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Taiwanese Whisky

In a market previously dominated by Cognac, Taiwan is now officially one of the world's biggest consumers of whisky, with Scotch an aspirational status symbol for many Taiwanese. So it comes as no surprise that Taiwan has unveiled its very own distillery. Since 2008, Kavalan's output has spanned a remarkable breadth - from traditional 'Speyside' styles through to more robust wine and Sherry influenced expressions. In spite of their youth, the quality has confounded many critics and a natural strength release even breached the mythical 3 digit barrier, rated 100 points by the highly respected ‘Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago (now sold out). As small batch releases, expect the whiskies to show some natural variation from batch to batch.

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- 91
Kavalan Solist Peated Australian Exclusive Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$250. 00
Bottle
$3000.00 Dozen

ABV: 52.4%

A limited edition Solist exclusive to Australia. Only 144 bottles were produced from single cask R150414033A, however, there is a sister cask (032A) that was imported with the same claim to fame. Regardless of which was actually first, this represents the first-ever Kavalan Solist Peated Single Malt to be officially launched here. The combination of peated barley at a low 10PPM means the tropical notes of Kavalan aren't completely overwhelmed, instead the smoke augments what is a typically full-flavoured Solist expression, loaded with vibrant spices and finishing with a touch of fruit cake. It's not as complex or long as many an Islay, but if you enjoy Highlanders like Ardmore or young (peated) Benriach, you should like this. 52.4% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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Kavalan Solist Madeira Cask Australian Exclusive Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$299. 00
Bottle
$3588.00 Dozen

ABV: 57.8%

Two more cask strength / single cask Kavalans have been exclusively dedicated to Australia. This is the slightly more unusual of the pair, having been matured in an x-Madeira cask - the fortified wine made on the famous Portuguese island. Kavalan’s tropical new-make harmonises well with the rich fruit notes from the wine cask, delivering soft cinnamon spice and cherry character. 57.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 211 bottles are on offer.

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- 94
Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Australian Exclusive Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$280. 00
Bottle
$3360.00 Dozen

ABV: 54.8%

Always interesting to compare Solist sherry releases. This takes a drier, nuttier trajectory with a fresh peel lift to the nose and a bittersweet arrival that fans out in typical Kavalan fashion: Dates, roasted nuts, rancio and dried coconut are countered by bittersweet dark chocolate, citrus peel and spicy astringency. Not quite as exuberant as some previous picks, the style here is akin to a well-aged Armagnac that unfolds with extended time in the glass. 239 bottles are on offer for Australian fans. 54.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Very limited stocks.

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- 94
- ABV may vary
- Batch may vary
Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Australian Exclusive Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$220. 00
Bottle
$2640.00 Dozen

ABV: 57.1%

Previous batch tasted: Two new Solist bottlings earmarked for Australia have arrived. Normally sherry wins out, but this time its companion is a worthy match. Bourbonesque on the nose, boasting classic American oak aromas of peach, dried mango, Bounty bar, vanilla and fresh sawn oak, this is a typically intense Kavalan, the malt infused with sweet spice and chilli dark chocolate, rebounding with decadent oak-derived flavours of desiccated coconut and vanilla. Wisps of peppermint add rye-like freshness. [54.8% Alc./Vol. batch tasted] Non chill filtered. Very limited stocks.

Delivery Information
- Batch may vary
- Limit Three per customer
- Nick's Import
- ABV may vary
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (1000ml)

TAIWAN

$299. 00
Bottle
$3588.00 Dozen

ABV: 59.4%

Cask strength one litre format at the same price as the standard issue 700ml import.
Kavalan continue to confound critics and purists, proving that lengthy maturation is no longer the rule when it comes to great whisky. Master Blender, Ian Chang concedes that he will almost certainly never release anything older than ten years. If he waited that long, most of the liquid would have evaporated anyway, making it both physically and financially unviable. So long as Kavalan remain obsessive about quality wood - which they do - age doesn't seem to matter.
Jim Murray rightly observes, "Kavalan has that very rare talent for brilliance without apparent effort". Perhaps no other whisky in their portfolio more routinely exemplifies this than the Vinho Barrique. While there are many distilleries that turn out gargantuan malts, there are few on the planet offering young casks that combine raw power with so much complexity and nuance. Right now you can get it in a one litre format at the same price as the standard issue 700ml import. It's a 'no-brainer' buying opportunity promising a massive bang for your buck in every sense. Please note: ABV may vary slightly from the product pictured.

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- 91
Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$150. 00
Bottle
$1800.00 Dozen

ABV: 40%

Kavalan have launched a new expression matured in three different Sherry casks, namely oloroso, Pedro Ximénez (PX) and Moscatel casks.
Senior Blender, Zerose Yang adds, “Its main character, the dried fruits of the oloroso cask, are embellished with the sweetness of PX and Moscatel casks... The resulting liquid offers notes of cinnamon, candied smoked plum, and citrus, layered with a nose of berry, tropical fruits, and longan, alongside a dash of honey, chocolate, and toffee on the palate."
For those who are used to the distillery's extravagant cask strength expressions, this takes a step back. The nose presents an attractive array of dried fruits and plummy malt, mingling with sweet spices. It's an accessible, middle weight style, with a convincing sherry lick and an appropriate dash of spice. You can't really fault the balance, but in the context of what this distillery is best known for, it's Kavalan light. 40% Alc./Vol.

