New Kavalan Taiwanese Whisky Targets Cocktails

The Kavalan distillery in Taiwan, known to some American drinkers who keep up on trending whisky distilleries in different regions of the world, is something of a tourist boom for the local economy. Upwards of 1 million or more visitors seek it out each year. One way in which to make more folks Stateside aware of it is to bring to market approachable bottlings, which is just what they’ve done through the release of a non-age statement whisky targeted towards cocktails.

The Kavalan Distillery Select, according to those behind it, is the first whisky created by this distillery for use in mixing cocktails. It was aged in what’s described as “select malt neutral casks to showcase the fruitiness and sub-tropical characteristic of Taiwan’s climate without too much influence from the wood.”

“We simplified our recipe to create the purest and creamiest of whiskies with rich and complex layers to further endorse our rigorous cask policy,” said Kavalan master blender Ian Chang in a prepared statement. “The formula also presents notes of green apple, mango, pineapple, and cherry resulting in a versatile Kavalan suitable for mixing and enjoying neat.”

Distillery Select is bottled at 43% and set to price around $60 per 750 ml bottle. You’ll find some official tasting notes below.

• Nose: Delicate and silky. Aroma of ripened tropical fruits, fragrant floral notes and warm vanilla.
• Palate: Elegant, perfectly balanced and easy to drink. The rich and complex layers of butterscotch, toffee and vanilla are a further endorsement of our rigorous cask policy.
• Finish: Long, smooth and creamy.