Nose
Rich and dark flavours dominate from the very beginning: raisins, stewed prunes, PX-sherry sweetness, marzipan, spiced fruit cake and salty liquorice.
Palate
More savoury than suggested from the nose, although still packed with fruit – sour plums, sharp red grapes and cloves are joined by rich fruit cake, cinnamon sugar, marzipan and a background hint of black liquorice. Water helps open up the whisky, adding butter and cream, and sweetening the fruity notes.
Finish
Long and spicy, with dark fruit and clove lingering.
Comment
Excellent cask-selection is paramount for this whisky, as the wood has provided so much of the flavour. However, the fruity character of Kavalan’s spirit still shines through.