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Kavalan Native Species 'Mikado Pheasant' Classic Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky Gift Set (1 x 700ml & 2 x 50ml)

TAIWAN

$160. 00
Bottle
$1920.00 Dozen

ABV: 40%

This limited release gift set includes one 700ml bottle of Kavalan's 'Classic' single malt, plus a 50ml sampler of the same, and a 50ml sample of Kavalan's 'Distillery Select No.1' single malt, all bottled at 40%.

One in a series celebrating the native species of Taiwan, the packaging and bottle label are graced with The Mikado Pheasant, aka the “Emperor’s Pheasant'. The bird boasts a splendid, royal blue plumage and is considered a national symbol. It is accompanied by the Taiwan Barbet and the Tree Peony, symbolising wealth.

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- 85
Kavalan Distillery Select No.2 Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen

ABV: 40%

The entry level 'Distillery Select' Series sits beneath Kavalan's existing 'Solist' and 'Rare Sherry' whiskies and comes presented in a bottle shape inspired by Taiwan’s architectural pride, Taipei 101 - one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Each whisky in the range is created to showcase a different facet of Kavalan’s character. For this second expression, the Master Distiller emphasises floral and herbal notes.
Other reviews... Unusually for Kavalan, they have here made the rare error of selecting casks which tend to cancel each other out rather than ensuring complexity.
85.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021
...an unassuming nose leads to a complex and balanced palate with a sophisticated finish that lasts and lasts.
Gold Medal / 93 points - tastings.com

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- 92
- 81
Kavalan Concertmaster Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$120. 00
Bottle
$1440.00 Dozen

ABV: 40%

Tasting note: [15ml sample] The second whisky in the Concertmaster series is aged in the distillery’s own special reserve of refill casks, then finished in the Spanish ex Sherry casks. Moderate aromas of dried fruits, in particular, dried mango followed by a touch of banana. Medium-dry rather than sweet, accessible, well rounded and with solid depth at this ABV, instead of traditional sherried notes, blueberries come to mind, especially at the finish where the impression is enhanced by fresh acidity. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... The driest sherry of any Kavalan I have yet encountered... It could have done without that sherry finish. 81 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

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- 90
- ABV may vary
Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Sherry Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (750ml)

TAIWAN

$550. 00
Bottle
$6600.00 Dozen

ABV: 58.6%

NB: Alc./Vol. may vary from batch to batch.
Other reviews... Clove-spiked orange, melon, pomegranate, cherry lozenge, and aniseed. Cherry, Strawberry Laces, growing spiciness, ginger, pepper, almost effervescent fruit jamminess. Later, citrus peel, vanilla. Finish has vanilla bitterness and fresh green herbal tones. Water keeps the fruit but boosts those spices on the finish. 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Spring 2017)

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- 94
- Nick's Import
- ABV may vary
- Batch may vary
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$299. 00
Bottle
$3588.00 Dozen

ABV: 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) 2015

This 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

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- 93
Kavalan Bourbon Cask Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$155. 00
Bottle
$1860.00 Dozen

ABV: 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

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Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml) - 57.8% ABV Bottling

TAIWAN

$350. 00
Bottle
$4200.00 Dozen

ABV: 57.8%

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not 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 57.8% bottling from an outturn of 231 bottles.

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Kavalan Single Cask Amontillado Sherry Cask Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (950ml) - With Crystal Decanter and Glass

TAIWAN

$999. 00
Bottle
$11988.00 Dozen

ABV: 56.3%

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
A very special Taiwanese single malt believed to have been distilled in 2010. Matured for years in an Amontillado Sherry Cask and bottled in 2016 at a natural cask strength of 56.3%, non chill filtered and with no added colour, the outturn was just 390 bottles globally. Presented in a 950ml crystal decanter, packed in a luxury wooden box including a matching glass and stopper, it's a stunning edition from the inside out. One only.
Other reviews... The nose is rich with chocolate biscuits, elegant imported vanilla, old earthy wood and fruit tree blossoms. Lilacs and Plasticine clay float in the background. The whisky arches in the mouth with a dry spiciness that achieves balance with contrasting caramel sweetness. The finish sizzles with black cherry and spice. 93 points - distiller.com

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Kavalan Solist Port Cask Australian Exclusive Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$240. 00
Bottle
$2880.00 Dozen

ABV: 59.4%

Released for the 2022 Lunar New Year ‘Year Of The Tiger’ as an Australian Exclusive and featuring a laser engraved bottle is the latest limited edition from Kavalan. Fully matured in Portuguese Port barriques under the subtropical climate to create the multiple fruity flavours including plum, blueberry, blackberry and strawberry with chocolate as the main background note, this promises a truly decadent Asian whisky experience. 59.4% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 205 bottles are available for Australia only.
Notes from the producers... Colour: Dark brownish red. Nose: The rich fruity and nutty flavours combined and enhanced by orange and citrus notes that can be enjoyed together with gentle and elegant wood spices of our American oakiness. Palate: Satisfying fruitiness blended with quality chocolate aromas that melt delicately on your palate. A wonderful and long lasting after taste for your unique sampling pleasure.

