Kavalan distillery

Introduction to Kavalan

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Kavalan is Taiwan’s first and most celebrated whisky distillery, pioneering the Asian single malt category with remarkable finesse. Located in Yilan County, where the subtropical climate accelerates maturation, Kavalan has revolutionized the global whisky landscape by proving exceptional whisky can be crafted beyond traditional regions.

The distillery combines cutting-edge technology with unwavering respect for whisky tradition, creating expressions that capture both Taiwanese terroir and international whisky excellence.

Why we have a soft spot for Kavalan

At Vault of Spirits, we celebrate distilleries that challenge conventions and push boundaries. Kavalan stands out for its innovative approach to maturation, harnessing Taiwan’s humid climate to create whiskies with remarkable depth and complexity in a fraction of the time required in cooler regions.

Their commitment to quality cask selection and the distinctive character imparted by their unique aging environment results in whiskies that consistently impress even the most discerning connoisseurs.

The History Behind Kavalan

Origin and development

Kavalan was founded in 2005 by Mr. Tien-Tsai Lee of the King Car Group, fulfilling his lifelong dream of creating a Taiwanese whisky that could compete on the world stage. Named after the indigenous Kavalan people who once inhabited Yilan County, the distillery produced its first new make spirit in March 2006, with the first bottle of Kavalan whisky released in December 2008.

Despite being relatively young in whisky terms, Kavalan quickly garnered international acclaim, with their Solist Vinho Barrique famously winning the “World’s Best Single Malt Whisky” at the World Whiskies Awards in 2015 – a watershed moment for non-traditional whisky-producing regions.

The people behind

Master Blender Ian Chang was instrumental in Kavalan’s early development, working alongside consultant Dr. Jim Swan, known as the “Einstein of whisky.” Today, the distillery operates under the expert guidance of Master Blender Aaron Hofmann and CEO Mr. YT Lee, who continue to uphold the vision of creating world-class Taiwanese whisky.

Their collective expertise and willingness to innovate while respecting traditional methods have established Kavalan as a formidable presence in the global whisky industry.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to finished product

Kavalan sources premium malted barley primarily from Europe, which undergoes fermentation in stainless steel washbacks for a relatively short period – approximately 60 hours. This shorter fermentation is adapted to Taiwan’s warmer climate.

Distillation takes place in copper pot stills crafted by the renowned Scottish manufacturer Forsyths, combining traditional Scottish whisky-making equipment with innovations tailored to Taiwan’s unique environmental conditions.

Maturation and aging

The true magic of Kavalan happens during maturation. Taiwan’s subtropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity levels, dramatically accelerates the aging process. What might take 10-12 years in Scotland can be achieved in 4-5 years in Taiwan, though with significantly higher angel’s share (up to 10-12% annually).

Kavalan utilizes a diverse array of casks, including ex-bourbon, sherry, port, and various wine casks. Their climate-controlled warehouses are strategically designed to manage the intense maturation conditions, ensuring balance and preventing over-extraction from the wood.

Selected Products from Kavalan

Kavalan Classic – An introduction to the house style

This flagship expression perfectly embodies Kavalan’s house character. Notes of tropical fruits, vanilla, and honey are complemented by subtle spice and a creamy mouthfeel. The Classic offers an accessible yet sophisticated entry point for those new to Taiwanese whisky.

At its core, you’ll find the signature Kavalan fruitiness balanced with a clean, elegant profile that speaks to the distillery’s impeccable production standards.

Kavalan Solist Series – An experience for connoisseurs

The Solist range represents Kavalan’s premium single cask offerings, each bottled at cask strength without chill filtration. The series includes various cask types: Sherry, Bourbon, Vinho Barrique, Port, and more specialized finishes.

Expect intensely concentrated flavors, rich textures, and remarkable complexity. The Solist Vinho Barrique, with its luscious dark chocolate, tropical fruit, and wine-derived complexity, exemplifies how Kavalan has redefined what’s possible in contemporary whisky production.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Kavalan offers comprehensive guided tours of their state-of-the-art facility in Yilan County. Visitors can witness every stage of production, from mashing to distillation and warehousing. The experience concludes with tastings that typically include 3-5 expressions, providing an excellent overview of the distillery’s diverse portfolio.

The visitor center also features an impressive whisky bar where enthusiasts can sample rare and exclusive bottlings that aren’t readily available elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kavalan?

Kavalan is Taiwan’s first whisky distillery, producing internationally acclaimed single malt whisky since 2006. The distillery focuses on quality cask selection and leverages Taiwan’s unique climate to create expressions with remarkable depth and maturity despite their relatively young age.

Where is Kavalan located?

Kavalan is located in Yilan County, northeastern Taiwan, a region known for its pure water sources from the Snow Mountain and Central Mountain ranges. The subtropical climate of this region plays a crucial role in Kavalan’s distinctive maturation profile.

What characterizes Kavalan whisky?

Kavalan is particularly known for its fruit-forward profile, accelerated maturation, and extraordinary cask-strength expressions. Their whiskies typically feature tropical fruit notes, balanced oak influence, and a distinctive texture that comes from Taiwan’s unique aging conditions.

Where can I buy whisky from Kavalan?

You can find selected bottles from Kavalan at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate both their core range and limited single cask offerings, ensuring you have access to the finest expressions from this groundbreaking Taiwanese distillery.