Availability:
World Whiskies
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- 93
Kavalan Distillery Reserve Rum Cask Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (300ml)TAIWAN$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 57.8%Kavalan's Distillery Reserves are as the name suggests, typically only available at the distillery. Generally bottled in batches of around 400 bottles and in small 'decanter' style vessels they come impressively packaged in lavish presentation boxes. This one's from a rum cask. 416 bottles produced. One only to sell. Other reviews... While this may not soar quite as high as some other Kavalans, it has still passed its test with flying colours. 57.8% Alc./Vol. 93 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible ...Light gold color. Aromas of buttered spice cake, marzipan, vanilla steamer, and raisin bran with a glycerous, lively, dry light-to-medium body and a hot, medium-length white pepper, teriyaki, and roasted stone fruits finish. A peppery, bone-dry, cask-strength whiskey with loads of umami notes. 93 points - tastings.com - Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml) - 57.1% ABV BottlingTAIWAN$350. 00Bottle$4200.00 DozenABV: 57.1%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
Where does the World's Best Whisky come from?
Last year it was Australia, when Sullivan’s Cove French Oak took the prize.
In 2015 it's the Kavalan Distillery. It's official. Taiwan now offers one of the World's Best Whiskies.
We were fortunate enough to have Kavalan's Master Blender; Ian Chang visit us at the store just last month (May, 2015). Tasting the range with Chang revealed a collection of young, precocious malts that demonstrate age isn't everything. Taiwan's tropical climate pushes these whiskies towards maturity at a phenomenal rate, but the overall quality has continued to defy the skeptics.Named for the ancient Yi-Lan county in the northeast , where the venture is located, Kavalan is Taiwan's only distillery at present, but that may soon change.
In a market previously dominated by Cognac, Taiwan is now one of the world's biggest consumers of whisky. Scotch has become an aspirational status symbol and marketers have responded with numerous brands offering special releases exclusively for Taiwan. It’s one explanation behind the country’s changing drinking habits. There are others. Jens Kastner, writing in the Asia Times, notes that, according to industry sources “From the late 1990s on whisky gradually took over, after Scottish whisky makers, among those most prominently The Macallan, started sophisticated promotion campaigns. Face-to-face, small-group brand-training engagement activities were conducted all over the island.”Chang believes there’s also a more mundane factor at play. ”Unlike Cognac, Scotch doesn't taste sweet. So Taiwanese don't think it makes you fat.”
Putting it all together paints an attractive argument for a local industry, especially given Taiwan's proximity to the lucrative Chinese market.
Kavalan is owned by the King Car group, a family company with business in several fields including beverages, food, biotechnology and aquaculture. The brainchild of King Car's chairman, Mr. TT Lee, who always wanted his own high-quality whisky distillery, it was only conceivable after Taiwan joined the WTO in 2002, ending the country's alcohol monopoly system. Mr. Lee is a man who likes to control his own destiny and insists the company will never be floated.The distillery which was completed in 2005 is one hour train ride from Taipei and a 10-15 minute ride out of Yilan proper. It’s an expansive, highly automated barn-like complex with a conference and visitor centre, situated beside the ‘Snowy Mountain’ (which, incidentally has no snow, but there’s an abundant supply of pure spring water here).
The first bottle of Kavalan was released in 2008. Chang who spent two years studying whisky production in Scotland, takes his lead from Dr. Jim Swan, the world's foremost independent consultant on whisky production and maturation.
Like Glenmorangie and other industry benchmarks, his wood policy is obsessive - all the more critical in these climes. The maturation process is 'forced' due to the higher than average tempratures. Everything is accelerated. As whisky writer, Charles MacLean, adds, "You've gotta have the right casks to do the job in such a short time. The expressions I have tasted have clearly demonstrated good wood."
Chang concedes that Kavalan will almost certainly never release anything older than 10 years. If they waited that long, most of the whisky would have evaporated anyway, making it both physically and financially unviable. The quick maturation cycles have spurred a recent counter-campaign from at least one Scotch Whisky producer - namely, Chivas's "Age Matters" campaign. However, Maclean, a long time Scotch whisky evangelist admits, "it doesn't when you have the right spirit in the right casks for the right length of time! Go figure!"
The casks, including ex-bourbon refill barrels, fresh sherry butts, and x Port casks as well as Kavalan's own dechar/rechar casks designed to a special recipe to complement the spirit's flavour, are stored in an unconventional five-story maturation warehouse.
Stylistically, Kavalan's whiskies cross a remarkable breadth. Their flavour profiles range from traditional Speyside through to more robust expressions reminiscent of many recent Australian efforts. They have already confounded many critics and a cask strength release breached the mythical 3 digit barrier, rated 100 points by the highly respected ‘Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago. The 2015 World Whisky Award is just one in a steady stream of commendations, proving that nowadays, lengthy maturation is no longer the rule when it comes to great whisky.Winner of 'World's Best Single Malt Whisky' (58.6% ABV) -
World Whiskies Awards (WWA) 2015This instalment from the already famous Taiwanese upstart has been fully matured in open air seasoned American oak barrels that, after holding either red or white wine, have been toasted and recharred.
Tasting note: [NB - 57% batch tasted 5.08.2014] Brilliant deep amber colour. Issues a gentle nose prickle. The aroma builds through the initially muted stage revealing vague suggestions of cereals, cocoa and grape. Further air contact fails to stimulate more aromatic excitement. Contrasts on the palate with a stunning explosion of juicy fruit and sweet malt supported by assertive yet well balanced tannins. Finish is bittersweet while the malty, vanilla aftertaste demonstrates excellent persistence. Some fruitiness returns late. Bipolar whisky let down by the nose - otherwise a stand out. 57% Alc./Vol. 90 points
Other reviews... [NB- 55.3% ABV batch tasted] Deep amber color. Aromas of butter pecan gelato, chocolate raisin, vanilla yogurt, and pound cake with a supple fruity-yet-dry full body and a mango chutney on raisin toast and peppery spices finish. With water, chocolate coconut macaroon and roasted nut notes emerge. A delicious and satisfying sipper.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
RATING: 95 points (Exceptional)- www.tastings.comPrevious batch tasted: [56.9% ABV tasted Sept 2013] Deep gold ochre / polished copper colour. Volatile and spiritous opening sniffs are mildly balsamic like before settling to reveal a medley of dates, dried apricots and brandy cream along side traces of sulphur. Entry is bittersweet; mid palate is intense, tongue tingling and spicy with the bitterness subsiding to aged brandy-like flavours and Christmas fruit cake. Ends long and rich with a semi-sweet vanilla, Christmas cake and dried fruit aftertaste. 56.9% Alc./Vol.
-
- 90
Kavalan Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)TAIWAN$120. 00Bottle$1440.00 DozenABV: 40%In a market previously dominated by Cognac, Taiwan is now officially one of the world's biggest consumers of whisky. Soaring consumption amongst the island’s population of 23-million, is eclipsed only by the United States, France, Singapore and Spain.The young and newly affluent are driving sales, with consumers willing to shell out top dollar for a bottle of whisky in fashionable bars and clubs. Local expert Ivan Chang, comments ”Here, a night out typically starts with a group of friends and a bottle of whisky at a restaurant. From there, it's moved to a KTV or nightclub where it's time for the second bottle. At each new location, a further bottle is well likely to follow.”
Chang also concedes that Scotch has become an aspirational status symbol for many Taiwanese. Scotch whisky marketers have responded with numerous brands offering special releases exclusively for Taiwan. It’s one explanation behind the country’s changing drinking habits. There are others. Jens Kastner, writing in the Asia Times, notes that, according to industry sources “From the late 1990s on whisky gradually took over, after Scottish whisky makers, among those most prominently The Macallan, started sophisticated promotion campaigns. Face-to-face, small-group brand-training engagement activities were conducted all over the island.”
Chang believes there’s also a more mundane factor at play. ”Unlike Cognac, Scotch doesn't taste sweet. So Taiwanese don't think it makes you fat.”
Putting it all together paints an attractive argument for a local industry. So it comes as no surprise that Taiwan has now unveiled its very own distillery, “Kavalan” - the ancient name of Yi-Lan county in the northeast part of Taiwan, where the venture is located. It is owned by the King Car group, a company with more than 2000 employees, and with business in several fields including beverages, food, biotechnology and aquaculture. The brainchild of King Car's chairman, Mr. TT Lee, who always wanted his own high-quality whisky distillery, it was only conceivable after Taiwan joined the WTO in 2002, ending the country's alcohol monopoly system.
Completed in 2005, Kavalan is one hour train ride from Taipei and a 10-15 minute ride out of Yilan proper. It’s an expansive, highly automated complex with a conference and visitor centre, situated beside the ‘Snowy Mountain’ (which, incidentally has no snow, but there’s an abundant supply of pure spring water here). The first bottle of Kavalan was released to a skeptical public in 2008.
