Taiwanese whiskey distillery Kavalan expands its Concertmaster range with the launch of Concertmaster Sherry Finish.

With 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), the Kavalan Concertmaster Sherry Finish is double matured in Spain’s finest Sherry casks following ageing in the distillery’s special reserve of refill casks.

Kavalan CEO Lee said: “It’s based on the iconic Bond Vesper Martini. Except that our head bartender Shane Lin has replaced the vodka in the recipe with Concertmaster Sherry Finish. This adds fruitiness and gives it more depth and body.”

Lee added that the new expression offers notes of dark, dry fruits and savoury nuttiness.

Initially, the expression will be available across bars and retail outlets in Taiwan. Distribution into the global market will take place at a later stage.

Kavalan master blender Ian Chang noted that the new variant has passed through two stages of the ageing process.

In the first stage, the whiskey was stored in the distillery’s American oak refill casks for long maturation to allow the liquid to develop fruitiness and delicate aromas.

The second stage involved finishing of the liquid in Sherry-seasoned American oak casks, bringing out the depth of flavours.

Chang said: “Just like our first Concertmaster, the finishing in Sherry casks mellows out the flavours, adds depth and multiple layers and locks in an incredible softness to the whiskey.”

The first Concertmaster in the range has a Portuguese ruby port cask finish.

Last December, Kavalan launched two limited tenth-anniversary special editions, Kavalan Bordeaux Margaux and Kavalan Bordeaux Pauillac.

Kavalan Bordeaux Margaux is a single malt whiskey with notes of caramel, buttery fudge, molasses and creamy vanilla.

Bordeaux Pauillac offers flavours of ripened forest fruits and toffee apple, in addition to cumin, coriander and pepper.