Kavalan Classic Single Malt

Sweet, vanilla

I want to believe that i have a moral obligation to rate whiskies not for what i like but for what they are. This is one of those cases. My first Kavalan, the taiwanese awarded malt, gave me some interesting things to write about and a moral dilemma, whether to give it a 5.0 or not, because i really think it is a masterpiece, just not MY masterpiece. Bottled at 57.8%abv, with a chesnut oloroso sherry color. Yes, it is a cask strenght, yes it hits your face like a nuclear spice bomb. On the nose it might just be one of the best drams ever, so complex and rich, sweet and wonderful. So many notes, so much going on there. Fresh banana, vanilla, cinnamon, banana ice cream, prunes, lemon, coconut (first time i find this on a dram), pine tree, pancakes, cocoa powder, an dim blackberry marmalade note, are the aromas i got from this baby. Truly a work of art and i believe it only has 5yo of maturation, but, due to Taiwan's tropical climate, the process is faster. On the nose it fools you as if it were a cold dram, that is a feeling i got from it. On the palate is just too strong to have it neat. I drank it all neat and it was great and also difficult. A very dim caramel and apricot note starts the experience to turn into an inmidiate NUCLEAR SPICE BOMB. Very hot, a lot of barley and cereal notes, there are some oranges there but hidden, ashes, tobbacco, pepper, cinnamon, clove, vanilla cake, all spice is the main note. It is so powerful that in my first sip it forced me to involuntary close one eye. It is a full palate experience, the finish is ETERNAL, with a banana aftertaste (typical of bourbons) and there is always a dim sherry note coming and going on the nose and palate. After two sips you get the hang of it and learn how to taste it without dying because of its power. It is not a punch in the face, its like Mike Tyson's punch in the face, and for me, that is not too appealing. I am not a big fan of cask strenght whiskies because of that. If it is not enjoyable easily, why even bother. This super complex dram is maybe too powerful for me, but i recognize that it is a work of art. Overall i give this baby a 97 over 100, and i know most experienced whisky lovers will give it a 100 without doubt. Cheers.