Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask

A gift sample from a friend-

Nose: Very sherried - the wine's quickly apparent - and intensely grapey. The sherry is both sweet and a little dry. There's a strong malty core to it as well, perhaps giving it a sense of youth. Almost a candied/sugar quality. Pleasant nose, even if a little straightforward. (with water) The nose explodes and the fino, candy, and malt are all out there. Also like sticky cotton candy in a flower shop. Very "purple"

Palate: If somebody dissolved jelly beans, sherry, and cotton candy in a whisky solution, this would be it. A little wood and malt bring it home, providing moderate dryness. It keeps the whole from being too extreme, but I almost wonder how great this would be if it were just totally over the top. (with water) The sweetness is more even and the malt more pronounced. I think that I prefer this more neat.

Finish/Comment: Not the most complex, but when you want liquid, malty candy, this would be it. Balanced wood and a bit of malt despite being, I think, rather young.

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