Taiwanese whisky has been a 'thing' for a while now, since 2008 in fact, but the highly-regarded Kavalan whiskies are now finally available in Europe! This single malt whisky utilises Ruby Port, Tawny Port and Vintage Port casks from Portugal to finish whiskies that were initially matured in American oak. Kavalan Concertmaster was named Best in Class at the 2011 International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Red grapes and clove, followed by a good whack of vanilla. A little bit of tobacco leaf and cookie dough.
Brown sugar mixed with ground cinnamon and white pepper, doused in good Port. A core of white oak warmth.
Raisins, prunes, strawberry jam and another pinch of tobacco.
Odd the discrepancies between reviews. I've never rated anything below a 4 before I think (of probably 40 reviews). This one was utterly horrible though. Tastes not far off from Jagermeister (or what I remember from college years). Certainly it's better than that, but come on, I paid $99 here in USA/MI which would have gotten me a Laphroaig 18, A'Bunadh, or Redbreast 15 with $10 to spare.
I really enjoyed this! It's finished in Port casks so you can imagine what it's going to taste like...no surprise. The surprise is how luscious it is. Full of rich dark fruit and oh so smooth. Agree that the finish is a bit short, but excellent overall.
I'd be disappointed at half the price. Simple with a hot cheap finish.
How this can remind anyone of blended scotch is beyond me? My 5th Kavalan tried and all have been 8-9 out of 10 and the fino solist one the best so called new world Whiskies I have tried out of over 1400 odd in my life. Dark charred tropical fruit, hot chocolate, malty caramel,anise, sweet oaky red berries, kirsch & Black Forest gateaux on the nose.Plenty to chew on here with stewed red fruit, spicy plum, aromatic oak, red wine tannins, anise and more choco/black cherry. Only critical note would be the short finish but this with a bit more age would be a world beating port cask offering. The Whisky Flaneur
If you like The Macallan Fine Oak 10 or 12 yr, you will like this one. but It's not for the peat fan.
