Inspired by the increase in consumption of Scotch Whisky, the Taiwanese began producing their own brand of Whisky called Kavalan. Combining a fruit-centred style spirit with multiple cask types, and with the help of a rapid maturation process encouraged by Taiwan’s tropical climate, Kavalan has produced a surprisingly smooth spirit with a flavour reminiscent of bourbon-infused milk chocolate. With notes of fruit cake, clove, cinnamon, fudge, marzipan, and walnut, this makes a refreshingly light alternative to their more smoky, characteristic Scottish counterparts.
Conceived as recently as 2008, it’s hard to believe that in the space of ten years or so, Taiwanese whisky has grown exponentially to become one of (if not the) best whiskies in the world.
With top Taiwanese whisky brand Kavalan winning top trumps from The Whisky Bible and the main prize of best single malt at the World Whiskies Awards, the quality of flavours produced and the number of fans won is no fluke.
Taiwanese whiskies generally possess a character profile that is rich and fruity, with notes of cloves, cinnamon, walnut, fudge and marzipan. Despite these decadent and bold flavourings, whisky from Taiwan is actually superbly well-balanced and light, making Taiwanese-produced whiskies an absolute pleasure to enjoy.
