Kavalan 2012 (Vinho Cask for TWE)

Plenty of The Whisky Exchange exclusives these days…

When talking about the Taiwanese Kavalan whisky, a Vinho Cask is an American oak cask seasoned with Portuguese white and red wine before being re-toasted and filled with spirit. This concept was invented by Dr. Jim Swan together with Kavalan as STR casks.

This single cask bottling was distilled in 2012.

Kavalan 6 yo 2012 (53,2%, OB for The Whisky Exchange 2018, Vinho Cask, W120614028, 180 btl.)

Nose: the typical heavy wood polish with hints of glue. I personally like that in moderate amounts. Teak oil, peppery notes and a whole array of red fruits underneath: raspberry jam, figs and cherry brandy. Dark rummy notes and bananas too. A slightly sour lemony note. Brown sugar. Brimming with aromas, mostly from the cask I presume.

Mouth: rather explosive, indeed more ‘winey’ than their sherry versions. That means more acidity, more tannins. Lots of spices (cinnamon, ginger, pepper, a rye feeling), then strawberries, cassis and cranberries. Juicy plums, hints of Port and chocolate. Vanilla and a herbal hint of Coca-Cola.

Finish: long, spicy with a slight bitter char note, alongside jammy fruits and a hint of cognac.

Complex, highly flavoursome whisky. A bit of a ‘designer’ whisky perhaps with a winey side that bothers me a little, but it’s a rather unique whisky nonetheless. Exclusively available from The Whisky Exchange.

Score: 88/100