What they say

Like the Kavalan Sherry Oak, this release takes the same fantastic liquid that’s been used in Solist releases (in this case, the bourbon cask matured ones) and dilutes it to a bottling strength of 46% using local spring water.

What I say

What with all the new Scottish distilleries Kavalan seems to have slipped a little of the radar these days. Much like Japanese whisky Kavalan pretty much sky-rocketed in price as soon as its quality was established. Thankfully their core range is still reasonably affordable and easy to obtain. This is a slightly older bottling – the newer one drops the “ex-‘ and is known as Kavalan Boubon Oak Matured.

• ABV 46%
• Age NAS
• Bottler Official
• Bottling ex-Bourbon Oak
• Cask Bourbon Cask
• Category Taiwanese single malt whisky
• Cost £80
• Origin Kavalan Distillery
• Outturn undisclosed
• Region Taiwan
• Released 2013
• Vintage undisclosed

My tasting notes

• Appearance Mid gold (8/20) medium-fine tears and fine legs.
• Nose Bright, polished, waxy fruits, vanilla, woody sugars, hay, quite vegetal, cut grass, pear drops, banana and cereal.
• Taste Light-bodied, silky, touch mentholic, buttery Murray mints, soft cereals, nutty, oaty flapjacks, barley malt, vanilla, apple skin, pear drops, banana chips and coconut.
• Finish Medium, buttery caramel, honey and soft spices.
• Overall Very polished and smooth, Highland toffee, buttery caramel and creamy vanilla, some fruit and woody notes make this one a very easy drinker.

Score 85/100