Kavalan – Solist Vinho Barrique (70cl, 58.6%)

A single cask Taiwanese single malt from Kavalan's Solist range, matured in a Vinho barrique and bottled at a cask strength of 58.6% in a 70cl bottle. It is non-chill-filtered and has no added colouring. The Solist range uses individually selected casks. For this one, the barrique was reconditioned and freshly toasted before filling. The distillery stands in the north-east of Taiwan, where the warm climate of Yilan is said to intensify fruit, sweetness and wood. The nose is of ripe berries, soft vanilla and a little cask spice. The palate brings tropical fruit, dark cocoa and creamy caramel, followed by a very long finish of oak, tannin and lingering fruit.