Kavalan Classic Single Malt is the benchmark whisky produced in Taiwan. This blend is made from several types of casks: ex-bourbon, sherry, wine and refilled casks.
Tasting note from Thomas
The nose is clearly fruity. Apricots and a piece of mango are coated with honey (or even royal jelly) which gives a rather bright sweetness. A hint of pear, vanilla and cocoa powder are then combined with flowers (orchids, lilies). Finally, a little cinnamon and sawdust finish off the contours of this overall rather round nose.
The texture, in the mouth, is rather dense for 40%. The power is sufficient but slightly restrained. Notes of mango and passion fruit come through fleetingly before the lightly toasted wood, vanilla and cinnamon are more present. The whole is nimble with honey and flowers (lilies) but the drier aspect (spices, wood) is never really absent from the proceedings. There is also an underlying freshness, very close to mint and fern.
The finish is rather short but retains its exotic fruity component. It then switches to citrus fruits and light woody notes. The freshness is then much more reduced.
"A good introduction to Kavalan, a blend of fruity opulence and marked oak... "
Jean Paul Mougniotte
Good but not exceptional
gregoire
Not bad. Lacks a bit of fruitiness for my taste.
José, Luxembourg
not bad but not more