Kavalan Classic Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

"...straightforward Scotch-like, rumbling maltiness. It’s hard not to like." - drinkhacker.com

King Car distillery was only brought on stream in 2005, but the sub-tropical climate means their whisky matures quickly, demonstrated by the 'Classic' NAS Kavalan winning Gold at the 2011 International Wine & Spirits Competition. Since then, it's cemented a reputation as one of the best value Asian malts on the market. The aromas are expressive with 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, ending mildy fruity, fresh and dry. A little short, but 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 - whiskyadvocate.com (Vol. 19, #4) Reviewed by: Dave Broom

"While totally easy drinking, Kavalan isn’t exactly inspired. There aren’t a lot of secondary characteristics here, just straightforward Scotch-like, rumbling maltiness. It’s hard not to like." - drinkhacker.com