Taiwanese Whisky by Kavalan, I guess it can now be called a classic. Since its inception in 2005, King Car Kavalan Distillery has won many international awards and can go head-to-head with the greats of the world. Benefiting from proximity to both mountain ranges and Pacific Ocean, having access to natural pure spring water and moderating sea breeze has created this unique nurturing ground for undisbutably world class expressions.

I am a big peat lover when it comes to whisky, nothing stimulates the senses more than having that well integrated salty and smokey flavours that coat and last so well into the finish. To much of the Scotch, peat is a tradition turned signature. Kavalan is the totally opposite to that. Not having access to the naturally forming ancient peat moss, Kavalan has really made fruity floral flavours its calling card.

This Solist Port Cask Single Malt won the 2018 World Whiskies Awards Single Cask Single Malt Category.  Not letting the title influence my taste, this mahogany hued whisky has an explosive fruity and floral nose with blossoming caramel toffee notes. On the palate it is quite creamy with more of the exciting sweetness like sparkling fresh fruit crystals if that makes any sense.  It is a youthful yet sophisticated whisky that I very much enjoy as a change of pace from the peaty whiskies I usually have. The initial alcohol burn is expected from a younger cask strength whisky. I would suggest for people who are less accustomed to spirits to add a bit of water; it will tame the heat and open up the flavours more.