Respected spirits writer, David Broom, recalls,
"When the news arrived that a distillery was being built in Taiwan, the whisky world pretty much dismissed it. When Kavalan appeared at a precocious 42 months, it sat up and took notice….with blender Ian Chang at the helm and a hotline to consultant Dr. Jim Swan. Taiwanís tropical climate pushes the maturation cycle along at a ferocious rate, but the key here is its complexity."The casks, including ex-bourbon refill barrels, fresh sherry butts, and x Port casks as well as Kavalan's own dechar/rechar casks designed to a special recipe to complement the spirit's flavour, are stored in an unconventional five-story maturation warehouse. Like Glenmorangie and other industry greats, Chang has an obsessive wood policy. No doubt this attributes much to the stellar quality already on offer. Stylistically, Kavalan's whiskies cross a remarkable breadth. Their flavour profiles range from traditional Speyside through to more robust expressions reminiscent of many recent Australian efforts. They have already confounded many critics and a cask strength release recently breached the mythical 3 digit barrier, rated 100 points by the highly respected ‘Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago.
Tasting note: Deep gold brass appearance. Expressive aroma offers an attractive melange of stewed pear / ripe stone fruit, cocoa and vanilla laced malt, rounded off with what seems like a dose of peat. There's a pleasant lightness to the palate, which, at the same time, doesn't lack concentration. Semi sweet cereal flavours and gentle spices feature in a well balanced profile that's overall remarkably Speyside-like. Concludes mildy fruity, clean, fresh and dry, if a little short. Lovely whisky. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Maybe it's auto-suggestion, but I could swear there's ginseng in here, as well as honeycomb and black cherry pie filling. Fresh and clean, the spirit is rich and accompanied with great wood. Mature whisky in three years? It's an accountantís dream!
90 points - www.maltadvocate.com (Vol. 19, #4) Reviewed by: Dave Broom -
- 94
- Nick's Import
- ABV may vary
- Batch may vary
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)TAIWAN$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 55.6%NB: Alc./Vol. may vary from batch to batch.
The single malt that made Kavalan famous. Voted world's Best Whisky in 2015.
In 2014 it was Australia, when Sullivan’s Cove French Oak took the prize.
In 2015 it's the Kavalan Distillery. It's official. Taiwan now offers one of the World's Best Whiskies.We were fortunate enough to have Kavalan's Master Blender; Ian Chang visit us at the store in May, 2015. Tasting the range with Chang revealed a collection of young, precocious malts that demonstrate age isn't everything. Taiwan's tropical climate pushes maturity at a phenomenal rate, but the overall quality has continued to defy the skeptics.
Named for the ancient Yi-Lan county in the northeast , where the venture is located, Kavalan is Taiwan's only distillery at present, but that may soon change.
In a market previously dominated by Cognac, Taiwan is now one of the world's biggest consumers of whisky. Scotch has become an aspirational status symbol and marketers have responded with numerous brands offering special releases exclusively for Taiwan. It’s one explanation behind the country’s changing drinking habits. There are others. Jens Kastner, writing in the Asia Times, notes that, according to industry sources “From the late 1990s on whisky gradually took over, after Scottish whisky makers, among those most prominently The Macallan, started sophisticated promotion campaigns. Face-to-face, small-group brand-training engagement activities were conducted all over the island.”Chang believes there’s also a more mundane factor at play. ”Unlike Cognac, Scotch doesn't taste sweet. So Taiwanese don't think it makes you fat.”
Putting it all together paints an attractive argument for a local industry, especially given Taiwan's proximity to the lucrative Chinese market.
Kavalan is owned by the King Car group, a family company with business in several fields including beverages, food, biotechnology and aquaculture. The brainchild of King Car's chairman, Mr. TT Lee, who always wanted his own high-quality whisky distillery, it was only conceivable after Taiwan joined the WTO in 2002, ending the country's alcohol monopoly system. Mr. Lee is a man who likes to control his own destiny and insists the company will never be floated.The distillery which was completed in 2005 is one hour train ride from Taipei and a 10-15 minute ride out of Yilan proper. It’s an expansive, highly automated barn-like complex with a conference and visitor centre, situated beside the ‘Snowy Mountain’ (which, incidentally has no snow, but there’s an abundant supply of pure spring water here).
The first bottle of Kavalan was released in 2008. Chang who spent two years studying whisky production in Scotland, takes his lead from Dr. Jim Swan, the world's foremost independent consultant on whisky production and maturation.
Like Glenmorangie and other industry benchmarks, his wood policy is obsessive - all the more critical in these climes. The maturation process is 'forced' due to the higher than average tempratures. Everything is accelerated. As whisky writer, Charles MacLean, adds, "You've gotta have the right casks to do the job in such a short time. The expressions I have tasted have clearly demonstrated good wood."
Chang concedes that Kavalan will almost certainly never release anything older than 10 years. If they waited that long, most of the whisky would have evaporated anyway, making it both physically and financially unviable. The quick maturation cycles have spurred a recent counter-campaign from at least one Scotch Whisky producer - namely, Chivas's "Age Matters" campaign. However, Maclean, a long time Scotch whisky evangelist admits, "it doesn't when you have the right spirit in the right casks for the right length of time! Go figure!"The casks, including ex-bourbon refill barrels, fresh sherry butts, and x Port casks as well as Kavalan's own dechar/rechar casks designed to a special recipe to complement the spirit's flavour, are stored in an unconventional five-story maturation warehouse.
Stylistically, Kavalan's whiskies cross a remarkable breadth. Their flavour profiles range from traditional Speyside through to more robust expressions reminiscent of many recent Australian efforts. They have already confounded many critics and a cask strength release breached the mythical 3 digit barrier, rated 100 points by the highly respected ‘Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago. The 2015 World Whisky Award is just one in a steady stream of commendations, proving that nowadays, lengthy maturation is no longer the rule when it comes to great whisky.
Winner of 'World's Best Single Malt Whisky' (58.6% ABV) -
World Whiskies Awards (WWA) 2015This instalment from the already famous Taiwanese upstart has been fully matured in open air seasoned American oak barrels that, after holding either red or white wine, have been toasted and recharred.
Other reviews... Kavalan has that very rare talent for brilliance without apparent effort. 94.5 points-Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2020
[55.3% ABV batch tasted] Deep amber color. Aromas of butter pecan gelato, chocolate raisin, vanilla yogurt, and pound cake with a supple fruity-yet-dry full body and a mango chutney on raisin toast and peppery spices finish. With water, chocolate coconut macaroon and roasted nut notes emerge. A delicious and satisfying sipper.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
95 points (Exceptional) - tastings.com...This has a seductive nose of mango, kiwi, dried tropical fruits, rich oak, silky caramels, and milk chocolate-covered cranberries. The dynamics of this cask-strength whisky play out handsomely, with an opening gambit of warm berry fruits, peaking with emphatic spices, and ending with a reflective phase of butter toffee, mocha, and Ovaltine. A dash of water encourages clove-studded orange flavors and preserves the long spicy finish. 92 points- whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Summer 2018)
Previous batch tasted: [56.9% ABV tasted Sept 2015] Deep gold ochre / polished copper colour. Volatile and spiritous opening sniffs / mildly balsamic-like before settling to reveal a medley of dates, dried apricots and brandy cream and trace sulphur. Entry is bittersweet; mid palate is intense, tongue tingling, spicy with the bitterness subsiding to aged brandy-like flavours and Christmas fruit cake. Ends long and rich with vanilla, Christmas cake and dried fruits through the aftertaste. 56.9% Alc./Vol.
First tasted: [57% batch tasted 5.08.2014] Brilliant deep amber colour. Builds through the initially muted stage revealing suggestions of cereals, cocoa and grape. Further air contact fails to stimulate more aromatic excitement. Contrasts on the palate with a stunning explosion of juicy fruit and sweet malt supported by balanced tannins. Finish is bittersweet; the malty, vanilla aftertaste lingers with late fruitiness. Bipolar whisky let down by the nose - otherwise a stand out. 57% Alc./Vol.
90 points -
- 96
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Australian & New Zealand Exclusive Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)TAIWAN$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 57.8%An Aussie and New Zealand exclusive from Kavalan, distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2017 from single cask No.W121213065A (an American oak wine barrel). Officially released several months ago with a total outturn of just 211 bottles, this is now mostly sold out.
As one of the key players on the new world whisky stage, the 'Vinho' label is now highly sought after due to the exceptional quality of its cask program. Fully matured in x red & white American oak wine barrels, slow grown and seasoned in the open air for at least 34 months, the casks then undergo a process called STR (Shaved, Toasted and Re-charred). Controlled toasting converts wine residues into a complex mixture of fruit flavours. The casks are then briefly charred to release vanilla and caramelised sugars.
Tasting note: Brilliant amber gold. Yields dense and warming aromas of spiced orange cake, hazelnut and dark chocolate with brief air contact adding notes of honey, apricot marmalade and toasty oak. Bold yet surprisingly poised; an expansive whisky that saturates the mouth in a bevvy of juicy dried fruits, chewy malt and late cocoa developing intensity and sustained length. Follows through with impressive staying power. Great whisky from a great barrel. 57.8% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.
