I recently had the pleasure of trying Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky, and I must say, it did not disappoint. The Taiwanese distillery has been making waves in the whisky world with their unique approach, and this expression is no exception.

What sets the Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky apart is its aging process. The whisky is aged in sherry casks, which gives it a unique flavor profile. The casks used are mainly Oloroso sherry casks, and the whisky is aged for four to six years before being bottled. This is a well-balanced and enjoyable whisky that is sure to please sherry lovers and whisky enthusiasts alike.

Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky Overview

As a whisky enthusiast, I was excited to try the Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky. This Taiwanese whisky has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique flavor profile and aging process. In this section, I will provide an overview of the product’s history and price range.

Product History

The Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky is produced by the Kavalan Distillery, located in Taiwan. The distillery was established in 2005 and has since gained recognition for its high-quality whiskies. The Sherry Oak Single Malt is part of the distillery’s core range and was first introduced in 2016.

Price Range

The price of the Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky varies depending on where you purchase it. On average, you can expect to pay around $100–$130 for a 70-cl bottle. It’s important to note that this is a premium whisky, so it may not be suitable for those on a tight budget.

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Tasting Notes

Aroma

The nose of Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky is a delightful mix of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and a hint of vanilla. The sherry cask influence is evident with notes of raisins and dates, along with a subtle nuttiness. The aroma is complex yet well-balanced and very inviting.

Flavor

On the palate, the flavors are rich and full-bodied. The sherry influence is again evident, with a burst of dried fruit and nuttiness. The whisky is sweet, with notes of caramel and toffee and a hint of spice. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, with a slight oiliness that coats the tongue.

Finish

The finish is long and warming, with a pleasant sweetness that lingers on the tongue. The sherry cask influence is still present, with a hint of oak and spice. The finish is well-balanced and leaves a pleasant aftertaste.

Rating

Overall, Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky is an excellent whisky. It has a complex aroma, rich flavor, and a long and satisfying finish. The sherry cask influence is well-balanced, and the whisky is smooth and easy to drink. I would rate this whisky a 9 out of 10.

Mixing and Pairing

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Best Mixers

I find that Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to open up the flavors. However, if you prefer mixing your whisky, I recommend using high-quality ginger ale or soda water to complement the flavors of the whisky. Avoid using overly sweet mixers that may overpower the delicate notes of the sherry oak.

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Cocktail Suggestions

While I usually prefer to enjoy Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky neat, it can also be used to create delicious cocktails. Here are a few cocktail suggestions that I have found to work well:

• Whisky Sour: Combine 2 oz Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
• Old Fashioned: Muddle 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes of bitters, and a splash of water in a glass. Add ice and 2 oz Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky. Stir well and garnish with an orange twist.
• Manhattan: Combine 2 oz Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Garnish with a cherry.

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Food Pairings

Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky pairs well with a variety of foods, particularly those with rich and savory flavors. Here are a few food pairing suggestions:

• Charcuterie Board: The salty and savory flavors of cured meats like prosciutto and salami complement the rich and complex flavors of the whisky.
• Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate enhances the sweetness of the sherry oak, creating a delightful pairing.
• Grilled Steak: The smoky and charred flavors of a grilled steak pair well with the bold and full-bodied flavors of the whisky.

Conclusion

Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky is a delightful whisky that is sure to please fans of the sherry style. It has a lovely amber color and a complex aroma of candied almonds, sorghum, soy, spice cake, and chestnut honey. The taste is equally complex, with notes of chocolate biscuit, flan, and brazil nuts. While it may be on the pricier side, it is a great addition to any whisky collection and is sure to impress.

Related Posts

If you’re a fan of Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky, you might be interested in reading about some other great whiskies out there. Here are a few related posts that I found:

• Weekly Review: Claxton’s Glenrothes 19 Year Old (1997): This review takes a look at a 19-year-old single cask whisky from Glenrothes. It’s bottled at cask strength and has notes of vanilla, honey, and oak.
• Reviewing new Tobermory 21 (Manzanilla Cask Finish): Tobermory Distillery has recently launched two limited edition malts – Ledaig 19 Year Old and Tobermory 21 Year Old. This review takes a closer look at the latter, which has been finished in Manzanilla sherry casks.
• Weekly Review: a closer look at SPEY Fumare: This review takes a look at a peated single malt from Speyside Distillery. It’s bottled at 46% ABV and has notes of smoke, peat, and dark chocolate.
• Weekly Review: Jericho Christmas Pudding (Lost Distillery Co.): If you’re looking for something festive, this review takes a look at a Christmas pudding-flavored whisky from The Lost Distillery Company. It’s a blend of single malts from different distilleries and has notes of raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Ardbeg reveals new limited edition The Kelpie: This article takes a look at a limited edition release from Ardbeg. The Kelpie is a heavily peated whisky that’s been matured in oak casks and virgin Black Sea oak casks.