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- Nick's Import
- Reduced
Kavalan Ex-Bourbon Oak Alambic Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (200ml)

TAIWAN

Reduced from $74.99
$64. 99
Bottle
$779.88 Dozen

ABV: 54%

Kavalan has built a reputation for saturated, wine-cask matured malts. However more and more tasters are gaining an appreciation for just how good Kavalan is in the absence of exotic maturations. Arguably, nothing showcases a distillate better than high quality x Bourbon oak, which is just what we have here. Arriving in a handsome 'novelty' bottling that's also collectable, the unique pot still shaped vessel offers the distillery's acclaimed tropical fruit character alongside notes of toasted oak and vanilla. 54% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Australian Exclusive Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$299. 00
Bottle
$3588.00 Dozen

ABV: 58.6%

The ever-popular Solist Vinho Barrique returns in yet another incarnation, sporting a new presentation and containing liquid exclusively reserved for Australia. The label refers to the "Lunar New Year 2022" - another point of difference that may further attract collectors. Flavour wise, expect all the rich cocoa, caramel and tropical fruit character that these bottlings have become famous for, dialled up to maximum intensity at a whopping 58.6%. 2012 bottles are offer. Non chill filtered.

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Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml) - Plus Bonus Kavalan Podium Boxed Miniature

TAIWAN

$299. 00
Bottle
$3588.00 Dozen

Note: Box has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Also Alc./Vol. may vary from batch to batch.

Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

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.

Other reviews... [Earlier Batch tasted] Dark reddish mahogany. Dense aromas of cherry-raisin compote, chocolate nuts, leather, teriyaki jerky, and coffee liqueur with a supple, fruity full body and a long, warming fruit cake, white pepper, spice, nutshell, cedar, and Coleman's fuel accented finish. Amazingly concentrated; add a little water to round out and balance.
International Review of Spirits Award: Platinum Medal
98 points (Superlative)- www.tastings.com

Kavalan Podium Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

Created from whiskies matured in brand new American oak as well as refill casks.

Tasting note: Bright amber / brass appearance. A little underwhelming in the initial pass with toasted marshmallow followed by hints of white pepper and a muted maltiness. Expands with further air contact as oatmeal biscuit and stone fruits are added to the mix. A concentrated and peppery delivery offers biscuity malt flavours over background fruitiness. Finishes with fruit chocolate and mildly tingly spirit that skews the balance slightly, followed by cocoa and attractive stewed pear notes lingering. Shows excellent freshness. 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Amber color. Nutty aromas and flavors of grilled fruits, toffee and brown spices with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a nutty, honeyed raisin toast, peppery spice, and mineral finish. A vibrant, fruit driven whisky that will please whisky novices and connoisseurs alike.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
93 points (Exceptional) - www.tastings.com

...The mark of a good distillery is consistently producing 85 points-plus whiskies, and with this batch Kavalan's going into double digits. If the distillery has a weakness, it's that sometimes it overstates its case and makes even the Aussies look subtle and nuanced. Not here. This is a delicious dessert whisky, with vanilla and toffee in abundance and some sugar candy. But having made its case, it steps back and is surprisingly gentle. Kavalan with subtlety? Scary!
90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Dominic Roskrow (Summer 2013)

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- 96
- Nicks Exclusive
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Nicks Wine Merchants Australian Exclusive Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$299. 00
Bottle
$3588.00 Dozen