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- 93
- ABV may vary
Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)TAIWAN$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 57.1%In a market previously dominated by Cognac, Taiwan is now officially one of the world's biggest consumers of whisky. Soaring consumption amongst the island’s population of 23-million, is eclipsed only by the United States, France, Singapore and Spain.The young and newly affluent are driving sales, with consumers willing to shell out top dollar for a bottle of whisky in fashionable bars and clubs. Local expert Ivan Chang, comments ”Here, a night out typically starts with a group of friends and a bottle of whisky at a restaurant. From there, it's moved to a KTV or nightclub where it's time for the second bottle. At each new location, a further bottle is well likely to follow.”
Chang also concedes that Scotch has become an aspirational status symbol for many Taiwanese. Scotch whisky marketers have responded with numerous brands offering special releases exclusively for Taiwan. It’s one explanation behind the country’s changing drinking habits. There are others. Jens Kastner, writing in the Asia Times, notes that, according to industry sources “From the late 1990s on whisky gradually took over, after Scottish whisky makers, among those most prominently The Macallan, started sophisticated promotion campaigns. Face-to-face, small-group brand-training engagement activities were conducted all over the island.”
Chang believes there’s also a more mundane factor at play. ”Unlike Cognac, Scotch doesn't taste sweet. So Taiwanese don't think it makes you fat.”
Putting it all together paints an attractive argument for a local industry. So it comes as no surprise that Taiwan has now unveiled its very own distillery, “Kavalan” - the ancient name of Yi-Lan county in the northeast part of Taiwan, where the venture is located. It is owned by the King Car group, a company with more than 2000 employees, and with business in several fields including beverages, food, biotechnology and aquaculture. The brainchild of King Car's chairman, Mr. TT Lee, who always wanted his own high-quality whisky distillery, it was only conceivable after Taiwan joined the WTO in 2002, ending the country's alcohol monopoly system.
Completed in 2005, Kavalan is one hour train ride from Taipei and a 10-15 minute ride out of Yilan proper. It’s an expansive, highly automated complex with a conference and visitor centre, situated beside the ‘Snowy Mountain’ (which, incidentally has no snow, but there’s an abundant supply of pure spring water here). The first bottle of Kavalan was released to a skeptical public in 2008.
Respected spirits writer, David Broom, recalls, "When the news arrived that a distillery was being built in Taiwan, the whisky world pretty much dismissed it. When Kavalan appeared at a precocious 42 months, it sat up and took notice….with blender Ian Chang at the helm and a hotline to consultant Dr. Jim Swan. Taiwanís tropical climate pushes the maturation cycle along at a ferocious rate, but the key here is its complexity."
The casks, including ex-bourbon refill barrels, fresh sherry butts, and x Port casks as well as Kavalan's own dechar/rechar casks designed to a special recipe to complement the spirit's flavour, are stored in an unconventional five-story maturation warehouse. Like Glenmorangie and other industry greats, Chang has an obsessive wood policy. No doubt this attributes much to the stellar quality already on offer. Stylistically, Kavalan's whiskies cross a remarkable breadth. Their flavour profiles range from traditional Speyside through to more robust expressions reminiscent of many recent Australian efforts. They have already confounded many critics and a cask strength release recently breached the mythical 3 digit barrier, rated 100 points by the highly respected ‘Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago.
These new Jewels of Taiwan have just arrived in Australia and come highly recommended.Tasting note: Pale gold / deep straw appearance. Opens with gobstopper and vanilla and goes on to develop some raisin -like notes. Gently bitter on entry, building into a concentrated, semi sweet profile; the controlled spicy surge is kept in perfect check. Slightly hollow at mid palate with bitter sweet flavours of vanilla and hints of fruit. Crescendos at the finish. Great balance. Exceptionally long aftertaste as the spices seem to pulse on forever. Masculine styled whisky reminiscent of some of Australia’s most robust efforts. 58.6% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... This is the pick of the bunch, the whisky equivalent of Fountains of Wayne; an effervescent dessert whisky, which from the first aroma to the final finish is a consistent mix of vanilla, coconut, and overripe banana, sprinkled with icing sugar and cinnamon.
94 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Dominic Roskrow (Summer 2012) -
- 93
Kavalan Sherry Cask Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)TAIWAN$180. 00Bottle$2160.00 DozenABV: 46%This is the diluted version of "Solist", the cask strength ex Sherry matured whisky produced by Kavalan. Tasting note: Impressive polished mahogany / copper colour. Fleeting flashes of sulphur are dissolved into layers of dried fruits as fig, apricot and vanilla vie for attention; levels into a lower-key fruit cake focussed bouquet in the later passes. A light entry leads into a mildly tannic fruit cake-like profile, with the sweetness tempered by balancing spices and drying oak. Tannins reassert at the finish as the fruit cake flavours subside. Nice textural qualities and plenty of ‘old school’ sherry influence here. Think GlenDronach in mid to late teens and you get the picture. 46% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... Two out of three ain't bad. While Kavalan doesn't quite pull off the hat trick, this is no album filler either (can we still say that?). It is Karaoke Kavalan, Taiwanese X Factor whisky: a perfect reproduction of a big, plummy, pruney, tannin-soaked rich fruit compote with late fall damp forest notes. It says a lot about this distillery that five years ago we'd have marveled at this. Today, and by its own standards, it's Kavalan doing an Aerosmith ballad.
87 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Dominic Roskrow (Summer 2013) -
- 93
Kavalan Bourbon Cask Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)TAIWAN$154. 99Bottle$1859.88 DozenABV: 46%This is the lower ABV version of "Solist", the cask strength ex Bourbon matured whisky produced by Kavalan.
Tasting note: Bright gold. Muted marshmallow and bubblegum in the opening whiffs. Slowly builds with added vanilla and stone fruits continuing through to a initially lean, then well rounded fruity/malty mid palate featuring stewed pear and sweet spices. Lovely vibrancy and balance with firm, drying oak closing and the vanilla / fresh orchard fruitiness lingering. Style wise akin to bottlings of Aberfedly or Glen Grant when the wood selection is at its best. 46% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Surprise, surprise. This is like the school's best pitcher, who then steps onto the football team and throws for a game-winning touchdown. This is a whole new side to Kavalan. Remember Faith No More doing “Easy”? Having out-sherried and out-bourboned us with kickass rock-n-roll whisky, Kavalan goes for gentle and croony, with vanilla and honey. The coup de grace? Apple pie and cream morph into licorice and menthol. Exquisite.
93 points - whiskyadvocate.com (Summer 2013) Reviewed by: Dominic Roskrow -
- Reduced
Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (750ml)TAIWANReduced from $699.00$499. 00Bottle$5988.00 DozenABV: 57.1%World's Best Single Cask Single Malt Whisky 2016
- World Whisky Awards.
NB: Alc./Vol. may vary from batch to batch.Other reviews... Hints of raisin and coconut on the nose, but essentially what we have here is a toffee smoking a cinnamon flavoured cigar. The palate opens with a nice burst of sweet fresh fruit – guava and melon - front to mid palate, after which the wood takes over; a Christmas pine hit, the fruit now acting as flamboyant outriders, the caramels rushing in to fill the gap. The finish is long and dry and punches into the throat. 55.6% Alc./Vol.
...Floor 5 of the Kavalan warehouse is packed with their best sherry casks. The story begins with sultana, Brazil nut, vanilla pod, dates, and chocolate macaroons. The palate has ripe fruit, cherry, date, coffee, candied orange, chocolate, mocha, fruit pastilles, and some pepper, ending with bitter coffee notes. Cutting the strength provokes more citrus, though it reverts back to mocha eventually. Outstanding whisky and definitely the best of the bunch.
- World Whisky Awards 2016
94 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Spring 2017) - Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml) - 55.6% ABV BottlingTAIWAN$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 55.6%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
As one of the key players on the new world whisky stage, the 'Vinho' label is now highly sought after due to the exceptional quality of its cask program. Fully matured in x red & white American oak wine barrels, slow grown and seasoned in the open air for at least 34 months, the casks then undergo a process called STR (Shaved, Toasted and Re-charred). Controlled toasting converts wine residues into a complex mixture of fruit flavours. The casks are then briefly charred to release vanilla and caramelised sugars. While there are many distilleries that routinely turn out gargantuan malts, there are few on the planet offering young casks that combine raw power with so much complexity and nuance. We have one only of this 55.6% bottling from an outturn of 220 bottles. -
- 97
Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)TAIWAN$450. 00Bottle$5400.00 DozenABV: 57%Note: the current packaging comes without the ribbon neck tie. Tasting note: Matured in a Fino Sherry cask. Eye catching deep polished copper colour with gold ochre edges. Sensational, lifted bouquet offers up sweet yet fresh notes of oatmeal biscuit, dates, vanilla and mocha. Light entry develops into a heavy, mildly tannic, delicately bittersweet concentrate of dried fruits, roasted nuts, vanilla, caramel fudge and sweet spice. Fabulous length and balance. Late power wave finishes this in distinctively Armagnac-like style. Super long. The aftertaste goes on for minutes. A bombshell from Kavalan! 57% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... [57.8% bottling tasted] Lustrous amber color. The nose is almost unbelievably rich with aromas of caramelized bananas and pineapples, German chocolate cake, toffee and spices with a supple, fruity-yet-dry full body and a seemingly endless finish with cascading waves of fruits, spices, and confections. Amazingly balanced without water and with water it shines even brighter. One of the world's best whiskies.
