Name: Kavalan Classic Single Malt (NAS)
Color: Dark gold
Nose: Cherry, dark fruits, mango
Taste: Fruit sweetness, clean, spices, light oak
Review:
I was invited to the Astor Center in NYC to sample five (5) of Kavalan Sherry Finished whiskies at a tasting hosted by Ian Chang who is the master blender for Kavalan. If you are new to the whiskey world you might be surprised to learn that Taiwan is in the whiskey business. I was surprised when I first learned about various countries that produce whisky that are not historically known to bottle the spirit. E.g. South Africa, India, France, Germany, Sweden, Wales, Taiwan, and many more. These non-traditional whisky countries are making some great stuff. Check out my reviews per region for more information.
Originating from Taiwan, Kavalan whiskey is created in a hot and humid environment which leads to higher proof when finished and bottled. The whiskey spends a minimum of 4 years in the barrel(regular) and 6 years for sherry finished bottles. Owned by the conglomerate King Car Group, the owner always wanted to have a distillery and in 2005 they started production. As of today, just 13 years later, they have 27 whiskeys on the market of various flavors and price.
Kavalan also shocked the whiskey world in 2010 by beating three Scotches and one English whiskey in a blind tasting at a Burns night tasting in Scotland. Step back and think about that for a moment…A non-aged whiskey, from a hot and humid climate, in a part of the world not known to produce whiskey, at a Robbie Burns tasting in Scotland won against three scotches. That is something between amazing and bat shit crazy when you think about it. “And the winner is Kavalan….” I can imagine look on the Scotsman’s faces that night.
Kavalan is a very impressive whisky and reminded me for a moment of bourbon because of the higher proof, but they have created a style all their own and it is wonderful. I recommend you try Kavalan if you get a chance and you can be the judge. Prices range from $80 to $500 depending on the type of bottle.
Priced around $85 and is a great value and worth the money.
If you like it, drink it! – Christopher
If you like it, drink it!