ABV: 55.6%

A winner on all sensory accounts, delivering just what you'd expect from this distillery. 199 bottles for Australia only.
Limited to two bottles per customer.
Kavalan continue to confound critics and purists, proving that lengthy maturation is no longer the rule when it comes to great whisky. Master Blender, Ian Chang concedes that he will almost certainly never release anything older than ten years. If he waited that long, most of the liquid would have evaporated anyway, making it both physically and financially unviable. So long as Kavalan remain obsessive about quality wood - which they do - age doesn't seem to matter. It explains why their exceptional 'Vinho' label single cask program is now so highly sought after.
Jim Murray rightly observes, "Kavalan has that very rare talent for brilliance without apparent effort" - a statement borne out by the barrel in question. Of the half dozen Kavalan single casks sampled in the last twelve months, each differed slightly in terms of bittersweet balance, prickle and tannin. W160421014A had the noticeably sweeter profile. It's also one of those whiskies where the colour really says it all - it's about as deep and dark as single malts get.
Once past the whiff of alcohol, there's that distinctive 'caramelised' character to the aroma which seems to be a signature of these expressions. Chocolate, coffee cake and rancio develop in the opening pass along with dense wood spices, in particular cinnamon. Burnt orange and old balsamic add an acetic lift, while further air contact draws out notes that are borderline tropical. At natural strength, the palate is initially chewy and shows some expected heat, giving way to a rush of dates, raisin chocolate, mocha, roasted nuts and dried coconut. Framed by tongue tingling spices, the finish leaves you with more dark chocolate, bittersweet oranges, figs and vanilla. The balance is very good at 56%, so yes, you can enjoy this uncut. But what’s remarkable is the way this whisky ‘floats' (or handles water). One dash significantly ripens the aromatics and unlocks a profile you’d expect from twenty year old Scotch equivalents (think sherried Glengoyne, Glenfarclas or Glendronach). Even at near 50/50 dilution, it still has energy in reserve. 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. Cask 014A is a flat out winner on all sensory accounts. It will continue to unfold with extended time in the glass and represents a 'no-brainer' buying opportunity given the price, which falls well under the regular Solist release. 199 bottles for Nicks Wine Merchants Australia only. Non chill filtered. 55.6% Alc./vol.

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Kavalan Native Species 'Sika Deer' Concertmaster Port Cask Finish Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky Gift Set (1 x 700ml & 2 x 50ml)

TAIWAN

$140. 00
Bottle
$1680.00 Dozen

ABV: 40%

This limited release gift set includes one 700ml bottle of Kavalan's 'Concertmaster Port Cask Finish' single malt, plus a 50ml sampler of the 'Classic', and a 50ml sample of Kavalan's 'Distillery Select No.1' single malt, all bottled at 40%.

This is a limited release gift set of your favourite single malt whisky celebrating the native species of Taiwan. The packaging and bottle label are graced with the Formosan Sika Deer which has distinctive white spots that are most prominent in summer. The male has antlers, which are grown and replaced every year. The deer is depicted alongside three butterflies with auspicious symbolism and the Butterfly Orchid representing happiness and success.

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Kavalan Solist Madeira Cask Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$299. 00
Bottle
$3588.00 Dozen

ABV: 57.1%

The soft pink presentation of this new Kavalan must be designed to attract curiosity. Launched in late 2020, the whisky was matured in barrels that previously contained sweet wine from the Portuguese island of Madeira. As of November 2020, bottles were already hitting the secondary market! 57.1%, but the ABV may vary from batch to batch. According to Kavalan, cinnamon spice and cherry aromas and flavours characterise this whisky. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... Amber color. Aromas of ripe banana, marzipan, pistachio gelato, vanilla bean, and pecan praline with a satiny, vibrant, dryish medium-full body and a warming, subtle, very long fruit leather, caramel latte, sarsaparilla, and roasted fennel with honey vinaigrette finish. A decadent, somewhat meandering Single Malt Whisky that hits each hedonic stop on the flavor train.
91 points - tastings.com

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Kavalan Native Species 'Leopard Cat' Solist Vinho Barrique Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky Gift Set (1 x 700ml & 1 x 50ml)

TAIWAN

$299. 00
Bottle
$3588.00 Dozen

This limited release gift set includes one 700ml bottle of Kavalan's most popular 'Solist' single malt, plus a 50ml sampler of their 'Wine Oak' single malt bottled at 54%.

One in a series celebrating the native species of Taiwan, the packaging and Solist bottle label are graced with the Formosan Leopard cat. These have cloud-like markings on their fur and a tail which is shorter than that of other leopard cats. It is depicted with the Taiwan Barbet, three butterflies with auspicious symbolism, the Butterfly Orchid representing happiness and success, and the Tree Peony, a symbol of wealth.

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Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml) - 57.1% ABV Bottling - Gift Pack

TAIWAN

$350. 00
Bottle
$4200.00 Dozen

ABV: 57.1%

*This product has been puchased from a collector - One only.

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) 2015

This 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.com

Previous 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.

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Kavalan Artist Series: Paul Chiang Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (4 x 1000ml)

TAIWAN

$3999. 00
Bottle
$47988.00 Dozen

Kavalan are celebrating their 15th year of operations with the release of the “Kavalan Artists Series” in collaboration with artist Paul Chiang. Featuring four cask strength whiskies, with each bottle and box featuring one of Paul Chiang’s paintings, embodying the elements of Ocean, Sunlight, Air and Mother Earth. More than just a set of whiskies, these are pieces of art in a bottle. Originally, around 200 sets in 700ml format were offerred which quickly sold out (mainly in Taiwan). 4000 one litre bottles have also been released. Of these, 100 sets are allocated for release outside of Taiwan. We have one set only.