International Review of Spirits Award: Platinum Medal
100 points (Superlative) - www.tastings.com Each cask of this nicely packaged malt is selected by the distiller, and so there is considerable variation between batches. This one is a step up from last year's releases. It's slightly weaker, but the nose has firmed up into a delightful mix of fresh juicy grape and a spicy dustiness. Tastewise this takes an amazing journey from plummy, sweet fruit up front to a slow dominance of dry sherry at the end. The finish is longer than before. Excellent.
91 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Dominic Roskrow (Summer 2012) -
- 91
- Reduced
Kavalan King Car Conductor Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)TAIWANReduced from $199.00$150. 00Bottle$1800.00 DozenABV: 46%In a market previously dominated by Cognac, Taiwan is now officially one of the world's biggest consumers of whisky. Soaring consumption amongst the island’s population of 23-million, is eclipsed only by the United States, France, Singapore and Spain.The young and newly affluent are driving sales, with consumers willing to shell out top dollar for a bottle of whisky in fashionable bars and clubs. Local expert Ivan Chang, comments ”Here, a night out typically starts with a group of friends and a bottle of whisky at a restaurant. From there, it's moved to a KTV or nightclub where it's time for the second bottle. At each new location, a further bottle is well likely to follow.”
Chang also concedes that Scotch has become an aspirational status symbol for many Taiwanese. Scotch whisky marketers have responded with numerous brands offering special releases exclusively for Taiwan. It’s one explanation behind the country’s changing drinking habits. There are others. Jens Kastner, writing in the Asia Times, notes that, according to industry sources “From the late 1990s on whisky gradually took over, after Scottish whisky makers, among those most prominently The Macallan, started sophisticated promotion campaigns. Face-to-face, small-group brand-training engagement activities were conducted all over the island.”
Chang believes there’s also a more mundane factor at play. ”Unlike Cognac, Scotch doesn't taste sweet. So Taiwanese don't think it makes you fat.”
Putting it all together paints an attractive argument for a local industry. So it comes as no surprise that Taiwan has now unveiled its very own distillery, “Kavalan” - the ancient name of Yi-Lan county in the northeast part of Taiwan, where the venture is located. It is owned by the King Car group, a company with more than 2000 employees, and with business in several fields including beverages, food, biotechnology and aquaculture. The brainchild of King Car's chairman, Mr. TT Lee, who always wanted his own high-quality whisky distillery, it was only conceivable after Taiwan joined the WTO in 2002, ending the country's alcohol monopoly system.
Completed in 2005, Kavalan is one hour train ride from Taipei and a 10-15 minute ride out of Yilan proper. It’s an expansive, highly automated complex with a conference and visitor centre, situated beside the ‘Snowy Mountain’ (which, incidentally has no snow, but there’s an abundant supply of pure spring water here). The first bottle of Kavalan was released to a skeptical public in 2008.
Respected spirits writer, David Broom, recalls, "When the news arrived that a distillery was being built in Taiwan, the whisky world pretty much dismissed it. When Kavalan appeared at a precocious 42 months, it sat up and took notice….with blender Ian Chang at the helm and a hotline to consultant Dr. Jim Swan. Taiwanís tropical climate pushes the maturation cycle along at a ferocious rate, but the key here is its complexity."
The casks, including ex-bourbon refill barrels, fresh sherry butts, and x Port casks as well as Kavalan's own dechar/rechar casks designed to a special recipe to complement the spirit's flavour, are stored in an unconventional five-story maturation warehouse. Like Glenmorangie and other industry greats, Chang has an obsessive wood policy. No doubt this attributes much to the stellar quality already on offer. Stylistically, Kavalan's whiskies cross a remarkable breadth. Their flavour profiles range from traditional Speyside through to more robust expressions reminiscent of many recent Australian efforts. They have already confounded many critics and a cask strength release recently breached the mythical 3 digit barrier, rated 100 points by the highly respected ‘Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago.
These new Jewels of Taiwan have just arrived in Australia and come highly recommended.Tasting note: Dull gold appearance. Soft, plush aromatics entice with suggestions of stewed fruits and sweet spice, but remain relatively subdued. More vanilla oak with exposure. A light, semisweet entry leads into a rich, rounded mid palate that finely counterpoints the malt against the drying oak. Spices are finely tuned with the wood that seems to assert itself towards the finish which is dry, fresh and slightly tannic. Warming spices persist. Could be easily mistaken for a middle aged Speysider. Shows excellent length. 46% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... King Car is the name of the Taiwanese company that owns the Kavalan brand and this lavishly packaged single malt is its standard bearer. It's not hard to see why. More subtle and complex than some earlier bottlings of Kavalan, this has an exotic fruit, cream toffee, and soft banana nose, and has bitter orange, dark chocolate, and pepper on the palate. It's rapier-sharp, clean, and drying rather than sweet.
90 points - www.maltadvocate.com (Vol. 21, #2) Reviewed by: Dominic Roskrow - Kirin Fuji Sanroku 18 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish Blended Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$999. 00Bottle$11988.00 DozenABV: 43%As Kirin owns Four Roses in Kentucky, quality x Bourbon casks dominate their maturations, which makes this limited edition a little unusual. Released around 2016 and now hard-to-find, the whisky was finished in x Oloroso sherry casks. The label says ‘Blended and Bottled by Kirin’, not ‘distilled’… so it may contain an imported element. Regardless, the malt content is typically high in these bottlings. Similar Kirin limited editions have been runs of around 3000 bottles. Expect the same here. One only. 43% Alc./Vol. Almost unknown outside of Japan, Fuji Sanroku which means "at the foot of Mount Fuji", is produced in Fuji Gotemba distillery, opened in 1973 and owned by the Kirin Group. As iconic locations go, it's hard to beat this distillery's picturesque environ. The water source is rain and melted snow from the top of Mount Fuji. While the focus is on grain whisky, a quantity of malt whisky is also produced and marketed under various labels (Gotemba & Sanroku), as well as making up a component of the Kirin blended whiskies. The less expensive ''Fuji Gotemba'' label contains only 18 year old malt, while ''Sanroku'' reputedly contains malt up to 24 years of age (malts are aged by their youngest component), hence the higher price tag.
- Kirin Fuji Gotemba Small Batch 17 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$1499. 00Bottle$17988.00 DozenABV: 46%A relatively hard to find Japanese single malt, produced at Fuji Gotemba distillery, owned by the Kirin Group. Jim Murray described the 15YO expression as "...quality malt of great poise.", so expect good things here. Very limited stocks. More notes from Stefan Van Eycken at Nonjatta.com as follows... Fuji Gotemba Distillery seems to have shifted gears as far as new releases is concerned...Bottled at 46% (not vatting strength, unfortunately), this continues the recent allergy to single cask releases among Japanese whisky producers. Whereas, as recently as two years ago, you could purchase a single cask Japanese whisky any day of the week pretty much anywhere in the country, the big boys (Suntory, Nikka and Kirin) seem to have made up their mind that single casks are not worth the hassle and that the smallest they will do is a ‘small batch’ release (vague as that descriptor is). The immediate reaction today of whisky fans in Japan was that both of these Small Batch releases are priced way too high. FB was buzzing with complaints that it is no longer feasible for the average Japanese whisky fan to buy Japanese whiskies.
- Kirin Fuji Sanroku 18 Year Old Small Batch 2016 Release Blended Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$899. 00Bottle$10788.00 DozenABV: 43%A winner at the World Whisky Awards in 2017 and 2018, these annual 'small batch' releases from Kirin have become the pride of the distillery and are now quite sought after. For the 2016 bottling the composition isn't stated, however around 10% of the malt content is reported to be at least twenty years old. One only to sell. 43% Alc./Vol.
- Kirin Fuji Sanroku 18 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$799. 00Bottle$9588.00 DozenABV: 43%Almost unknown outside of Japan, Fuji Sanroku which means "at the foot of Mount Fuji", is produced in Fuji Gotemba distillery, opened in 1973 and owned by the Kirin Group. As iconic locations go, it's hard to beat this distillery's picturesque environ. The water source is rain and melted snow from the top of Mount Fuji. Maturation typically takes place in x-Bourbon barrels. While the focus is on grain whisky, a quantity of malt whisky is also produced and marketed under various labels (Gotemba & Sanroku), as well as making up a component of the Kirin blended whiskies. The less expensive ''Fuji Gotemba'' label contains only 18 year old malt, while ''Sanroku'' reputedly contains malt up to 24 years of age (malts are aged by their youngest component), hence the higher price tag. Normally only available in Japan, we've just received a very limited quantity. 43% Alc./Vol. No tasting notes available.
