Kavalan adds Sherry cask-finished whisky to Concertmaster line

Taiwanese whisky maker Kavalan has launched the second expression in its Concertmaster range, which has matured in Sherry-seasoned casks.

A twist on the Vesper Martini has been created to celebrate the launch of Kavalan Concertmaster Sherry Finish

Bottled at 40% ABV, the Kavalan Concertmaster Sherry Finish has been matured in Sherry-seasoned American oak casks after ageing in the distillery’s special reserve of re-fill casks.

The first round of maturation in the distillery’s American oak re-fill casks “allows the purity and fruitiness of Kavalan’s distillery spirit to develop, while lending the whisky its delicate aromas”.

The additional maturation in the Sherry-seasoned casks gives the whisky its “complexity of layers and further brings out the depth of flavours made possible in Taiwan’s unique subtropical climate”.

On the nose, the expression has “layers of crème brûlée” and notes of dark fruits and walnut. The palate has “luscious tropical fruits” followed by a “lingering long” finish.

The new Sherry cask-finished whisky joins the first offering in the range, Kavalan Concertmaster Port Cask Finish.

“Just like our first Concertmaster, the finishing in Sherry casks mellows out the flavours, adds depth and multiple layers, and locks in an incredible softness to the whisky,” said master blender Ian Chang.

The newly opened Kavalan Whisky Bar in Taipei had created a cocktail for the launch of the Concertmaster Sherry Finish. The Long Story Short serve is based on the iconic Vesper Martini, replacing the vodka with the new whisky.

At the start of 2019, Kavalan launched its inaugural gin, the first in a new series set to launch globally.