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.