- Kirin Small Batch 25 Year Old Single Grain Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$1999. 00Bottle$23988.00 DozenABV: 46%Almost unknown outside of Japan, Kirin's Single Grain is produced at the Fuji Gotemba distillery, opened in 1973 and owned by the Kirin Group. As iconic locations go, it's hard to beat this distillery's picturesque environ. The water source is rain and melted snow from the top of Mount Fuji. Maturation typically takes place in x-Bourbon barrels, and the focus here is on grain whisky. Released in February 2015, and produced via continuous still distillation followed by a second distillation in a kettle / doubler, this very rare 25 year old was bottled non-chill filtered at 46% ABV. One bottle only to sell. Other reviews... Gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2015.
- Kirin Fuji Sanroku 18 Year Old Small Batch 2018 Release Blended Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$799. 00Bottle$9588.00 DozenABV: 43%A winner at the World Whisky Awards in 2018, these annual 'small batch' releases from Kirin have become the pride of the distillery and are now quite sought after. For the 2018 bottling the composition isn't stated, however around 10% of the malt content is reported to be at least twenty years old. Other reviews... A little joy from Mount Fuji: soy sauce, five-spice powder, grilled pineapple, halved passion fruit, and the umami sensation of slightly salty umeboshi. It’s dense and mouth-coating, with maple syrup, cinnamon, and a steady build of rye spices, particularly nutmeg and clove, before closing off with dark baked orange. The spices are short lasting, but the pleasurably deep boiled orange candy sweetness persists for minutes.
90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Spring 2018) A really well-made whisky which is perfectly balanced. Notes of vanilla and hazelnut on the palate that give way to a long, winey finish.
World Whisky Awards Best Japanese Limited Edition Blended Whisky. -
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Kirin Fuji Sanroku Tarujuku 50 Blended Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPANReduced from $150.00$129. 99Bottle$1559.88 DozenABV: 50%Officially discontinued.
This is likely to be our last shipment, so get it while you can.
Note: Labels have some minor scuffing.
"Sales of this whisky have been so strong that Kirin now says that it will run out of stock following its upcoming late-March shipments to suppliers. The company has stated that this will not be a temporary hiatus, but an official retiring of the product due to a lack of raw materials, so if you’re keen to score a bottle, now is the time... Sales of the more expensive substitute will continue as normal."- soranews24.com
A Japanese exclusive, this high ABV bottling from Kirin was launched in March 2016. The blend features medium and heavy-type grain whiskies combined with a minor peated malt component. Chief blender, Jota Tanaka also decided to bottle this non-chill filtered and at 50%. According to Nonjatta, "The new ‘Fujisanroku 50°C’ is the first generally and permanently available, entry-level NC Japanese blended whisky that is not chill-filtered. A bold move but one that, we are sure, will pay off. It sure does for us drinkers… the first sip you take, you know!"
Almost unknown outside of Japan, Fuji Sanroku which means "at the foot of Mount Fuji", is produced in Fuji Gotemba distillery, opened in 1973 and owned by the Kirin Group. As iconic locations go, it's hard to beat this distillery's picturesque environ. The water source is rain and melted snow from the top of Mount Fuji. Maturation typically takes place in x-Bourbon barrels. While the focus is on grain whisky, a quantity of malt whisky is also produced and marketed under various labels (Gotemba & Sanroku), as well as making up a component of the Kirin blended whiskies.
Tasting note: Brilliant deep gold. Opening sniffs suggest apple strudel, stewed pear, bubble gum and vanilla. Air contact adds hints of ripe corn / mixed grains. Understated on entry building to a juicy, vibrant, bourbonesque profile with creamy flavours of toffee apple, salted corn cob and pepper. Concludes semi-sweet, spicy but well balanced with orchard fruits, gobstopper and lingering creaminess. 50% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... A blend not afraid to make a statement and does so boldly. A sheer joy!
93 points- Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2017
...Jota Tanaka, Kirin’s chief blender, utilizes all the versatility of the complex production at Fuji Gotemba Distillery to create this truly superb non-chill filtered whisky. The dark vanilla, toffee brittle, macadamia nuts, heady incense, and singed oak have instant appeal. Sweet popcorn smothered in milk chocolate rotates through cherry, damson, and red apple, settling on a palate of toffee apple spiked with pepper and licorice. Tingling spices on a drying finish. 92 points
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Kirin Fuji Sanroku Signature Blend Blended Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPANReduced from $199.00$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 50%Gold Medal - World Whisky Awards 2018.
Following the massively successful 'Fuji Sanroku Tarujuku 50', comes this "Signature Blend", also one of the few Japanese whiskies to be bottled non chill filtered and at high strength - 50% ABV. Launched in Japan earlier in 2018 as a premium label, it was available at the Fuji Gotemba Distillery or via Kirin's Drinx webstore exclusively. Along with Asahi, Kirin has been a late comer to the whisky scene. Fuji Gotemba was opened in 1973 as a joint venture between Seagrams and Chivas Brothers and didn't release a whisky until 2004. While Suntory and Nikka continue to dominate, Kirin has demonstrated a commitment to high quality from the get-go. Chief blender, Jota Tanaka, makes the most of a sophisticated facility, recently winning World's Best Grain at the World Whisky Awards, followed by a Gold Medal for the Signature Edition in 2018. A small quantity has landed in Australia at a very special price. This has been summed up as a robust, fruity malt drinkers blend with a whisper of smoke.
Other reviews... Fuji-Gotemba Distillery’s talent for grain whisky is evident here, with a nose of waxy green leaves, whole peppercorn, and fleeting glimpses of lemon peel, lime zest, and white peach amid the airy, floral top notes. It has a serene, calming quality to it. Spicy pepper, orange peel, mouth-coating vanilla, creamy toffee, and crunchy apple, with a clean finish, like orange flesh laid out on hot stones. 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick.
- Kujira Ryukyu 20 Year Old Single Grain Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$550. 00Bottle$6600.00 DozenABV: 43%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
A big age statement for Japanese single grain, with critical acclaim to match. Unusually, this example is produced from the best quality Indica rice and Okinawa’s unique black koji. Distinguishing itself from its malt counterparts, it makes for a refreshing alternative in its category. A venture jointly launched by distillers in Okinawa, Kujira whiskies are aged on the Ryukyu Islands, a subtropical archipelago at the southernmost tip of Japan. Its all-year-round hot and humid climate accelerates the maturation of whisky several times faster than in a temperate climate. Kujira means “whale” in Japanese. The whale is a symbol of generosity and peace. Long plagued by war, the Ryukyu Islanders consider the whale, the largest creature in nature and prolific in the Pacific waters surrounding the island, as the guardian of peace and nature.Other reviews... Toasted cereal grains are pleasantly buttery on the nose. Supple and smooth in the mouth, there are notes of salted caramel, pastry crust, and honeyed oats. Flavors of brown butter balance out the sweet grains for a full flavored sip. 93 points / Excellent, Highly Recommended - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2019
Double Gold (CWSA 2020 Best Value)
Gold Medal (ISC 2020)
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Kyro Distillery Juuri Rye Spirit (500ml)FINLANDReduced from $84.99$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 46.3%Wholesaler clearance on top-notch rye new make. One parcel only.
A spirit that takes you to the very beginning of the whisky creation process: 'Juuri' is a new-make (the Finnish name means 'origin' - and the base for making great rye bread). It was also the very first product Kyro produced and the prototype for what became the first 100% malted Finnish rye. Besides offering a vivid insight into whisky production, what you get is something that boasts all the wonderful aromatic spiciness of rye whiskeys from America, sans barrel age. Technically you can't call it whiskey, yet it is among the very best rye spirits we've tasted to date. Complex and superbly expressive, the nose is like cutting open a bag of fresh rye bread - also suggesting buttered ryvita, mustard pickle and raisins. Brief aeration accents wholemeal bread, clove, old liquorice strap and vanilla. The palate is all about the grain, but there's also a passing resemblance to unaged grappa; Creamy-yet-fresh with assertive flavours of sourdough rye, spice and raisin, the finish is juicy, oily and gently peppery with fresh doughy rye notes persisting at length. An outstanding spirit that's selling for a song, drink it straight, use it as a base for craft cocktails or try it chilled as a schnapps. 46.3% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... 5 Stars - diffordsguide.com
Notes from the producers... Sweetness and light spicy rye are present on the nose, but really come to the front on the palate. After an initial dryness, notes of licorice root and a light touch of aniseed appear before giving way to the sensation of lightly spiced traditional Finnish rye bread.
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Domaine des Hautes Glaces Les Moissons Single Malt Organic Spirit (700ml)FRANCE$115. 00Bottle$1380.00 DozenABV: 42%Note: Some lifting to the rear label.
Made using organic barley grown and malted on-site at Domaine des Hautes Glaces in the alpine region of south-east France.
Run by Fred Revol, owner and master distiller, Domaines des Hautes Glaces is a farm-to-glass operation, growing, malting, brewing and distilling from its own 100% organically grown rye. Distillation takes place in a small copper pot still through which the spirit passes three times. The still is heated directly by a wood-burning fire, which is manually controlled. The entire approach is an attempt to harness the terroir of the region.
