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
220132
Kavalan
Solist Port Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Dark mahogany color. Aromas and flavors of dried fruit melange, chocolate genache, port wine and ripe black cherries, and salted peanuts with a round, lively, fruity full body and a peppery, very complex, very long charred sweet corn, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, wassail, preserved hibiscus, rose jam, winter orange peel, and anise and soy sauce finish. An exemplary study in cask finished whiskey; superb depth, complexity, length and soul.
98 points $299.99
Date Tasted: in our Chicago tasting lab
220129
Kavalan
Distillery Reserve Single Malt Whisky Peaty Cask
Pale mahogany color. Candied aromas of cafe latte and fine tobacco, cocoa nib and wet tropical leaves, butterscotch chips, and scotch oatmeal cookie with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fat body and a peppery, very complex, endless gingerbread and graham cracker with molasses, almond croissant with brown sugar glaze, dried figs and aromatic bitters, and ripe red cherries with rose petals finish. A stellar, rich and chewy whiskey for endless contemplation.
Date Tasted: in our Chicago tasting lab
220123
Kavalan
Solist ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Dark golden amber color. Nutty aromas and flavors of rack house, toasted marshmallow, sherry, and doctor pepper and hint of brine with a satiny, lively, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a peppery, complex, long butterscotch and sweet potato pie, toasted almond and coconut flakes, orange rind and pickling spices, and tamarind chutney finish. Incredible balance and acidity combine with heartwarming flavors to create a whisky that is at once familiar and exotic; attention commanding.
97 points $159.99
Date Tasted: in our Chicago tasting lab
220124
Kavalan
Solist Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Clear mahogany color. Nutty, umami, roasted aromas of salted and roasted marcona almonds, Madeira cake with raisin, molasses with espresso beans, and soy sauce and braised oxtail with a slightly chewy, racy, fruity fat body and a peppery, thought-provoking, very long spicy peanut butter, sprouts and pimiento, mushrooms with raisins and honey, mexican hot chocolate, and Japanese peanuts finish. A profound study in cask finishing; rich, salty, satisfying, mesmerizing.
96 points $179.99
Date Tasted: in our Chicago tasting lab
220133
Kavalan
Solist Amontillado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Medium dark amber color. Meaty aromas of white miso and sourdough bread, mushrooms, soy sauce and brine, and sesame candy and petrol with a lightly tannic, lively, dry-yet-fruity fat body and a peppery, nuanced, long brazil nuts in caramel, fried almond skins and brown sugar, hush puppies with green olive, and carrot cake finish. A transcendent, umami-packed whisky.
96 points $599.99
Date Tasted: in our Chicago tasting lab
220135
Kavalan
Solist Pedro Ximénez Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Bright dark amber color. Aromas of golden raisin and lychee shell, salted marcona almond, dark caramel and coriander, and caramelized pineapple with an fat body and a peppery, complex, endless brown sugar and sandalwood, poached pear on bread pudding, vanilla scented marzipan, and rum raisin paleta and rice pudding finish. A tropical and candied whiskey for sherry cask lovers.
95 points $699.99
Date Tasted: in our Chicago tasting lab
220128
Kavalan
Podium Single Malt Whisky
Light amber color. Herbal, exotic aromas and flavors of fresh ginger and eucalyptus, ground cinnamon, rice pudding, and carob chip with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity full body and a hot, interesting, medium-long cinnamon gum and pineapple, mint and lemon oak, cocoa butter, and galangal and coconut finish. A tropical whiskey with a pleasing richness.
Date Tasted: in our Chicago tasting lab
220127
King Car
Conductor Single Malt Whisky
Medium amber color. Aromas and flavors of butterscotch, roasted corn, rose water, and smoked figs and dates with a round, vibrant, dryish medium-to-full body and a peppery, complex, medium-long tulip, oatmeal cookie and ripe plum, starfruit and hyssop, and mint chocolate gelato finish. A zesty and poised whiskey that will be perfect around the holidays.
94 points $119.99
Date Tasted: in our Chicago tasting lab
220122
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 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
Date Tasted: in our Chicago tasting lab
220136
Kavalan
Solist Moscatel Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Dark dark amber color. Fruity, sweet aromas of stewed raisin with flaked coconut, olorosso sherry, celery, rosemary, cinnamon, and Thai iced tea with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity full body and a peppery, subtle, long molasses coated almonds, black cherry mostarda, mango chutney, and coriander finish. A rich and mouth-coating Taiwanese whiskey with piles of sherry influence and exotic spice; an intense sipping whisky.
94 points $599.99
Date Tasted: in our Chicago tasting lab