Kavalan Concertmaster utilises Ruby Port, Tawny Port and Vintage Port casks from Portugal to finish whiskies that were initially matured in standard American oak barrels.
I tried this sample as part of my Whisky Advent Calendar.
Kavalan Concertmaster
(40%, OB +/- 2016, Port Cask finish)
Kavalan ConcertmasterNose: honeyed and fairly aromatic, with vanilla and some varnished notes. Plums, raspberries and a hint of red wine, but the Port influence is nicely balanced. Almonds. A faint smoky / roasted note and some pepper in the background. A pleasant surprise.
Mouth: less impressive now. Youngish profile. There’s a vague agave sweetness and oak spices, but other than that it’s fairly flat with hardly any flavours taking centre stage for quite some time. Caramel. Glazed cherries and blackberries after a while – that’s the Port. Hints of liquorice. Too bad.
Finish: fairly weak, sugary, honeyed. Something of aniseed?
The low deviation sherry cask matured Kavalans and (some of) the bourbon single casks are great, but this is so far behind! Disappointing structure and flavours on the palate. Around € 65.
Score: 76/100