The set includes:
1. "OCEAN" – Puncheon. Single Cask Strength 55.6% Alc./vol.
Painting – “Pisilian (Morning Stars over the Coast)”
The indigenous name, Pisilian, refers to a stretch of Taiwan’s eastern coastline, connecting Kavalan’s home in Yilan County with Taitung County where Paul Chiang is based. Kavalan’s story, or dream, starts in the Ocean under a starry sky. From here, moisture rises and eventually condenses above Snow Mountain, creating Kavalan’s legendary water source.

Notes from Kavalan... Colour: Dark crimson waves. Flavour: The delicious aroma of freshly roasted almond biscuits brings out the smoothness of vanilla and sweetness of white peach, with a hint of maple syrup to accentuate the fruity aroma. Palate: Smooth vanilla and sweet toffee, accentuated with hints of nutty notes, give way to a rich burst of white peach and tropical fruit – a multilayered flavor with an ocean of depth and complexity, and a smooth finish.

2. "SUNLIGHT" – French Wine Cask Single Cask Strength ABV 61.8
Painting – “Meditation on Eternity”
The golden Sunlight in this piece represent sparks of hope, lighting the path toward the Kavalan dream. The fiery red denotes both the intensity of purpose and the heat of the sun, the same life-giving warmth that uniquely enhances Kavalan’s ageing.

Notes from Kavalan... Colour: Final rays of an amber sunset. Flavour: The exquisite yet vibrant scent of berries and black currants form the body of this aroma, mixed with sweet peppers, apples, caramel and ripened fruit for a charming composition. Palate: A full-bodied and multilayered tropical fruity flavor marked by rich and distinctive notes of wild berries and dried fruit for the perfect balance. A dash of soft tannins with subtle hints of spiciness deliver a charming and elegant finish.

3. "AIR" – Virgin Oak Single Cask Strength 52.4% Alc./Vol.
Painting – “On Wings of Song”
Named after a Felix Mendelssohn piano piece, Paul Chiang’s circular brushstrokes imagine effervescent air particles and the beating of wings, creating the sensation of air in motion. The Kavalan dream takes flight in Air, and this painting can be seen as an artistic rendition of whisky’s maturation process.

Notes from Kavalan... Colour: Sweet Black Cherries. Flavour: Smoked plum and purple grapes mixed with buttery vanilla and rich beeswax gradually give way to crisp floral notes with charming apricot and peach. Palate: A full-bodied and rich texture, with hints of spicy oak and sweet honey, autumn pear and chestnuts. The mellow aroma of ripened fruit, guava and cinnamon come together to form a delicious and lingering finish.

4. "MOTHER EARTH" – Peated Malt Single Cask Strength 54.8% Alc./Vol.
Painting – “Jinzun / Summer”
The final piece in the set is both homecoming and rebirth. The green, yellow, and blue represent Taiwan’s East Coast’s lushness and the vibrant flavours and scents of Kavalan whisky. This Mother Earth bears the fruits of labour for both Kavalan and Mr Chiang and the seeds for new growth. The Kavalan dream becomes a reality.

Notes from Kavalan... Colour: Plump Golden Rice Ears. Flavour: Rich beeswax, toffee, and coconut aroma complement the unique tropical fruitiness of Kavalan, exuding a deliciously charming and full-bodied sweetness. Palate: A lavish spread of buttered toffee melts away into a peaty aroma with delicious earthy notes. Exquisitely layered and complex, with a balanced texture and remarkable depth of flavor. Lingering notes of red pepper, spice, and the unique aroma of longans create the perfect finish.

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Kavalan Solist ex-Sherry & ex-Bourbon Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky Gift Pack (2 x 196ml)

TAIWAN

$140. 00
Bottle
$1680.00 Dozen

A great way to experience two of the most exciting whisky releases for the year. This attractive gift pack contains 2 x 196ml bottles in a hinged leatherette box from the distillery that took out World's Best Whisky for 2015 at the World Whisky Awards.
Named for the ancient Yi-Lan county in the northeast , where the venture is located, Kavalan is Taiwan's only distillery at present. 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.

Delivery Information
- 89
- 92
Kavalan Concertmaster Port Cask Finish Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$120. 00
Bottle
$1440.00 Dozen

ABV: 40%

Tasting note: [20ml sample] Deep polished copper colour. Aromatically, a curious mix of roasted nuts, aniseed infused honey, ginger biscuit and a pantry full of sweet spices, in particular, vanilla, clove and cinnamon. Soft entry builds into a beautifully harmonised, light to middle-weight whisky offering delicate mince fruit pie flavours and gentle heat. Subtle vanilla and manuka honey aftertaste...Good wine vs whisky balance. More interesting with every sip. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... the elegant restraint of this whisky should certainly be admired. 92.5 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2021
...Here Jim Swan has taken the bold step of double maturing an already quick maturing spirit, but it works. Blueberries and rich oak are to the fore, while Kavalan's cherry accents act as the link between spirit and Port. Think rosehips and creme de mures. Thick and liquorous. 90 points - maltadvocate.com (Vol. 19, #4) Reviewed by: Dave Broom

