Taiwanese distillery Kavalan has unveiled two limited-edition releases for the 2026 Lunar New Year: the Golden Steed & Peonies gift set featuring Triple Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky and a four-bottle miniature collection. Both offerings celebrate the Year of the Horse with symbolic packaging and will roll out across international markets from early 2026.
The Golden Steed & Peonies set centers on a 700ml bottle of Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky, matured in Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel sherry casks.
Bottled at 40% ABV, the whisky features dried fruit, caramel, and tropical fruit notes with a smooth texture and deep amber color.
“The Year of the Horse reminds us to move forward with courage, determination, and grace—values that reflect Kavalan’s journey,” said Y.T. Lee, chairman of King Car Group. “This release captures the spirit of Lunar New Year, a time for family, renewal, and celebration.”
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The packaging showcases a golden horse (representing “progress and perseverance”) and blooming peonies (signalling “wealth and honour”) against flowing gold lines that evoke images of Taiwan’s cloud-covered mountains.
A custom tulip-shaped nosing glass accompanies the bottle in the gift set.
Distribution will span Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, China, the United States, Guam, South Africa, Nigeria, and selected European markets including the Czech Republic, Germany, and Cyprus.
Kavalan’s second release features four 50ml expressions at 54% ABV: ex-Bourbon Oak, Wine Oak, Brandy Oak, and Port Oak single malts.
The miniature collection will launch across major Asian travel retail locations in early 2026.
According to the brand’s official tasting notes, the ex-Bourbon Oak presents vanilla and tropical fruit, while Wine Oak offers melon and caramel from STR (shave, toast, rechar) barrels.
Brandy Oak delivers peach, strawberry, and lychee notes from French and European brandy casks.
Port Oak combines fruitiness with woody undertones and honeyed sweetness.
Founded in 2005 in Yilan County, Kavalan has garnered over 950 gold or higher awards from international whisky competitions while pioneering Taiwanese single malt production.
