King Car distillery is located in Yilan County, Taiwan, and the single malt whisky produced there is named after the indigenous people who originally inhabited this northeastern corner of the island: the Kavalan.
Although the distillery was only brought on stream in 2005, the warm sub-tropical climate means that the whisky effectively matures more quickly and an impressive range of whiskies are available (now finally in the UK too!). This Kavalan Single Malt Whisky, for example was awarded a Gold Medal at the 2011 International Wine & Spirits Competition.
Fragrant and tropical fruits with floral notes, vanilla and mango.
There's mango throughout, spicy barley, gentle oak and creamy richness.
A touch of allspice, vanilla and fragrant pear skin.
I bought this for my boyfriend who is a big fan of whiskey. He said this whiskey is very smooth and a hint of fruity. And he said he loves it!! So if you are looking for something unique and good and want to play safe on the taste you should give a shot on this.
Kavalan is yet another fine example of a new Asian distillery that is coming out with some fantastic single malt. The Kavalan Single Malt is one of their entry level expressions but it sure packs a punch. The nose highlights the lovely notes of the Oak and Vanilla from the cask in which this spirit was matured in as well some distinct fruity notes.. I'd say more Mango and Papaya is what stood out for me.. The continuity and consistency about this malt was probably what made it so special.. It was like the palate was a continuation of the nose with those juicy Mango flavors along with the Vanilla and a dash of spices. The best part though was how the malt has this rich creamy feel to it in your mouth and boy that felt really nice! Finally as I mentioned earlier the finish too had its fair share of the Vanilla and the Oak in it.. its like the Cask had given the spirit all it could.. and left the perfect imprint on it. All in all this one is a thumbs up.. looking forward to tasting more expressions from them..
As a small but long time single malt collector I had the opportunity to travel to Taiwan and try their local single malt, the kavalan. Went for their 40% standard kavalan single malt. Light but well rounded with a range of fruits. Long lasting with a warm finish. Fit in well between Japanese and Scottish single malts.I can see the Kavalan range becoming much more common and popular in the UK.
Tried this half expecting to be disappointed. Exactly the opposite. Tastes similar to a couple of the very good Japanese Whisky and would easily rival a good many quality Scots Whisky.
Had this Kavalan whisky in Taiwan, we went to the distillery for tasting it actually came out pretty great. I love it, it is so smooth and the nose has a touch of chocolate. This is one of my favorite whisky.
