Solist is German for ‘Soloist’, which in this case refers to the fact that this expression is from Kavalan’s single cask range (they really, really like musical metaphors). Given this whisky is of course Taiwanese, I can’t really tell you why this range has an apparently German name but I can tell you that their ex-Bourbon cask releases won a Gold Medal at both the ISC 2010 and the IWSC 2011. Impressive. (57.8% ABV)

Bottle size750ml

Nose:Vanilla, nutmeg, banana chips, mango and honeysuckle.

Palete:Sweet and rich, but not sickly or cloying. Rounded spice, creamy barley and oak, more vanilla, pear drops.

Finish: Medium, creamy and gently spiced.