This bottling is a blend of three vintages of barley (2010-2012) grown on a single plot of the Estate, "The Climate Andrieu". The spirit is matured in a combination of virgin Troncais oak casks as well as those which previously held either Cognac or white wine from the Southern Rhone.
Tasting note: Almost waterlike with a light straw blush. Offers gentle and pure aromas of grain-store, weetbix and cream becoming more bread-like with exposure. Light to medium bodied with a delicate combination of vanilla, sour-dough bread and hints of sauerkraut. Ends with a peppery surge. Subtle weetbix aftertaste. Very softly spoken. Non chill filtered with natural colour. 42% Alc./Vol.
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Mackmyra Svensk Rok Single Malt Swedish Whisky (500ml)Valbo, SWEDEN$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 46.1%Launched in 2013 and now a regular bottling, this unusual release from the prodigious Swedish distillery is slightly smoky - hence the name "Svensk Rök", meaning "Swedish Smoke". Matured for an undisclosed period in a mix of 30-128 litre casks ranging from American oak, Swedish oak and ex-bourbon saturated with Oloroso, around 70% is peated. One of the tastiest expressions in the Mackmyra line up, Svensk Rok is also one of the best values, boasting melt-in-your-mouth flavours of salted citrus and vanilla along with all the sweet'n'smokey notes you'd expect, but with a twist: Mackmyra employ juniper branches to dry some of the malt, which makes sense, as juniper has been used to season food in Sweden for generations. It comes through at the finish as hints of menthol tobacco, smouldering potpourri and pine. The result is a distinctive local take on Scottish peated styles that really works. 46.1% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... At first you might think the smoke is quite full on. But then you realise the company it keeps, it is part of a tapestry; for there are subtly oaky vanillas at play here, as well as diced fresh apple and elegant understated spices.... Fascinating and quite brilliant. Now this is real blending. 95.5 points- Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2020
“Toasted hazelnut, runny honey and sweet nougat on the nose. Peat smoke, mossy undergrowth and bright citrus on the palate. Expressive and characterful, with a refreshing wave of salinity on the extremely long finish. Marvellous!” 96 points - IWSC 2022
...Meaning Swedish smoke, and they've nailed the juniper smoke perfectly here. Ripening lemons, fresh cream, Turkish delight, pine forests, and barley sugar aromas. Great poise and balance. A light, lacey structure comprising creamy fudge, honey, lemon, oak, and vanilla. It just dances on the tongue. Yet billowing puffs of smoke pulse from the center. Baked lemon peel ushers in a pleasurable rolling, smoky finish. This Röks! - 87 points - whiskyadvocate.com
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Mackmyra Moment Virvelvind Single Malt Swedish Whisky (700ml)Valbo, SWEDEN$260. 00Bottle$3120.00 DozenABV: 46.8%The final instalment in the Moment series in which special casks get the attention they deserve, 'Moment Virvelvind' takes its inspiration from the first edition, Moment Medvind. Peated and unpeated whiskies were drawn from Bourbon casks, as well as Swedish oak and second-fill Oloroso sherry casks. Softly spoken aromas of ripe orchard fruits, light peat and white pepper are followed by sweet, elegant and seductive smoke-infused flavours suggesting fruity dark chocolate, dried figs, toasted cereals and vanilla. It's deceptively long but all very subtle, and as ever for this distillery, so well integrated it's difficult to distinguish where distinct flavours start and end. If you're not usually partial to peated whiskies, try this. 46.8% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Nose: Sweet fruit in the shape of pears and red apples is balanced by distinct citrus, vanilla and muscovado sugar. All surrounded by a veil of smoke. Taste: Soft oak tones, acidic and pomerans. Madagascar vanilla, fudge ripe pear complemented with a light volatile smoke of peat and juniper. Aftertaste: Long aftertaste with tones of juniper and lime. Aromatic finish with tobacco leaves and oak.
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Mackmyra AI:02 Intelligens Single Malt Swedish Whisky (700ml)Valbo, SWEDEN$160. 00Bottle$1920.00 DozenABV: 46.1%The second release in Mackmyra's Intelligens series is created using artificial intelligence under the supervision of Master Blender, Angela D'Orazio. Developed by Microsoft partner, Fourkind, the AI takes in all kinds of data from the distillery's existing recipes, as well as sales data and customer preferences. At the beginning, D'Orazio used her experience to determine which recipes would work well together while correcting other less desirable combinations. As this process was repeated, the AI algorithm began to learn which combinations were the most favourable. These recipes became the Intelligens series. AI:02 has an attractive softness to the nose countered by sweet wood notes and a lightly coastal-smokey edge. Like most other Mackmyra whiskies, this is easily approachable. The mouthfeel is medium bodied, full and rounded with subtle flavours of poached pears, salted dark chocolate, nutty oloroso and trace peat dovetailing together in a seamless mesh. The finish is appropriately balanced but not long, with a frail smokiness returning late. 46.1% Alc./Vol. The exact cask breakdown was as follows:
1st Fill Ex-Bourbon, 200L
1st Fill Ex-Bourbon, 100L
Freshly saturated Ex-Oloroso, 128L
Virgin American Oak, 128L
Virgin Swedish Oak, 30L (Pre-stored smoky recipe)Notes from the producers... Nose: Fruity tones of green pear and honey blended together with vanilla and butterscotch. Mouth: Vanilla fudge with notes of citrus, slightly spicy pepper and a clear oak barrel character. Everything softly wrapped in smoky peat and juniper. Summary: Sweet fruits and oaky tones, followed by a discreet smoky tail.
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Mackmyra Limousin Single Malt Swedish Whisky (700ml)Valbo, SWEDEN$160. 00Bottle$1920.00 DozenABV: 46.1%Inspired by the French oak region of the same name, Mackmyra mature this expression in Limousin casks that previously held Cognac from the renowned House of Pierre Ferrand. But that's not all. To emphasise the fruitiness, they were complemented by older Oloroso casks, as well as casks saturated with berry wine (cherry and forest raspberry). It's a convoluted mix, and you get the impression that some cask cancel-culture is in action here which makes it difficult to pin down discreet notes. What it does achieve is a pretty seamless mouthfeel, with the main flavour drive arriving at the finish. You could liken it to fruit'n'nut dark chocolate with a little toasted muesli character, as well as salted crackers, brine, ginger and a subtle oiliness associated with peated styles (yet it's not peated); Kind of coastal and kind of sweet and fruity at the same time, Limousin is released at the distillery’s go-to ABV for the 'Seasonal' series of 46.1%. 16,000 bottles are available globally. The exact cask breakdown is as follows:
Cognac barrel, 350L (1st French oak), 'elegant recipe'.
American oak barrel saturated with Oloroso, 200L & 128L (fresh, 1st & 2nd)
American oak barrel, 200L & 128L
Raspberry wine 100L
Swedish oak barrel 30L
Ex-Bourbon barrel 200LNotes from the producers... Nose: Fruity, with notes of sweet and citrus fruits. Distinct vanilla with dried fruit, prune and orange zest. Taste: Round taste with vanilla caramel, dried fruit, sweet almond and dark chocolate. A light spiciness from the oak, with light sour grape tones, ginger and matured pear. Aftertaste: Vinous, sun-ripened grapes with oak notes and soft pear caramel.
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Mackmyra Destination Single Malt Swedish Whisky (700ml)Valbo, SWEDEN$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 48.7%Non-peated with one third aged in casks that previously held port wine, 'Destination' is darker, deeper and richer than Mackmyra's Limousin. The nose indicates some red berry pick-up mingling with Bourbony vanillas, while the fruity port input becomes more salient in the delivery. It's a bigger, bolder Mackmyra expression, finishing in a flurry of spices and dark chocolate before fading with a chewy-nutty-malt character and late hints of dried berries. The wine influence is beautifully harmonised. 48.7% Alc./Vol.
The exact cask breakdown is as follows:
33% Ex-Port wine cask, 600 L
33% American oak cask, 200 L
25% Ex-Bourbon cask, 200 L
9% Oloroso-seasoned American oak, cask, 200 LNotes from the bottlers... Pear and raisins in a lovely combination, followed by sweet notes of fudge and almond paste. Taste: Prominent notes of vanilla fudge and almond paste that comes from the American oak casks. Sweet raisins and berry-like nuances of white heart cherry and blackberry. Aftertaste: Sweet berries and hazelnut, finished with lively notes of oak. This label is an invitation to whisky lovers all around the world to come and visit the distillery.
- Mackmyra Svensk Rok Single Malt Swedish Whisky (500ml) - old bottlingValbo, SWEDEN$125. 00Bottle$1500.00 DozenABV: 46.1%Launched in 2013 and set to become a regular bottling, this unusual release from the prodigious Swedish distillery is slightly smoky - hence the name "Svensk Rök", meaning "Swedish Smoke". Matured in a mix of 110 and 30 liter casks for an undisclosed period, Mackmyra use smoldering juniper branches to dry some of the malt, (about 70% of this whisky is peated). Expect aromas and flavours of peat, juniper, vanilla, caramel, citrus, pears and raisins. Other reviews... A very different Mackmyra in both style and sensory texture, Subtlety is the key and time is the lock. Defintely need a good half hour to unpick this one. 46.1% Alc./Vol.
