Kavalan Official Sherry Cask

The sherry character is surprisingly impressive, unlike recent expressions. Kavalan KAVALAN OB SHERRY CASK 46% Spanish oloroso sherry casks The aroma features a noble, robust sherry with notes of berry jam, balsamic vinegar, black coffee, Shaoxing wine, herbs, and richness. On the palate, it begins with a smooth mouthfeel, expanding into sweet berry jam flavors, good tannins, richness, herbs, and a slight grassy bitterness. The finish is rich and lingering. [Good/Very Good] This is an official sherry cask release from the Kavalan distillery in Taiwan. It evokes the noble nuances reminiscent of old Scotch sherry casks, with a rich array of sherry characteristics including berry jam, balsamic vinegar, coffee, and herbs. While the mouthfeel is smooth and the sherry cask personality of berry jam and herbs comes through clearly, there's a slight green bitterness that feels somewhat forced compared to the aroma. Due to climate factors, it's said to age quickly, but perhaps the rapid maturation resulted in a somewhat inconsistent impression blending maturity with youthfulness. Nonetheless, the balance between sweetness and tannins is not bad, making it a rich and enjoyable whisky. Although Spanish oak oloroso casks are used, it shares many similarities with the classic sherry character found in older Scotch whiskies. The question remains: how are they securing such distinctive sherry casks?