Taiwanese distillery Kavalan has unveiled its Solist Madeira Cask Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, a 1,000ml first-fill edition bottled at natural cask strength of 50%–59.9% ABV. The limited release debuts across global travel retail markets, showcasing whisky aged in casks that previously held Madeira wine.
The expression is a first-fill single cask release. It is non-chill filtered and presented with natural color, in line with the Solist philosophy.
Madeira wine is a historic fortified wine produced on Portugal’s Madeira Island. Known for its vibrant acidity, it has long been referred to as the “Voyage Wine.”
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READ THE STORYMr. YT Lee, chairman of King Car Group, explained the wine’s maritime history. Centuries ago, barrels of Madeira traveled aboard merchant ships linking Europe, Asia and the Americas. “This is where it gets interesting: exposure to heat and movement during these long sea voyages had the unintentional effect of enriching the wine’s flavour, shaping the distinctive character for which Madeira is known today,” said Lee.
The casks used for the release previously held wine made from Tinta Negra, Madeira’s principal grape variety.
“Whose intense fruit character beautifully complements Kavalan’s tropical whisky style,” Lee added.
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The whisky is presented in metallic pink packaging.
According to the brand’s official tasting notes, the whisky has a deep marmalade color. The nose “opens with scents of fresh cherry, grape and apple, complemented by hints of honey and cinnamon spice.”
Buttery aromas of toffee, almond and vanilla fill the background. ,On the palate, the official notes describe “rich melon and apricot flavours” alongside fig, marmalade and grape, “sprinkled with white pepper and cinnamon.” It develops into sweet toffee and honey, “leaving a full and long-lasting aftertaste.”
The 1,000ml limited edition will be available across key international travel retail markets. These include South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Japan.
Kavalan Distillery is located in Yilan County, Taiwan, and has produced single malt whisky since 2005. Its whisky ages in intense humidity and heat, using meltwaters from Snow Mountain.
The distillery is backed by more than 45 years of beverage-making under parent company King Car Group. It has collected more than 1,000 gold or higher awards from international contests.
