Kavalan Podium is an expression matured in a mix of virgin American oak + refill Kavalan casks.
Kavalan Podium (46%, OB 2015)
Nose: a fairly light but fresh nose, with vanilla cream, banana and papaya. Floral honey and hints of coconut which was to be expected from the virgin oak. Candied ginger, soft pepper. Also light leafy notes and a faint whiff of incense.
Mouth: bright barley, bananas and honey again. Vanilla. Green fruits and a slightly tangy grape skin note. Ginger and pepper. Lemon peel. Dried coconut and leather. Rather modern and oak-driven but the balance between new and refill oak is quite right.
Finish: medium long, with vanilla ice cream, spices and a leathery dryness.
A nice recipe and a balanced expression, although you’ll have to like the specific aromatics of new oak. Less impressive than their sherry matured bottlings. Around € 70.
Score: 85/100