Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Cask (58.6%) vs The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Cask (58.6%)
Kavalan
★ 5.00
£115
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
The Lakes Distillery
★ 5.00
£85
| Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Cask (58.6%) | The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Kavalan | The Lakes Distillery |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Taiwan | England |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.6% | 52% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £115 | £84.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Cask (58.6%)
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Cask (58.6%)
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Quick verdict
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is better value at £85 vs £115.
For beginners: The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Cask (58.6%)
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (58.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£115 vs £84.95)
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£84.95 vs £115)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
Who should buy Kavalan?
Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Cask (58.6%) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Who should buy The?
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Cask (58.6%)
Only The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5