Kavalan Concertmaster - Port Cask Finish
ABV: 40% | Origin: Taiwan

Kavalan Concertmaster Port Cask Finish is a beautifully crafted single malt whisky, aged in a combination of American oak and port wine casks to enhance its rich complexity. It offers vibrant notes of dark fruit, red berries, and honey, complemented by subtle hints of vanilla, spice, and oak. The finish is smooth and warming, with a perfect balance of sweetness and depth, making it an elegant choice for whisky enthusiasts.

Tasting Profile

Nose: Ripe red berries, plum, dried cherries, vanilla, honey, subtle oak spice, and hints of tropical fruits
Palate: Smooth and fruity with port wine influence, strawberry jam, red grape, vanilla custard, honey sweetness, gentle spice, and underlying malt
Finish: Medium length with lingering berry sweetness, subtle oak, vanilla, and delicate wine-like tannins

Production Details

Distillation method: Traditional copper pot stills
Cask type(s):
- Initial maturation in American oak ex-bourbon casks
- Finished in specially selected ruby, tawny, and vintage port wine casks
Special processes:
- Tropical maturation accelerates aging process
- Blended from multiple port cask types for complexity
- Named "Concertmaster" to represent the harmonious blending of different port casks
- Taiwan's subtropical climate creates unique maturation conditions
- Non-chill filtered to preserve natural flavors

Perfect For

Those exploring world whisky beyond traditional regions
Wine enthusiasts transitioning to whisky appreciation
Gift-giving to introduce someone to Taiwanese whisky
Collectors of award-winning Asian whiskies
Those who enjoy fruit-forward, approachable single malts

Expert Notes

Created by master blender Ian Chang as an accessible introduction to Kavalan
The first release in Kavalan's wood management series
Taiwan's hot, humid climate accelerates maturation, creating rich flavors despite young age
Represents the innovative approach of new world whisky producers
Multiple port cask types create more complexity than single port finish whiskies

Customer Reviews

"A beautiful introduction to Taiwan's impressive whisky scene." – Elizabeth J. ★★★★☆
"The port influence balances perfectly with the tropical fruit notes." – Michael T. ★★★★★
"Surprisingly complex and refined for its price point." – David L. ★★★★☆

Interesting Facts

Kavalan is named after the indigenous people who originally inhabited Yilan County, Taiwan
The distillery was established in 2005 and released its first whisky in 2008
Taiwan's subtropical climate means whisky matures up to 4 times faster than in Scotland
Kavalan has won numerous international awards, challenging traditional whisky regions
The term "Concertmaster" refers to the lead violinist who helps orchestrate harmony

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy neat or with a small splash of spring water
Try in a highball with premium soda water and a fresh berry garnish
Pairs excellently with dark chocolate or fruit-based desserts
Serve alongside mild cheeses like brie or camembert
Perfect aperitif before a dinner featuring Asian cuisine

Distillery

Kavalan Distillery, located in Yilan County, Taiwan, has rapidly emerged as one of the world's most acclaimed new whisky producers since its founding in 2005. The Concertmaster Port Cask Finish exemplifies their innovative approach to whisky making, utilizing Taiwan's subtropical climate to accelerate maturation while maintaining exceptional quality. Named for the lead violinist who harmonizes an orchestra, this expression blends whisky finished in multiple port wine casks—ruby, tawny, and vintage—creating a symphony of flavors. The port influence adds layers of red fruit and subtle sweetness to Kavalan's naturally fruity spirit, resulting in an accessible yet complex whisky. As part of their wood management series, Concertmaster demonstrates how Kavalan has successfully combined traditional Scottish whisky-making techniques with innovative approaches suited to their unique terroir.

Taiwanese Whisky