Kavalan Solist Peated Year of the Rat (55.6% abv)

This exclusive offering holds special significance as it not only celebrates the revered Rat sign in the Chinese zodiac but also signifies the first-ever introduction of Kavalan Peated Whisky to the Canadian market. Prepare to embark on an extraordinary sensory journey.

COLOUR: Mahogany

NOSE: This is a very interesting nose for a Kavalan Single Malt, definitely unlike any other Kavalan whisky I have tried. There is a lot of typical Kavalan nuts, vanilla and honey but then comes this beautiful sweet smoky sea air not with stewed apples, pears, pineapples and thick raspberry jam. It has the signature Kavalan Tropical fruit notes, but they are hidden under a thick smoke and vanilla scent. I spent a long time romancing this nose before finally diving into the taste, and cannot even count the differences I was finding every few sip, just an absolutely great nose.

PALATE: It comes in warm and thick a true Cask Strength single malt, with that raspberry jam and thick vanilla from the nose really showing their way through along with some coconut and smoky fruit flavor. Again it has all the signature Kavalan flavors but the smoke and vanilla that coat your palate is something completely new, and reminds you that this is unlike any other Kavalan Single Malt Whisky they have produced before. Finish:

This has a medium to long finish that is all present on the palate and coating of your mouth. When swallowed it seems to disappear as if it never went down at all but your mouth is left with a ton of smoky spices and fruity flavors that stay for a long time. I was picking up new notes almost every sip I had and found this opened up a lot after sitting a few minutes in the glass. This is a great whisky by Kavalan that is easy to drink yet complex and balanced at the same time.