Kavalan Classic Single Malt Whisky, Taiwan 40%

Description

Kavalan Classic Single Malt Whisky is the flagship entry-level expression from Kavalan Distillery in Yilan County, Taiwan. This non-age-statement (NAS) Taiwanese single malt whisky demonstrates the distillery’s signature style: rapid maturation in a hot, humid subtropical climate, which extracts intense flavours in a relatively short time. This is the first whisky that the distillery released and is part of the Kavalan Core Series.

Kavalan Classic Single Malt Profile

• Type: Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky
• Age Statement: Non-age statement (NAS)
• Casks: Ex-bourbon barrels with a selection of wine and sherry casks
• ABV: 40%
• Awards: Multiple gold medals at the World Whiskies Awards and International Spirits Challenge
• Best For: Kavalan Classic Single Malt Whisky is perfect for those new to Taiwanese whisky or single malt in general
• An excellent entry point into the Kavalan Whisky range

Kavalan Whisky Production

• Kavalan’s whisky starts with the finest malted barley, fermented using carefully selected yeasts that contribute to the distillery’s signature fruity, floral character
• The spirit is distilled in traditional copper pot stills from Forsythe’s in Scotland to refine and concentrate its flavours
• After distillation, the whisky is matured in a diverse range of casks, including ex-bourbon barrels, sherry butts, port pipes, and wine casks
• Sub-Tropical Ageing: Taiwan’s climate accelerates maturation.
• The intense heat and humidity of Yilan County drive deep extraction of colour, flavour, and complexity at a pace far beyond cooler climates
• What might take a Scottish distillery over a decade to achieve, Kavalan can accomplish in a fraction of the time
• The result is a whisky of remarkable richness, layered with tropical fruit, vanilla, and spice

Kavalan Distillery: Taiwan’s First Whisky

The Kavalan Distillery was founded back in 2005, launching their first whisky to market in 2008. The company was established after the de-monopolisation of the alcohol market in Taiwan in 2002 by entrepreneur Mr Tien-Tsai Lee, who wanted to create Taiwan’s first whisky. His journey took him to distilleries in Scotland and Japan, researching what it takes to make the best whisky. Soon, with advice from renowned whisky consultant Dr Jim Swan, the distillery became a reality. The distillery is owned by The King Car Group, which was founded by Mr Lee in 1979.

Distillery Location

The distillery is located in Yuanshan Township, Yilan County, in the northeast of the country (Kavalan is the county’s old name). The whisky is crafted using pure, mineral-rich meltwaters drawn from Snow Mountain, and shaped by Taiwan’s remarkable subtropical microclimate – a potent blend of intense heat and humidity, gently tempered by refreshing sea and mountain breezes.