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Kavalan Distillery Reserve Peaty Cask Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (300ml)

TAIWAN

$250. 00
Bottle
$3000.00 Dozen

ABV: 56.3%

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 an unusually peaty batch. Jim Murray gave a previous edition 95 points! 310 bottles produced. One only to sell. 56.3% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Bright golden amber color. Aromas of salted marcona almonds and honeysuckle with a crisp, dryish medium-to-full body and a hot, medium-length spice cake, dried plum, and charred dark chocolate biscotti finish. A smoky take on Taiwanese whisky.
92 points Exceptional. - tastings.com

Delivery Information
- 93
- ABV may vary
Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (750ml)

TAIWAN

$550. 00
Bottle
$6600.00 Dozen

ABV: 57.1%

NB: Alc./Vol. may vary from batch to batch.
Other reviews... Initially quiet, the nose opens to a classic ex-bourbon vanilla-toffee nose, the notes of cherry the proverbial cake topping. Exquisite mouth: clean, sweet and balanced, the fruit rides the high alcohol content effortlessly. Dry, but not overly so, the finish is long and sweet, the toffee notes positively singing. 57.1% Alc./Vol. Gold Medal. World Whisky Awards 2016
...Rich and intense nose, with paradise cake, honey, dried apple, plum, and crème d’abricot. The mouthfeel is dry, nutty, and fruity, with a silky consistency. The cask strength is more noticeable here, but as it dissipates, there is some late complexity of plum skin and coffee bean with wave after effortless wave of flavor lasting for minutes on end. Finish is hot and nutty, with moist coffee grains.
93 points - whiskyadvocate,com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Spring 2017)

Delivery Information
- 95
- 95
- 87
- Packaging may vary
- Batch may vary
- ABV may vary
Kavalan Solist Port Cask Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$240. 00
Bottle
$2880.00 Dozen

ABV: 58.6%

Fully matured in Portuguese Port barriques under a subtropical climate. Expect multiple fruity flavours such as plum, blueberry, blackberry and strawberry to name a few, with chocolate as the background note.
Tasting note: [ 59.4% ABV batch tasted c.2019] Spectacular deep sienna brown colour. A fruit'n'nut choc-fest with some high pitch nougat and vanilla moments. Huge port input with fabulous cask integration and a bittersweet attack that turns to a fortified saturate at the finish. Hints of unripe passion fruit add an extra twist late in the aftertaste. Another very exuberant Kavalan, and style wise, just what you'd expect from this distillery.
Other reviews... Admirably, they go to all the trouble of bottling single casks individually for their Solist range at Kavalan Distillery. This single cask has the most gorgeous, deep ruby color and a very fruity nose: pomegranate, fresh orange, plum, walnut jam, macadamia, and some zestier elements. At full strength, it’s mouth drawing; warm, fruity, with stewed plums, young rhubarb, pepperpots, and fine-quality dark chocolate. A clean finish, with the fruit and wood spices remaining fresh to the end.
87 points- whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Winter 2016)
...Very much a Kavalan house style... 95 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022
Named for the ancient Yi-Lan county in the northeast, where the venture is located, Kavalan is Taiwan's only distillery at present. 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.

Delivery Information
- 96
Kavalan King Car Group 40th Anniversary Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (200ml)

TAIWAN

$160. 00
Bottle
$1920.00 Dozen

ABV: 56.3%

"Brilliant, just brilliant. One of the finest deliveries of the year..."
96 points. - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible.
This landmark single cask whisky has been created to celebrate a milestone by the owners of Kavalan Distillery.
Aged in a 'secret' red wine cask sourced from a winery of 'world-class standing', it signifies 40 years of the King Car Company. This 200ml edition is the scaled down version of the spectacular 1500ml decanter that's opening at AU $1300.
As to the whisky itself, Master blender Ian Chang comments, “It’s been aged in a very rare red wine cask whose majesty transfers to a richly intense whisky, delivering very distinct berry flavours and luxuriant toffee.” (The cask is believed to have held Cabernet Sauvignon, so one could speculate the provenance might be a First Growth Bordeaux).
An obvious acquisition for collectors to consider, at the time of writing we have a very small second allocation on offer.
Other reviews... so rich is the grape that you will be taken aback - however experienced you are with big fruity whiskies... Brilliant, just brilliant. One of the finest deliveries of the year... I think the cask was still dripping with wine when this was filled because the voluptuousness of the grape out-voluptuates anything I have encountered so far this year. 96 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021
Notes from Kavalan... Colour: Royal auburn. Nose: Powerful and dense with rich notes of red wine exuding dark-skinned Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, with strawberry, bilberry, spice and flourishes of fresh charred oak. Palate: Thick, mouth-drawing layers of toffee-rich berry fruits, enlivened with flares of spice, notably pepper, clove and tobacco, all brought together with a magnificent wine character. Finish: Long and sensuous, yielding a gentle mix of signature fruits and soft spices. 56.3% Alc./Vol.

