Kavalan Concertmaster Port Cask Finish Single Malt

Rating: 16/23 I initially enjoyed this at a bar and have since developed a fondness for Kavalan Solist Port and Kavalan Distillery Select (Batch 1), so I was eager to try this again. Nose: Somewhat subdued, likely due to the low ABV, but with plentiful fruit notes: cherry, apricot, orange peel. There's also a hint of funkiness, which I typically associate with PX aging, but can also be attributed to a port finish. It possesses a nectary sweetness and a faint limestone minerality, though the mineral aspect doesn't detract. Subtle spice notes, mainly cinnamon and some ginger, are present. A touch of rich malt mixes with the nectarous sweetness, reminiscent of buckwheat. Palate: A decadent fruity sweetness emerges, but it's not overpowering. It has a dry tannic quality, similar to bold port finishes found in Kavalan Solist Port, but this expression is mellower and significantly more diluted. Among the fruit flavors, orange peel is the most prominent, though not the first detected. Tangerine and cherry are also present, though apricot is less certain. Midway through the palate, a malty richness with a hint of buckwheat appears. Ginger, clove, and cinnamon emerge from the tannins, providing a mellow, lively, numbing sensation that is quite helpful, as the spirit is otherwise quite watery. A fairly bold vanilla layer is hidden in the background. Limestone notes are also detected within the tannins, which actually enhances their flavor without making them overly strong or one-dimensional, adding a mellow supporting layer. The flavors are generally quite good, and the balance is pleasing, but the proof is simply too low. Finish: Tannic, spicy, numbing cara cara orange peel, with a hint of limestone and mild malty sweetness. Faint traces of cherry remain. - Conclusion - I understand how I previously rated this a 19, but I sadly cannot score it that high now. Despite my appreciation for many of the flavors, the low proof unfortunately muddles them and results in a somewhat watery experience. It's regrettable, as I believe this would be significantly improved at 43% ABV and truly excel at 45-46%. Monkey Shoulder (14/23) is less muddled than this (which is saying something), but it does present more ethanol. Between the two, I'd favor this one for its more pleasant flavors, though it wasn't an immediate conclusion. I estimate it's at least a 15, but not much higher. It's possible I might re-evaluate and give it a high 14. Knappogue Castle 12 (15/23) is comparable in quality. I could go either way, but I'd likely lean towards this. Knappogue Castle has a pleasant core flavor with nectar and a tasty nuttiness. After comparing them multiple times, I still prefer this, but only slightly. Kavalan Distillery Select (Batch 1) (16/23) might lack some of the nuance of this bottling, but it's bolder, with pleasant tannins and a rich nutty undertone. While competitive, the Distillery Select unfortunately seems slightly superior to me. The deciding factor is whether this deserves a 15 or a 16. Tragically, it's far from the 19 I initially awarded it. Even more tragically, a few extra percentage points of ABV might have elevated it to that score. Ultimately, I conclude that there is enough complexity and pleasing flavor here to warrant a 16. Nevertheless, this is a rather disappointing dram.

The aroma begins with a moderate sourness, featuring notes of pomegranate, pineapple, and black pepper, followed by dark chocolate-covered cherries and toasted walnuts. Then, mango, strawberries with balsamic vinegar, and anise-spiced poached pears transition into ginger, cloves, and mild ashy oak, with no ethanol burn. The taste has a thin mouthfeel, starting with a faint tropical fruit before a moderate bitter and sour spice that slowly fades to brandy-soaked cherries, cocoa nibs, and walnuts. This is followed by sour strawberries, lemon, and grapefruit pith, transitioning to a chalky powdered ginger, cloves, and black pepper with a light ethanol burn. The finish is short, with high-percentage dark chocolate, espresso, toasted walnuts, strawberry jam, black pepper, and mild ashy oak. The initial aroma was promising, with a mix of sour red fruits, tropical fruits, nuts, and mild spices. However, the taste is unfortunately thin due to the 40% ABV, which seems to mute the flavors. They lean towards the bitter and sour side before finishing quickly with bitter, ashy notes dominating the faint red fruits attempting to emerge. Compared side-by-side with Kavalan Distillery Select, the Concertmaster is thinner with a more pronounced bitter spice, while the Distillery Select offers a better flavor balance and a richer mouthfeel, which is surprising given it's intended for mixing and the Concertmaster is not. At around $90 in my area, this is a definite pass as it doesn't quite come together well. You can get the Distillery Select for half the price, and in my opinion, it's superior to the Concertmaster. Thanks to a friend for the generous sample.

The aroma is unpleasant and artificial. The palate starts with honeyed melon, then a rush of sherry-like raisin juice takes over. It tastes intensely, but artificially, sweet. The finish can linger with spice, ginger, or dark chocolate. Adding a tiny bit of water softens the melon notes initially but brings out the port characteristics. Water doesn't suit this Taiwanese whisky. While it excels in sweetness, the artificial quality of the experience makes it a one-time purchase. I'm sorry, Kavalan, I had hoped to love you.

An impressive dram! While I'd heard mixed things about the initial release, this port cask finish is excellent. Shared with companions, and it astonished us all. Crafted from three distinct port casks (ruby, tawny, and vintage), this Taiwanese whisky offers a sweet profile. Boasting an amazing aroma with floral, sherry, tangerine, orange, lemon zest, and chocolate notes. Truly beautiful. The palate delivers abundant brown sugar, orange confection, and toffee – a delightfully rich sweetness. The finish is brief, carrying flavors of tobacco and ash. Considering its accessible price (around $70), it's a genuinely satisfying whisky. I rate it 93 out of 100 and highly endorse it. Cheers!

It has a rich and fruity smell. This expression is certainly much richer than the standard Kavalan, with more pronounced chocolate and dark cherry notes. It tastes as if bing cherries were steeped in this spirit. It also presents a cinnamon spice flavor that I really like. Caramel and some nuts are present, along with well-balanced vanilla. Drinking it is a decadent pleasure. While a bit more age and complexity would be beneficial, this is a superb whiskey regardless. There's a subtle smokiness that isn't overwhelming. It's easy to drink in large amounts. The finish is very pleasing, and no flavors are out of place. It's very jammy in an enjoyable and rich manner. A true delight, despite its brief duration.

Mine is bottled at 43%, so I've included a photo in case this isn't the correct spirit. Nose: A subtle Port aroma is present, but it primarily resembles a single malt. If I weren't aware, I'd likely mistake it for a Highland Scotch. Palate: Extremely light on the tongue. After a few moments, the Port notes begin to emerge. It's pleasant, but the low proof doesn't do it justice. I suppose I'd categorize this as a beginner's Single Malt. It's acceptable with a little something extra towards the end as the jamminess of the port becomes noticeable. Finish: A brief finish, easily missed if you're not paying attention. I had higher hopes for this, but it will be a one-time purchase for me.