Spirit Type: Single Malt

Country: Taiwan

ABV:  46%

Bottle size: 70cl

Note: Box not in good condition

Description:

My preference for Kavalan has solidified it as one of my favorite distilleries. The distillery had primarily relied on the Taiwanese climate as a differentiation factor from other whiskies in the universe because its manifestations were matured in ex-sherry,

ex-bourbon, or ex-wine (vinho barrique) barrels, which was not completely unheard of in the whisky world when I was interviewed by Rhapsody journal about Kavalan and the beginnings of "new world" whisky. The Kavalan Podium was then let loose.

A blend of whiskey that has been matured in both fresh American oak casks and Kavalan's refill casks is known as Kavalan Podium.

This combination is unique. Some Scotch whiskies are made with new (or virgin) oak, although this is uncommon; the majority are matured in refill casks that have previously contained sherry, bourbon, etc.

On the other hand, bourbon is required by law to be matured in brand-new American oak casks. On paper, Kavalan Podium is a fascinating whisky that combines flavors from new American oak casks with refill casks. The latter should deliver flavors in the vanilla spectrum, along with honey, caramel, and coconut, to mention a few.

The moment you take a whiff, you can tell that Kavalan Podium is a game-changing whisky with a distinctive and slightly bizarre flavor.

Intense herbal and tar notes dominate the bouquet's nose, which is almost suggestive of eating a basil and mint Thai salad with chilies and snow pea sprouts by a freshly paved tar road. Sharp bursts of spice and firm flecks of barley are softened by sweeter grape-flavored bubblegum, papaya, chapstick, and vanilla notes.

The whisky boldly displays its plethora of flavors on the palate. Green, underripe tropical fruit lead on the entry with an astringent yet delightful acidity that begins to dry at mid-palate and transforms into zesty passion fruit, lemon peel, chocolate, and star anise.

The finish persists, accentuating desiccated coconut, oak, and a scorching spice that melts the palate before presenting lashes of peppercorn later. It also has a mild vanilla flavor and an almost buttery film.

What a journey! A special expression that highlights the advantages of using fresh wood in conjunction with refill casks is Kavalan Podium. Although it may not be to everyone's taste, this is a brilliantly constructed dram with a lot to offer. It is a creative whisky that pushes the envelope. Kavalan Podium is the kind of whisky that, after a few sips, you just might fall in love with if savored with an open mind and perhaps some brie.