Delivery Information
- 96
Kavalan King Car Group 40th Anniversary Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (1500ml)

TAIWAN

$1199. 00
Bottle
$14388.00 Dozen

ABV: 56.3%

"One huge and shapely bottle for one huge and shapely whisky... out-voluptulates anything I have encountered so far this year." 96 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
We have received a small second allocation of this landmark single cask release created to celebrate a milestone by the owners of Kavalan Distillery.
Aged in a 'secret' red wine cask sourced from a winery of 'world-class standing', it signifies 40 years of the King Car Company and comes packaged to show their pride: A super-sized decanter adorned with a crown-inspired cork, studded with world-renowned Swarovski crystals pays homage to the group's name. The decanter is housed in an impressive leather bound wooden box with a 'Snow Mountain' design acknowledging the land that King Car has become a part of. The box also contains a stunning Kavalan branded whisky glass. The sheer scale of the presentation is spectacular.
As to the whisky itself, Master blender Ian Chang comments, “It’s been aged in a very rare red wine cask whose majesty transfers to a richly intense whisky, delivering very distinct berry flavours and luxuriant toffee.” (The cask is believed to have held Cabernet Sauvignon, so one could speculate the provenance might be a First Growth Bordeaux).
The number of bottles available has not being declared although the distillery confirms the whisky is "extremely rare" with other reports stating it's limited to 10,000 bottles globally. An obvious acquisition for collectors to consider, from the liquid inside to its physical largess, everything about this offer oozes magnificence.
Other reviews... One huge and shapely bottle for one huge and shapely whisky. I think the cask was still dripping with wine when this was filled because the voluptuousness of the grape out-voluptulates anything I have encountered so far this year. 96 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022
Notes from Kavalan... Colour: Royal auburn. Nose: Powerful and dense with rich notes of red wine exuding dark-skinned Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, with strawberry, bilberry, spice and flourishes of fresh charred oak. Palate: Thick, mouth-drawing layers of toffee-rich berry fruits, enlivened with flares of spice, notably pepper, clove and tobacco, all brought together with a magnificent wine character. Finish: Long and sensuous, yielding a gentle mix of signature fruits and soft spices. 56.3% Alc./Vol.

Delivery Information
- 91
Kavalan Distillery Select No.1 Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen

ABV: 40%

A new Kavalan that showcases the distillery's signature fruity sweetness. If you're used to the cask strength bottlings, think of this as Kavalan 'Light'.
Tasting note: Deep copper colour. The aroma pretty much matches the flavours, evoking tropical fruits, bush honey, toasted sponge cake and a gingery warmth. Medium bodied and made for casual drinking, the finish buzzes with cinnamon and all-spice, followed by a touch of orange zest and cocoa. The result comes across like Sherry-meets-European oak-meets-Bourbon combined with Kavalan's own unique fruity spirit - an arrangement that should find broad appeal. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... With two distilleries now on-site, the new Kavalan has a nose of apple and cinnamon pie, loaves of bread, new hardback books, flashes of lemon peel, and mild spices that flatter the baked fruits. A lighter structure, with pleasant green apple and pear notes, a tingle of pepper and allspice, becoming creamier with the flavor of sherbet flying-saucer candy. More active spices on the finish amid fading fruits.
86 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Winter 2018)
Notes from Kavalan... Nose: Aroma of ripe tropical fruits, floral notes, and warm vanilla. Palate: Sweet, mellow and smooth in the mouth, the balanced taste is the perfect blending of barrel craft workmanship.

Delivery Information
- 93
Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$299. 00
Bottle
$3588.00 Dozen

ABV: 58.6%

NB: Alc./Vol. may vary from batch to batch.

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.

Other reviews... [Earlier Batch tasted] Dark reddish mahogany. Dense aromas of cherry-raisin compote, chocolate nuts, leather, teriyaki jerky, and coffee liqueur with a supple, fruity full body and a long, warming fruit cake, white pepper, spice, nutshell, cedar, and Coleman's fuel accented finish. Amazingly concentrated; add a little water to round out and balance.
International Review of Spirits Award: Platinum Medal
98 points (Superlative) - www.tastings.com

Delivery Information
- 92
Kavalan Podium Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$190. 00
Bottle
$2280.00 Dozen

ABV: 46%

Created from whiskies matured in brand new American oak as well as refill casks.

