Kavalan Podium Whisky 70cl

Pleasant. Easily drinkable. Bit expensive. There are better whiskies than this that are so much cheaper. Probably will not buy again

A lot of grain and some slight oaky notes on the nose and palate. Not picking up any fruit on this at all. Overall it's kind of disappointing. Won't buy it again.

I've been living in Taiwan for 15 years and have followed the advent of Kavalan and Omar whiskies with great interest. Honestly, with great skepticism at first, but in the end they never disappoint. If you are afraid to try the wallet and mouth numbing Solists, this one is a great introduction to Kavalan. The fruit and spice flavours mingle perfectly with the wood.

The Sherry Solists are awesome, regardless of other reviews, even if they quote libraries in the 100's, or elevate my homey South African sherry to new heights. I have never had a bad Kavalan, or Omar for that matter. Taiwan has really come to surprise (shock??) us all with their whisky.

I travel a lot in Asia so I see a lot of adverts for "the world's best whiskey" but only started trying them recently. I have a large Whisk(e)y library with most styles represented (currently 125 labels). I previously bought a Solist (sherry cask finish) which was awful. It tastes like it was matured in South African sherry casks and is very sharp, poorly balanced. The Podium however is a more middle-of-the-road offering which I first tried (for free) in an airport lounge. I resolved to get a bottle and try it seriously at home so, here we go.

The bouquet is enchanting. Fresh sawdust/toolshed, old books and dry vanilla pod. Vanilla/oak are the predominant flavours with a developing sweet tropical fruit and custard middle and a long, softening aftertaste of caramel, cocoa and toasted coconut. Tasted blind, I suspect you would swear it was (extremely good) Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Bravo. Kavalan, you have a new fan.