Author Luc OREVE
Photographer Kavalan, Yushan, TTL
Do you love whisky? Are you looking for original and different flavors? Why not try our selection of Taiwanese whiskies?
I love whisky… and I consider myself a knowledgeable enthusiast. In my journey and discovery of this alcohol, I have traveled to the four corners of the world and discovered whiskies, each more surprising than the last…but each with its own identity. The rise of Asian distilleries has been no exception to this trend, with Japan even rising to the top in the hearts of many enthusiasts, as an undeniable reference in the art of distillation.
Unfortunately, the meteoric success of Japanese whiskies has led to a price surge, making these whiskies. It was while looking for other Asian whiskies that I discovered Taiwanese whiskies over 10 years ago. Taiwan is making its mark on the world stage by unveiling whiskies of remarkable quality, all at an unbeatable quality/price ratio. Have you ever ventured to explore these Taiwanese treasures?
To help you, I propose a selection of five bottles of Taiwanese whiskies. They will surely impress your friends and guests, offering a unique taste experience and the opportunity to discover the richness, depth, and originality of whiskies from the Beautiful Island!
The Trailblazer: Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique
The legendary bottle of Kavalan that propelled the distillery into the spotlight. Crowned the best single malt in the world at the 2015 World Whisky Awards, this Vinho Barrique expression was aged in American oak barrels previously containing white and red wines. The nose reveals aromas of stewed fruits, bourbon spices, and milk chocolate, followed by a palette of creamy and nutty notes of caramel, dried fruits, and seasonal spices throughout the tasting.
Useful Information:
- Single Malt
- 70cl
- 59.4%
My Favorite: Kavalan Oloroso Sherry Oak
A whisky unlike any other, this Taiwanese Single Malt, winner of numerous international awards, stands out for its richness and breadth within Kavalan’s prestigious Solist series. Its unique recipe showcases Kavalan’s expertise in barrel selection, offering aging in sherry casks in a subtropical climate. This classic from the first Taiwanese distillery reduced to 46°, stands out as a quality choice.
I advise you to fully enjoy this precious and elegant whisky by consuming it neat, at room temperature or chilled with whisky stones. In detail, this single malt reveals subtle aromas of dried fruits, red fruits, spices, flowers, dark chocolate, and roasted nuts. Remarkably rich and complex, its oily palate offers a long and expansive finish, making this creation an unforgettable sensory experience.
Useful Information:
- Single Malt
- 70 cl
- 46%
To Discover Soon: Yushan Blended Malt Whisky
For Westerners, Yushan, named after Taiwan’s highest mountain, remains less known than Kavalan but offers refined whiskies that deserve a prominent place in your cellar. The one I’ve selected offers the best quality/price ratio in this selection and should be acquired promptly to avoid potential price increases in the coming years.
The nose of this whisky I discovered is both fresh and balanced, revealing nuances of toasted cereals, green apple, and pear. On the palate, the experience is round and oily, with toasted notes, honey, sweet spices, and caramel that harmoniously blend. The finish is dry and elegant, leaving traces of spices, vanilla, and woody notes in the mouth. This blend of malts, made from 100% malted barley, comes from bourbon and sherry casks, giving this blended malt whisky unmatched complexity and richness of flavors. A tasting discovery to be fully enjoyed.
Useful Information:
- Blended Malt
- 70 cl
- 40%
The Everyday Whisky: Omar Bourbon Cask Whisky
Originating from the Nantou distillery in Taiwan, this single malt, fully matured in bourbon casks, is a true gem. This whisky was awarded a silver medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2016, a well-deserved recognition. Upon exploring its tasting notes, its amber robe reveals an intoxicating aroma, subtly blending woody and spicy notes.
On the palate, the velvety texture gives way to citrus and mandarin nuances, creating a most enjoyable sensory experience. The prolonged finish reveals delicate notes of vanilla and cream candy, adding a sweet touch to this exceptional elixir.
Useful Information:
- Single Malt
- 70 cl
- 46%
To take your time: Jade Supremacy
Jade Supremacy is another brand from the distillery that offers OMAR whiskey. Its blend stands out pleasantly. It requires aeration time to reveal the sweetness of the toffee both on the nose and in the mouth. Certainly an excellent choice as a component of a cocktail, it is also enjoyed neat. This is a whiskey that takes time to appreciate. At my first tasting, I didn’t like it. But from now on it is part of my cellar and I won’t be able to do without it.
On the nose, notes of slightly stale cereals, spirited white fruits, toasted bread drizzled with honey, cold oat flakes cooked in milk topped with toffee, a touch of vanilla and oak, as well as a lemony sweetness, with a subtle evaporation of alcohol. On the palate, a delicate sweetness manifests itself with notes of coffee toffee candies, malt, and syrupy white fruits, reminiscent of fruity pastilles. The finish, although discreet, gives way to nuances of spicy dark chocolate with softened oak. There is also a slight burning sensation from the alcohol at the end of the tasting.
Useful Information:
- Blended malt
- 70cl
- 40%
To Fully Enjoy Your Whiskies
Have you thought about replacing ice cubes with whisky stones?
Unlike ice cubes, whisky stones do not melt and do not dilute the whisky, which helps maintain the flavor and aroma of the whisky in its pure state. To use whisky stones, simply place them in the freezer for several hours, then add them to your glass of whisky.
We recommend this set of 12 whisky stones, with tongs and a bag to put them in the freezer!
This article is translated and reproduced with the kind permission of Inside Taiwan. Original content can be found on the website of Inside Taiwan.
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