It is so easy to get bogged down in famed whisky regions. Some people are Scotch die-hards, obsessed with their dram of highland malt. Others are enamoured with bourbon and its malty butterscotch warmth, while many reach for a Japanese whisky when it comes to the end of the night. But, really, while each region has its own distinctive style, good whisky can come from anywhere in the world – Kavalan is a true testament to that.
The first whisky distillery in Taiwan, Kavalan Single Malt Whisky was established in 2005 by King Car Group, one of the country’s leading food and drink conglomerates. A liquid of unique circumstance, Kavalan whisky is distilled with water from Snow Mountain in the country’s north and aged in a region known for its subtropical heat and salty Pacific Ocean breeze. This means the whisky matures quickly and develops distinct flavour profiles, like its characteristic notes of tropical fruit. Alongside this, select Kavalan expressions are crafted using wine casks treated with the distillery’s innovative STR (shaving, toasting, recharring) process, which enhances the whisky’s interaction with the barrel, drawing out the unique and vibrant flavors within. It’s innovation like this that scooped Kavalan the coveted ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ award at the World Whiskies Awards in 2015.
To celebrate two decades of this exceptional distillery, Kavalan are launching a remarkable new product, LÁN Whisky. Crafted in tribute to Yilan, the province the distillery calls home, LÁN is named after the Chinese character for the orchid, reflecting the island’s reputation as Kingdom of Orchids. This elegantly crafted new release combines whisky aged in bourbon, port, and STR-treated vinho wine casks, resulting in a complex and quaffable whisky that has hints of vanilla and nuts, with a floral touch and sweet fruit finish.
A tribute to both the distillery’s storied history and its noteworthy home, LÁN is just the latest release from a brand that, free from the shackles of expectation, has carved out its own path and brought new life to the whisky industry.
To learn more about LÁN Whisky and its global debut, visit kavalanwhisky.com
