The first whiskey distillery in Taiwan was born in the mind of the owner of the Taiwanese food and beverage conglomerate King Car Group, a young and entrepreneurial man named Lee Tien-Tsai, in 2002. Four years later, the first drop of the first whiskey reached the glass, and since then, the distillery has been growing steadily. The distillery is exceeding forecasts, increasing production, and the company is building an additional distillery.
Kavalan Distillery is located in a region of high mountains (up to 3,886 meters), with a unique climate that significantly shortens the aging time of the whiskey in the barrels, compared to Scotland, for example. Here, it is commonly calculated that eight years of aging whiskey in Taiwan is equivalent to thirty years in Scotland (!). We haven’t checked…
So, the first distillery in Taiwan has, in fact, several advantages: an ideal location at the foot of a high mountain range, excellent meteorological conditions, and, of course, hardworking and skilled employees. All of these factors have propelled it onto the coveted list of the best whiskey distilleries in the world.
The Whiskey: Kavalan King Car 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Selected Wine Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky.
An ideal drink to accompany a delicate cigar, long-lasting, with relatively light smoke. Yes, there are cigars that pair perfectly with whiskey, especially one that has matured in Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks, like this Kavalan whiskey. With an ABV of 56.3%, its color ranges from chestnut to golden-brown, immediately captivating the tongue with the first sip. After a brief moment, the complex structure of the drink unfolds on the palate, starting with the warmth of the tongue, leading to an explosion of flavors and aromas – ripe plums, sharp spices that fade with the tasting, cloves, and more. Price: $1,290 for a 1.5-liter bottle.