93 points- Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2016 Silver Medal Outstanding - Worldwide Whiskey - Single Malt - 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition - Mackmyra Special 08 Handpicked Spring 2012 Single Malt Swedish Whisky (700ml)Valbo, SWEDEN$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 46%Mackmyra describe themselves as “Adventurers in Whisky” and the diversity of their range and barrel regimes are a testimony to their claim. While they offer malts matured in traditional x Bourbon and Sherry casks, finishes range from Sauternes barrels through to casks which have previously held traditional fruit and berry wines, as well as indigenous Swedish oak (the latter reportedly contributes prominent spice). Casks of 30 and 100 litres are typical. The smaller vessels create an intense maturation with high oak-to-liquid ratios. All the whiskies are aged at a constant temperature, 50 meters deep underground in an old mine. Part of the "Special Series" , 08 is a spicy malt whisky with a floral and fruity character, created from a mix of bourbon casks, sherry casks and casks made of new Swedish and American oak before being finally finished in French Sauternes casks. This edition is labelled "Handplockat", or "hand picked", in honour of the winemakers who carefully chose the grapes to make the Sauternes. One only to sell.
- Mackmyra Special 05 Happy Hunting Autumn 2010 Single Malt Swedish Whisky (700ml)Valbo, SWEDEN$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 47.2%Number 5 in Mackmyra's Special Series is finished in casks that have been saturated with cowberry wine with a touch of blueberry. Reportedly a richer after dinner style malt. One only to sell. 47.2% Alc./Vol. Self-described as “Adventurers in Whisky”, the diversity of Mackmyra's range and barrel regimes bear testimony to their claim. While they offer malts matured in traditional x Bourbon and Sherry casks, finishes range from Sauternes barrels through to casks which have previously held traditional fruit and berry wines, as well as indigenous Swedish oak (the latter reportedly contributes prominent spice). Casks of 30 and 100 litres are typical. The smaller vessels create an intense maturation with high oak-to-liquid ratios. All the whiskies are aged at a constant temperature, 50 meters deep underground in the Bodas mine on the island of Fjäderholmarna.
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Mackmyra Brukswhisky Single Malt Swedish Whisky (700ml)Valbo, SWEDEN$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenABV: 41.4%This is Mackmyra's new 'house whisky' - an accessible, all occasions, lighter styled malt matured primarily in first fill bourbon barrels. It also includes whisky aged in Sherry and Swedish oak casks."A Mackmyra Masterpiece. 95.5 points" - Jim Murray. Other reviews... One of the most complex and most beautifully structured whiskies of the year.A Mackmyra masterpiece, cementing the distillery amongst the world's true greats.
95.5 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2015 ...This may well be the perfect entry level Mackmyra. It has a lower strength, and is almost Mackmyra Lite, thinner and less peaky, peppery, and peaty than every other Mackmyra bottling. There’s a green fruit, almost gooseberry dimension to this; most unusual for the distillery, and the peaty underlay is fractured and dusty rather than sharp and intense. A revelation, and proof that the distillery is branching out.
82 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Dominic Roskrow (Summer 2011) - Mackmyra Special 06 Summer Meadow 2011 Single Malt Swedish Whisky (700ml)Valbo, SWEDEN$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 46.8%A Swedish malt to herald the Summer: 06 is a fresh styled whisky with a floral and fruity character. Matured in bourbon and sherry casks. One only to sell. 46.8% Alc./Vol. Self-described as “Adventurers in Whisky”, the diversity of Mackmyra's range and barrel regimes bear testimony to their claim. While they offer malts matured in traditional x Bourbon and Sherry casks, finishes range from Sauternes barrels through to casks which have previously held traditional fruit and berry wines, as well as indigenous Swedish oak (the latter reportedly contributes prominent spice). Casks of 30 and 100 litres are typical. The smaller vessels create an intense maturation with high oak-to-liquid ratios. All the whiskies are aged at a constant temperature, 50 meters deep underground in the Bodas mine on the island of Fjäderholmarna.
- Mackmyra Special 07 Hope Autumn 2011 Single Malt Swedish Whisky (700ml)Valbo, SWEDEN$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 45.8%Number 7 in Mackmyra's Special series is described as a whisky with salty notes of both autumn and sea, along with berry, smoke and spice. The whisky was matured in several different barrel types from 30 to 200 litres, then finished in casks that were saturated with cloudberry wine. One only to sell. 45.8% Alc./Vol. Self-described as “Adventurers in Whisky”, the diversity of Mackmyra's range and barrel regimes bear testimony to their claim. While they offer malts matured in traditional x Bourbon and Sherry casks, finishes range from Sauternes barrels through to casks which have previously held traditional fruit and berry wines, as well as indigenous Swedish oak (the latter reportedly contributes prominent spice). Casks of 30 and 100 litres are typical. The smaller vessels create an intense maturation with high oak-to-liquid ratios. All the whiskies are aged at a constant temperature, 50 meters deep underground in the Bodas mine on the island of Fjäderholmarna.
- Mackmyra Blomstertid Single Malt Swedish Whisky (700ml)Valbo, SWEDEN$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 46.1%A limited edition Mackmyra. Around a third of the casks used in Blomstertid previously aged cherry wine, which in turn gives the whisky notes of cherries and berries as well as contributing colour.
One only to sell. Notes from the producer… Gently oaky with wonderful notes of berries, fruit, flowers, citrus and ginger. A more spicy oak is found along with herbs like anise and tobacco leaves. Fruity with a taste of berries. A well balanced oak- and fruitiness marries with cherries, sweet raisins, and vanilla fudge. The texture is medium thick. 46.1% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... Gold / World Whiskies - 2016 International Spirits Challenge. - Mackmyra Svensk Ek Single Malt Swedish Whisky (700ml)SWEDEN$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 46.1%Formerly known as "The First Edition", Svensk Ek means "Swedish Oak", named for the fact that this is partially matured in casks from the island of Visingsö. The timber was originally intended for use as ship building for the Swedish Royal Navy. Other reviews… this light-colored dram has honey-drenched crumpets, creamed butter, green tea taken in lemon groves, and hints of peppermint. Shredded lemon and lime peels are joined by a precise, concentrated wood spice note with ground ginger and black pepper. Dilution fattens the mouthfeel but flattens the citrus peel, leaving a smudge of light toffee and malt. Pleasant sipping for those long, Swedish summer days.
83 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Fall 2015) - Shinshu Mars Distillery Kasei Blended Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$125. 00Bottle$1500.00 DozenABV: 40%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Kasei, meaning Mars in Japanese, has been made to exemplify Shinshu Mars' whisky making style. At almost 800 meters above sea level, it is Japan's highest distillery and, therefore, nearest to its namesake, Mars. Consisting of both malt and grain whiskies, expect some light and spritzy white fruit character with some softening vanilla and a whiff of smoke around the edges. - 2022 Mars Tsunuki Aging Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$275. 00Bottle$3300.00 DozenABV: 50%
Built in 2016, Tsunuki is the second distillery owned and operated by Mars Whisky. Situated in the Kagoshima Prefecture in the south of Japan, its location is also the birthplace of their business, Hombo Shuzo Co. more than 100 years ago.
The 2022 edition is the fledgling distillery's third ever release, following on from 'The First' and 'Peated'. Majority matured in bourbon barrels, on the nose anticipate a fresh sweetness reminiscent of lemon cake, followed by hints of black tea and a whiff of smoke, while the palate boasts a bitter sweet fruitiness like Orangette and the finish is long and rich, helped by the fact that it's non chill filtered and bottled at a higher than normal ABV of 50%.
- 2014 Shinshu Mars Distillery Komagatake Double Cellars 5 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 47%Once again, we have a very small volume of this "Double Cellars" release from the Mars Shinshu distillery. It was initially matured in their Shinshu aging cellar in American White oak and x Sherry casks after which is was sent off to the company’s maturation halls on the small island of Yakushima for further aging in x Bourbon barrels. Located off the south of mainland Japan, the island provides a warmer ageing environment. Finally bottled in 2019, the resulting malt is described as having aromas and flavours of apricot, plum and bitter chocolate, with good acidity as well as mixed spice and a subtle saltiness. 47% Alc./Vol.
- 2013 Shinshu Mars Distillery Komagatake Double Cellars 5 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$350. 00Bottle$4200.00 DozenABV: 46%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
This "Double Cellars" release was initially matured in their Shinshu aging cellar in an x Bourbon barrel after which is was sent off to the company’s Tsunuki maturation halls for further aging. Bottled 2018.
Other reviews... A very solid young whisky. I could envisage a few friends polishing off a bottle in a session. I’d call it user friendly. 46% ABV seems spot on for this one.
