Nature’s masterpiece: Kavalan
Kavalan’s first whisky created specifically for the export market, Lán, pays tribute to the distillery’s picturesque birthplace in Yilan County.
The beautiful region of Yilan in north-eastern Taiwan has been home to the Kavalan Distillery since December 2005. Cradled by mountains, the sea, lush greenery and trees, the King Car Group-owned distillery has achieved global success since its first single malt was released in December 2008, redefining perceptions of whiskies matured in warm climates.
At the dawn of the distillery’s 20th anniversary, Kavalan created its first expression designed explicitly for the export market. The new floral expression, Kavalan Lán, not only honours Yilan but also the Mandarin name for ‘orchid’, which appears in both the distillery and homeland. For the first time, the whisky features a striking rose gold brand logo with beautiful pink King Car honey peach orchids exclusively cultivated by King Car Orchid Farm.
Since 1988, the King Car Group has led orchid research, carefully cultivating new varieties. This expertise and passion for excellence also extend to the creation of Lán whisky, marking another milestone in Kavalan’s journey of innovation.
The elegant expression is aged in Bourbon and Port casks, enhanced by maturation in Kavalan’s signature shaved, toasted and re-charred (STR) Vinho wine barriques. The result is a fragrant whisky with a deep amber hue that combines refreshing vanilla notes with nutty, floral aromas of rose, jasmine, peony and orange blossom, caramelised fruity sweetness, chocolate and cinnamon.
Y.T. Lee, CEO of Kavalan, shares the inspiration for the floral expression: “Our Port-aged Lán whisky captures the delicate floral aromas of the King Car honey peach orchid. It offers a sophisticated blend of vanilla and roasted nuts, enriched by our signature STR technique using Vinho wine casks, resulting in a smooth, fruity profile with layers of caramel sweetness.”
It is so smooth, in fact, that Lán not only shines on its own but is perfect for Highballs and various cocktails from classics to modern twists. The whisky particularly excels in cocktails when combined with ingredients like sweet vermouth, honey syrup, chocolate, orange, or peach bitters.
Craft and science
Kavalan Lán was first presented at the Hong Kong Whisky Festival and Korea Bar & Spirits Show, followed by its European debut at Whisky Live Paris in September 2024. With a focus on markets in Europe, the US, Canada, and Southeast Asia, the whisky is offered at 43% ABV in 700ml and 750ml formats, retailing between US$70 and US$90.
As the first whisky distillery in Taiwan, Kavalan is known for being a pioneer in producing high-quality single malts that mature in a subtropical climate with heat and humidity. The distillery remains dedicated to crafting world-renowned whiskies through advanced technology, employing custom-made, state-of-the-art processes and equipment to blend science with the art of whisky-making. As a result, Kavalan whisky is bottled only when it reaches its peak quality.
The distillery is dedicated to promoting sustainability through circular economy practices, resource conservation, energy efficiency, and transparency in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters. These initiatives focus on whisky production but also extend to the wider food and beverage industry, establishing a benchmark for sustainable hospitality. The brand actively shares its sustainability journey through open dialogue, which fosters trust and educates its audience.
Kavalan’s use of STR casks goes beyond simply imparting flavour to its whiskies; the rejuvenation of these barrels also promotes sustainable oak cask management while reducing environmental impact.
As an innovating and pioneering whisky maker, Kavalan has dedicated its 20-year journey to changing the perception of whisky enthusiasts and creating a demand for single malts produced outside the traditional whisky-producing regions. Kavalan was born in Yilan County, but its life-giving beauty can be appreciated and enjoyed worldwide, now enveloped in the elegant, rosy-cheeked Kavalan Lán single malt whisky.
The classic Manhattan cocktail reimagined with a Kavalan twist that complements Taiwanese flavours.
INGREDIENTS
60ml Kavalan Lán single malt whisky
15ml Cocchi Rosa
10ml Carpano Antica Formula
6 dashes Regans’ Orange Bitters No.6
6 dashes Fee Brothers Peach Bitters
Garnish with orange peel
METHOD: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a chilled Martini glass, and garnish with an orange-peel twist on the rim.
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