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About Taiwanese Spirits

About Taiwanese Spirits
A recent phenomenon in Taiwan has been the production of single malt whisky. Not just any single malt, mind you, but some that have been acclaimed as among the world's best. All this in just a few short years.

The single malts from Taiwan are made in an intense, yet elegant style that emphasize strong and complex fruit and spice flavors from the distillate and especially the oak, were the tropical climate of the island has a huge influence and greatly accelerates maturation. While single malt whisky in Taiwan is a small industry at present, look for it to grow.

Top Picks for Taiwan

Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
97 points
$159.99
Kavalan
Solist ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Gold color. Aromas of circus peanuts, banana-pistachio gelato, pound cake, and smoked honey butter with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, complex, medium-long white peach, rose tea, saffron, and coconut cream finish. A powerful, highly nuanced whisky that is a pleasure to discover.
97 points $159.99
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Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
96 points
$199.99
Kavalan
Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Dark amber color. Aromas of roasted pineapple, caramel, pecan praline, wine-poached pear, and chocolate coated malted milk ball with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a smooth, engaging, medium-long candied peanuts, vanilla bean, dried mango, and baked dates finish. A tropical and caramelly rum drinkers’ whisky.
96 points $199.99
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Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
96 points
$599.99
Kavalan
Solist Moscatel Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Dark amber color. Aromas of charred raisins, marcona almonds, dried olives, butterscotch, and clove cigarettes with a round, lively, fruity full body and a peppery, layered, long salted orange liqueur, polished mahogany, chocolate covered cherries, sandalwood, marinated red pepper, and spiced cider finish. A richly flavored and boldly textured whiskey for toasts and celebrations.
96 points $599.99
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Kavalan Solist Port Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
95 points
$299.99
Kavalan
Solist Port Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Dark mahogany color. Aromas of leather, Serrano ham, cola, cappuccino, toffee coated nuts, custard, and rum-raisin with a silky, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a silky, involved, medium-long sea salted dark chocolate, fruity olives, sesame oil, and licorice finish. Heavy port influence imparts this whisky with deep, savory character unlocked with each sip.
95 points $299.99
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Kavalan Podium Single Malt Whisky
94 points
$119.99
Kavalan
Podium Single Malt Whisky
Gold color. Aromas of key lime, floral honey, cinnamon, allspice, and ginger-turmeric tea with a round, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a peppery, elaborate, very long red apple, exotic peppercorns, tamarind and starfruit chutney, ginger, marmite, and digestive biscuit finish. Complexity abounds in this superbly balanced single malt that combines notes of tropical fruit, spice, biscuit and umami-rich flavors into a work of palatal art; mouthwatering.
94 points $119.99
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Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
94 points
$599.99
Kavalan
Solist Amontillado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Copper color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate dipped dried figs, baked peach, tapenade topped grilled brioche, sesame oil, cedar, and soy glazed walnut with a satiny, vibrant, fruity full body and a peppery, layered, medium-long finish with touches of caramelized tropical fruits, molasses, Thai chiles, and sea salt finish. A powerful Taiwanese whisky with a salty-rich appeal and endless umami flavors.
94 points $599.99
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Kavalan Solist Pedro Ximénez Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
94 points
$699.99
Kavalan
Solist Pedro Ximénez Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Bright mahogany color. Aromas of molasses, almond biscotti, leather, olives, tamari, toasted coconut, and red bean confection with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, interesting, medium-long chocolate truffle, cloud berry, star anise, carob, raisins, and dried figs finish. A chewy, sherry-influenced tropical whiskey that will be very attractive to rum drinkers.
94 points $699.99
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Kavalan Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky
94 points
$149.99
Kavalan
Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky
Brilliant mahogany color. Aromas and flavors of stewed black fruits, ground peanuts, swiss cheese, and pancake syrup with a lightly tannic, crisp, fruity sweet full body and a searing, thought-provoking, long finish with shades of chocolate covered caramel and peanut butter, molasses, candied peanuts, and dried pineapple finish. A super-rich and full bodied whiskey that will play well in high-end cocktails.
94 points $149.99
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Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak Single Malt Whisky
93 points
$124.99
Kavalan
ex-Bourbon Oak Single Malt Whisky
Gold color. Aromas of speculoos cookie butter, spiced marmalade, gingersnap cookies, and lily with a supple, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, medium-long salted toffee, fine tea, sultanas, dried rose, apricot chutney, Proscuitto, and smoked tonka bean finish. A deliciously complex and welcoming whisky with a unique spicy pop on the mid palate; lengthy and wide-appealing.
93 points $124.99
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Kavalan Oloroso Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky
93 points
$149.99
Kavalan
Oloroso Sherry Oak Single Malt Whisky
Dark mahogany color. Aromas of sun dried dates, coffee toffee, candied raisin, molasses, rosemary, and olives with a round, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, captivating, medium-length prunes, sweet tobacco, cacao nibs, candied nuts, salted caramel, and graham cracker finish. A fruity single malt with intense notes of sherry; Spanish brandy lovers may find this a fascinating single malt.
93 points $149.99
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