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2020 Mars Tsunuki Distillery Peated Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPANReduced from $299.00$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 50%For those new to the Japanese whisky scene, Tsunuki is the second distillery of Mars Whisky, built in 2016 on an historic site in Kagoshima, South Japan. The location is also the birthplace of the parent company, 'Hombo Shuzo' which started over one hundred years ago. This is the second official release after Tsunuki 'The First'. It comes matured in bourbon barrels, but this time aims to showcase a peaty character that was absent from its predecessor, along with honey, barley and crisp apple notes. With an outturn of approximately 15,000 bottles world wide, it comes non chill filtered and bottled at a higher than normal strength of 50% for maximum flavour. Very limited stocks.
- Mars Tsunuki Distillery The First Cask Strength Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$499. 00Bottle$5988.00 DozenABV: 59%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
Collector's alert: Hombo Shuzo have recently launched their first single malt whisky to be produced at the new Tsunuki distillery, located on the island of Kyushu in Southern Japan. Distilled in 2016, a limited parcel has just arrived in Australia. The whisky has been aptly titled ‘The First’ and comes bottled at natural cask strength, unusual for most Japanese whiskies.
Since 2011, Mars have been making some wonderful blended and single malt whiskies at Shinshu. As whisky consumption and demand for Japanese whisky increased globally, a plan was initiated to establish a distillery in Tsunuki. Production began in 2016.
Aged onsite for around four years before bottling in 2020, Hombo Kazuto, the President of the parent company, Hombo Shuzo, comments, “This is a young whisky, but I have to say this tastes surprisingly mature. The whisky had been deepened by climate and weather in Tsunuki. The area is surrounded by mountains, and it gets hot in summer and cold in winter. This is just the beginning of Tsunuki single malt, and there is a lot to discover". 59% Alc./Vol. Very limited stocks.
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Matsui The San-In ex-Bourbon Barrel Blended Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$140. 00Bottle$1680.00 DozenABV: 43%"...truly magnificent... a show stopper in its own right." - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
This promises to be another delicious Matsui expression, following on from the hugely successful Mizunara bottling. Created at the Kurayoshi distillery and matured in an ex-bourbon barrel, expect a range of sweet, fruity notes to the lightly spiced spirit. Highest recommendation from Jim Murray below, but sadly, the size of our current shipment will only satisfy a minority. 43% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Japan goes to Kentucky: the liquorice and tannin would be appreciated by distillers east of the Blue Ridge mountains...; for a blend, the mouthfeel is lush and lingering. The Kentucky style tannins arrive early and then we are thrown into a series of intense "Love Hearts" candy notes - the purple ones in particular. There is a fizzing liveliness to the sugars, sweetened hickory just to round it off; this is truly magnificent. The label promises fruit that doesn't arrive. But it doesn't need it. It's a show stopper in its own right. 94.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022
...Showing a nose combining earthy aromas of barley cake, toasted walnut, and campfire smoke with more fruit driven notes of ripe apple and dried cherry, this is a complex whisky. On tasting the spirit is light but flavorful and finishes clean and dry. 89 points - Very Good, Strong Recommendation - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2021
Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020
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Matsui The Peated Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 48%No.19 in Whisky Advocate's Top 20 whiskies for 2019.
The third in a trio of highly praised releases, though youthful, Kurayoshi's whiskies already show off Matsui as a high quality distillate to look out for both now and in the future. 'The Peated' bottling comes in two different labelling designs, one that features Katsushika Hokusai's "The Great Wave" on the front label, and another which is the image shown and thought to be a Japan only edition. We cannot guarantee which will be supplied and will choose at random. 48% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Kurayoshi Distillery lies between Osaka and Hiroshima in the foothills of Mount Daisen, where it produces single malt whiskies brought to proof with soft, mountain spring water. The label, adorned by Hokusai’s The Great Wave, portends this whisky’s rush of flavor: satisfyingly smoky, with noticeable structure and complexity. Kippers on the nose, with burnt aromatic grasses, cocoa, and jellied fruits, and a smoky palate of red apple, ginger, pepper, orange, and mango. Smoke writhes like a serpent on the finish, sliding off the walls dripping with sweet tropical fruits. 92 points - Jonny McCormick, 2019, whiskyadvocate.com
...A degree of sharpness suggests young, as does the pungency of the phenols which possesses an attractive smoked bacon character... a typically idiosyncratic style of peating from this distillery, though the smoke often battles with the sugars as well as the tannin. 89.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022
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Matsui Sakura Cask Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 48%"Just drips with personality..." - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible.
There are three NAS whiskies in the new Matsui line up: Mizunara Cask, Peated and Sakura Cask. The latter is arguably the most intriguing of the lot. Cherry wood barrels aren't something you come across everyday. The tree holds an important place in Japanese culture and is often used by Japanese artists as a metaphor for the ephemerality of beauty and life. In this case, the label was painted by Japanese Master, Kikukawa Eizan and alludes to the character imparted by the wood.
It's reported (but not confirmed) that the casks used here were 'hybrids' - i.e.- the cask heads were removed and replaced with native cherry wood. With just under 4000 bottles produced, its novel character ensures it will be a talking point in any Japanese whisky collection.
Other reviews... Matured in the wood of the cherry tree, this does impart a spicier than normal intensity, which in itself closes out the barley. Just drips with personality, however. 48% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
92.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021...A nose of cola gummies, Dr. Pepper, fresh green apple, poached pears in cream, dried strawberry, tree blossom, white pepper, allspice, and mint leaves. This whisky, finished in a cask with Japanese cherrywood heads, begins delicately with sweet fruit syrups, before unwrapping golden caramel with a core of spice. Baked apple notes, strudel, unsweetened citrus, and a tang of bitter fruits, which abate to a mouth-coating finish of orange oil.
89 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Fall 2019)Second place / Best Japanese NAS Whisky - 2019 International Whisky Challenge
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Matsui Mizunara Cask Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPANReduced from $199.00$160. 00Bottle$1920.00 DozenABV: 48%Winner: Japanese Single Malt of the Year - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2020.
Matsui Shuzo, owner of the Kurayoshi whisky brand was established as a schochu distiller in Tottori, Japan back in 1910. Since then, the company has also been sourcing and selling imported age statement malts, but only started to distill whisky in 2017. The Matsui label is their first actual 100% 'Made in Japan' offering.
This particular expression makes use of Japanese Mizunara oak casks (Quercus mongolica). Suntory began to experiment with the indigenous species after the Second World War when supplies of foreign oak were difficult to source. It made a far from ideal vessel: Mizunara's loose grains tended to cause leakage, and also created challenges in terms of timber selection and cooperage. Blenders at the time had few kind words to say about the wood. It's scarcer than European and American oak, notoriously expensive, and to top it off, the trees are harvested at around 200 years old (compared to around 75 for American/European oak).
For drinkers, the obvious question is "Does Mizunara oak give a distinctive flavour to whisky?" The consensus is that it tends to offer a more definite coconut aroma. Other sources suggest the wood contributes attractive sandalwood notes. Some bottlings are clearly more successful than others. By all reports, this expression falls into the "success" category in a major way, taking out several accolades since its debut. No doubt, some will just buy it for the beautiful bottle that features Katsushika Hokusai’s Thirty Six Views of Mount Fuji with a fly-by of red-crowned cranes, native to Japan.
Other reviews... If you want to see why Japanese oak can give the indigenous whisky industry a leg up on their rivals, then it might be worth tracking this down. The flavour profile is really one, to the extent, that you see only in Japan and seems to give an extra sharpness to their malt; as though the colours on the nose and palate are pastel shaded and not just water. A quite beautiful whisky, as elegant and delicate as a demure Japanese girlfriend in a flowing silk kimono. 48% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 95 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2020
Very pale, fresh whisky, with lychee, fresh pear, morning dew, apple notes, and just a dash of salt and white pepper. It’s a honeyed and thick dram on the palate, with caramelized apples and tangerine, then late bittersweet citrus that attempts to dampen down the jackhammer of pepper. Enjoyable weight, texture, and flavors, but the mizunara signature notes are a little subtle and underplayed. (3,972 bottles)
90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Fall 2019)Double Gold award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019
- Michel Couvreur Vin Jaune 9 Year Old Single Malt French Whisky (500ml)Burgundy, FRANCE$199. 99Bottle$2399.88 DozenABV: 48%
One year older than the previous edition, once again, the Michel Couvreur team have worked their peculiar brand of magic on a Scottish malt, this one distilled on the 1st of February 2015 and matured for over nine years in Jura vin Juane casks (a white wine produced from Savagnin in the Jura region of Eastern France, tasting similar to fino Sherry). Barrels were sourced from Stéphane Tissot and delivered to Couvreur's Burgundy cellars without rinsing, partly accounting for the remarkable wine pick up in this malt. 2500 wax-sealed bottles are on offer globally at 48% Alc./Vol.
- Michel Couvreur The Must '90s Single Cask Single Malt French Whisky (500ml)Burgundy, FRANCE$899. 00Bottle$10788.00 DozenABV: 46%
A long lost treat from the Burgundian cave of Michel Couvreur - distilled in Scotland in October 1990 and then transported to France where it matured for more than 30 years in a PX sherry cask yielding 220 bottles. Expect something decadent and beautifully harmonised. The wax-sealed bottle comes housed in a timber presentation frame as pictured. At the time of writing, we have one bottle only. 46% Alc./Vol.