Tasting note: Bright amber / brass appearance. A little underwhelming in the initial pass with toasted marshmallow followed by hints of white pepper and a muted maltiness. Expands with further air contact as oatmeal biscuit and stone fruits are added to the mix. A concentrated and peppery delivery offers biscuity malt flavours over background fruitiness. Finishes with fruit chocolate and mildly tingly spirit that skews the balance slightly, followed by cocoa and attractive stewed pear notes lingering. Shows excellent freshness. 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Amber color. Nutty aromas and flavors of grilled fruits, toffee and brown spices with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a nutty, honeyed raisin toast, peppery spice, and mineral finish. A vibrant, fruit driven whisky that will please whisky novices and connoisseurs alike.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
93 points (Exceptional) - www.tastings.com
...The mark of a good distillery is consistently producing 85 points-plus whiskies, and with this batch Kavalan's going into double digits. If the distillery has a weakness, it's that sometimes it overstates its case and makes even the Aussies look subtle and nuanced. Not here. This is a delicious dessert whisky, with vanilla and toffee in abundance and some sugar candy. But having made its case, it steps back and is surprisingly gentle. Kavalan with subtlety? Scary!
90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Dominic Roskrow (Summer 2013)

Delivery Information
- 93
Kavalan Distillery Reserve Rum Cask Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (300ml)

TAIWAN

$250. 00
Bottle
$3000.00 Dozen

ABV: 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

Delivery Information
- 90
Kavalan Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$120. 00
Bottle
$1440.00 Dozen

ABV: 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

Delivery Information
- 96
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Australian & New Zealand Exclusive Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$299. 00
Bottle
$3588.00 Dozen

ABV: 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.

Delivery Information
- 93
- ABV may vary
Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$199. 00
Bottle
$2388.00 Dozen

ABV: 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)

Delivery Information
- 93
Kavalan Sherry Cask Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$180. 00
Bottle
$2160.00 Dozen

ABV: 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)

Delivery Information
- Reduced
Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (750ml)

TAIWAN

Reduced from $699.00
$499. 00
Bottle
$5988.00 Dozen

ABV: 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.
- World Whisky Awards 2016

...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.
94 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Spring 2017)

Delivery Information
- 97
Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$450. 00
Bottle
$5400.00 Dozen

ABV: 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)

Delivery Information
- 91
- Reduced
Kavalan King Car Conductor Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

Reduced from $199.00
$150. 00
Bottle
$1800.00 Dozen

ABV: 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

Delivery Information
- Nick's Import
Yushan Signature Smoky Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$119. 99
Bottle
$1439.88 Dozen

ABV: 46%

Other reviews... Grainy aromas have a lightly smoked quality. The power of the flavor is deeply caramelized, showing notes of charred dates, tobacco leaf, and flamed orange oil. The finish is wooded and spicy. 92 points - Excellent, Highly Recommended, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2021

Delivery Information
- Nick's Import
Yushan Signature Sherry Cask Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$109. 99
Bottle
$1319.88 Dozen

ABV: 46%

Other reviews... Warm and toasty on the nose, with suggestions of cinnamon, iodine, brown sugar, nectarine, and orange bitters. Opulent and nutty on the palate, tropical fruits and baked maraschino cherry shine through into an equally decadent finish. 87 points - Very Good, Strong Recommendation - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2021

Delivery Information
- Nick's Import
Yushan Signature Bourbon Cask Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

TAIWAN

$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen

ABV: 46%

'Yushan' will be a new name to many whisky lovers. Situated in Nantou Hsien in Eastern Taiwan, it's produced by Nantou Distillery which actually pre-dates the country's current darling, Kavalan, having been founded by the Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation way back in 1978. The State-owned manufacturer actually operates seven distilleries, but only Nantou makes whisky. The brand's obscurity is partly due to the fact that whisky production only commenced there in 2008. Initially the mash was sourced from a nearby brewery. In 2010, Nantou installed its own 15,000 litre capacity German mash tun and wash backs. Currently four stills operate, manufactured by Forsyths of Rothes in Speyside, and the owners are looking to expand further. An on-site racked warehouse capable of storing 4,500 casks is complemented by a fresh underground water supply. The distillery also produce a selection of lychee and plum wines, and some of the barrels are used to finish their malt, sold under the brand name 'Omar' since 2013.
Named after Taiwan's highest mountain, the Yushan label is actually a sub-brand, primarily intended for the European market. At the time of writing, it includes one blended malt and three singles - Sherry, Bourbon and Smoky. These make up the current shipment. While there aren't many professional tasting notes to date, bloggers and customer reviews are positive about the entire collection. See below for one.
Other reviews... Vanilla and oak have a floral quality on the nose. Just as pretty on the palate, there is a gentle spice that entangles with deeply rich toasted oak and sweet cereal grains. Plenty of acidity keeps everything lively and balanced. 92 points - Excellent, Highly Recommended - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2021
...Oh, boy! This nose is quite appealing. Much better than the Omar I tried last year. Sweet malt, vanilla, butter, white fruit and coconut wrapped in white chocolate. Fresh. What a pleasant surprise. Where last year’s Omar was almost watery, this is very creamy. Fresh and fruit, mildly spicy. Again white fruit, but now with more coconut and touches of lime. Or yuzu. Lots of honey. Spice-wise it is all on the soft side, but I do detect some white pepper and ginger. Hint of nutmeg. The finish is medium long, sweet at the death and simply pleasant. What an improvement! This is a lovely spring whisky from Taiwan. - whiskybase.com

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