This Taiwanese Kavalan whisky has been aged in ex-bourbon casks.
Tasting note from Thomas
The nose seems complex and has a nice roundness. First of all, we perceive citrus fruits (yuzu, tangerine), exotic fruits (banana, coconut, pineapple, guava) which denotes an eminently fruity character. Then, fresh cream, basil, vanilla and nutmeg give relief to the whole. Finally, a touch of wood, liquorice and a hint of black pepper complete the profile.
The aeration clearly brings out the dry wood and green pepper. However, the exoticism is still there with notably the banana which brings a lot of fat. Little by little, citrus fruits take over (with mandarin) while flowers appear (orange blossom, magnolia). In the end, it is the roundness that prevails.
The palate has a smooth texture and a perfectly calibrated amplitude. There is a nice balance. Indeed, the sweetness of candied citrus fruits mixes with exoticism (pineapple, guava) to meet wood and spices (clove, black pepper, cardamom). Then, some flowers (carnations) telescope with wood, white chocolate, vanilla and citrus.
The finish is fresher despite the restrained presence of wood. Apricot, mango, vanilla, tangerine and orange can be detected at this point. A spicy (cardamom, pepper) and slightly woody impression remains amidst the exotic fruits.
" A whisky that plays on the exuberance of its fruity heart as much as on its woody and spicy markers..."
Cedric Laille
One delicious word