonishing rate. Early last year, we had the incredibly rare opportunity to offer a single barrel of the Kavalan “Solist” Sherry Cask, which easily became one of our fastest-selling whiskies of 2018. In November, our minds were blown by the stupendous luck at gaining access to a second cask long after our first offer sold out. So now we don’t even know what to make of the fact that, once more, we recently stumbled across another miniscule stash of this collector’s dream. The third time’s a charm, as they say. Then again, so were the first two.
This particular cask was distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2013, after which it rested comfortably (and discreetly hidden or “lost”) in the distributor’s warehouse until we scored a sample. We were offered first crack at the remaining supply, and there was no question about what to do. This cask shows a rounder and slightly more decadent profile than its previous two sister casks while still maintaining that characteristic chewy density and weight for which the brand is known. Collectors the world over are going to great lengths (and expense) to get their hands on Kavalan’s single cask whiskies, and this one is available nowhere else. Whether you secured some of this stunning juice on the last two go-rounds or you just missed the train, this is an opportunity that must be seized.
The spectacular Kavalan Sherry Cask “Solist” has become harder and harder to get. The importer used to bring samples by once or twice a year and we’d get to pick one and pray it showed up, but now they’ve got a number of other flavors they’re focusing on and the incredibly delicious Sherry Cask, their most highly regarded regular release, has become extremely limited. That’s why we were absolutely flabbergasted to find that an entire cask of Solist Sherry (Solist is the international name for the cask strength single barrels and the name does not appear on the label) had been sitting in the importer’s warehouse for several years. We got our hands on a sample and fell in love. This wild cask of Kavalan was distilled way back in 2008 and bottled almost five years ago. It’s been waiting in the wings while our single barrels have come and gone. We’re not sure if this cask was partially sold into other markets, but we bought all 40 cases left. While that might seem like a lot, we typically get 80+ out of a sherry butt. Due to the incredible scarcity and allocated nature of this product, we don’t expect it to last very long. The style here is sweeter and rounder than some of the hardcore tannic versions we’ve had in the past. Deep fruit compote, bold exotic spices and roasted hazelnuts coupled with a rich chewy texture that’s become the hallmark of this exceptional bottling.
