Introduction:
Kavalan is a Taiwanese distillery that has gained international success and critical acclaim for its unique approach to Whisky production. Due to the favorable climatic conditions in Taiwan, Kavalan Whiskies require less time to mature and develop complex flavors compared to Whiskies from other regions like Scotland or Ireland.
The distillery’s success is attributed to the expertise of master blender Ian Chang and the guidance of Whisky consultant Dr. Jim Swan. Kavalan’s first bottlings were released in 2008 and quickly became the standard and bestsellers of the distillery.
Two of their popular standard releases are the Kavalan Classic and King Car Conductor. These expressions are a blend of Whiskies from different cask types, offering a harmonious aroma profile of exotic fruits, cherries, apples, honey, vanilla, cereals, and oak. These bottlings have gained significant popularity in Asia.
However, Kavalan achieved its breakthrough in the international market, specifically in Europe, South Africa, and the USA, with the success of their Solist series. The Solist series features cask strength single cask bottlings that have won numerous international awards. The initial releases were Ex-Bourbon and Sherry cask expressions. Over time, the series expanded to include Fino, Vinho Barrique, Amontillado, and Peaty Cask, the latter being matured in used casks from Islay.
The Kavalan Vinho Barrique was a standout, winning the title of Best Single Malt Worldwide at the 2015 World Whisky Awards, and the Solist Amontillado Sherry received the WWA award for Best Single Cask Malt Whisky in 2016.
Notably, Kavalan Whiskies are bottled without an age statement since their maturation periods are relatively short, typically around four or five years. However, the Solist series labels indicate the serial number and cask types, allowing enthusiasts to explore the uniqueness of each individual cask.
Production:
Kavalan’s production numbers have seen a remarkable increase in recent years. Prior to 2015, the annual production capacity was 1.5 million litres. However, with the installation of new distillation equipment, the distillery managed to triple its production capacity to 4.5 million litres per year.
The ambitious plans did not stop there. Kavalan aimed to double its capacity once again through further expansions. By the end of 2016, the distillery had set its sights on achieving a staggering annual production capacity of 9 million litres.
This rapid expansion is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to meet the growing demand for its high – quality Whiskies, both domestically and internationally. Kavalan’s success story and dedication to innovation have earned it a prominent position in the global Whisky market.
The Mashing:
At Kavalan Distillery, a semi – lauter mash tun with a capacity of 8 tons is in operation around the clock, allowing for continuous production of their Whisky. Recognizing the need for further expansion to meet the increasing demand, the distillery had plans to add a second mash tun by the end of 2016.
Unlike some other Whisky distilleries, Kavalan does not cultivate its own malt on Taiwan. Instead, they import malt from Scotland and Finland. This is likely due to the challenging climatic conditions on the island, which may not be conducive to barley cultivation on a large scale.
The location of Kavalan Distillery in Yilan County was chosen strategically for the excellent water quality sourced from the nearby Xue Shan mountain range. High – quality water is crucial for producing premium Whisky, and the abundance of pristine water in the area provides a key ingredient for Kavalan’s successful distillation process.
The Fermentation:
Fermentation is a critical stage in the Whisky-making process, and at Kavalan Distillery, it occurs in eight closed stainless – steel tanks. The fermentation process typically lasts between 60 to 72 hours, allowing the yeast to convert the sugars in the mash into alcohol, creating the “wash” that will be distilled into Whisky.
To accommodate the increasing production demands and maintain the quality of their Whisky, Kavalan planned to double the number of fermentation tanks to 16 by the end of 2016. This expansion would enable the distillery to ferment a larger volume of wash simultaneously, contributing to the overall increase in their production capacity.
The Distillation:
The King Car Group started its Whisky production journey at Kavalan Distillery with two copper pot stills. The wash still had a capacity of 12,000 litres, while the spirit still had a capacity of 7,000 litres, both supplied by the renowned Scottish manufacturer, Forsyths.
Initially, the distillery made their cuts during distillation at around 78-72% alcohol content. However, to achieve a more complex aroma profile and allow for a broader range of flavors, the cut point was later adjusted to a lower range of 65 – 55% alcohol content. This middle cut, which contains the heart of the distillate, typically runs for two to three hours.
Due to the increasing success and demand for Kavalan Whisky, the distillery expanded its production capabilities significantly. In 2015, they added six more pot stills to their operation. By the end of 2016, the plan was to have a total of 20 pot stills actively producing Whisky at Kavalan Distillery. This substantial expansion aimed to keep up with the growing demand and secure the supply of their sought-after Whiskies in both domestic and international markets.
Storage:
Kavalan Distillery boasts two massive, five-story warehouses for storing their maturing casks. Due to the seismic activity in Taiwan, the casks are bound together in small groups of 2×2 to ensure stability and safety. The climate in Taiwan brings extreme temperature variations, with daytime temperatures in summer soaring as high as 42°C (108°F) on the upper floors and a cooler 24°C (75°F) on the lower floors. This significant temperature difference, along with the high humidity and constant airflow, accelerates the aging process, resulting in Whisky maturing two to three times faster than in traditional Scottish warehouses.
The angels’ share at Kavalan is relatively high at around 15%, which means that a significant amount of the Whisky evaporates during maturation. However, this rapid aging process also contributes to the rich and complex flavors found in Kavalan Whiskies.
The casks predominantly used for Kavalan Whisky are made from American oak, which imparts distinct vanilla and oak flavors to the spirit. Additionally, they utilize fortified Wine casks from Europe, especially for their acclaimed Solist bottlings. These Wine casks add unique and rich fruity notes to the Whisky, enhancing its complexity and depth.
Before bottling, the Kavalan Whisky is diluted with spring water from Yilan to achieve the desired bottling strength. However, cask strength bottlings are an exception, as they are bottled at the full, undiluted alcohol content straight from the cask. This attention to detail ensures that each Kavalan Whisky is crafted to its optimal taste and quality before reaching Whisky enthusiasts around the world.
History:
The King Car Group, founded in 1956, is a prominent Taiwanese conglomerate with a strong presence in the food industry, biotechnology, and aquaculture. Employing around 2,000 people, the company has gained international recognition for its various products, including the popular ready – to – drink coffee brand, Mr. Brown.
In 2005, T.T. Lee, the founder and owner of King Car Group, fulfilled his dream of building a Whisky distillery in Taiwan. He named it Yuan Shan Distillery, after the traditional name of the region where it is located. Prior to Taiwan’s accession to the World Trade Organisation in 2002, private distilleries were not permitted due to the governmental spirits monopoly. With the opening of the market, Lee seized the opportunity to enter the Whisky industry.
To ensure the success of his new venture, Lee sought the expertise of renowned Whisky consultant Dr Jim Swan, who played a crucial role in planning and building the distillery. Additionally, Ian Chang, a chemist with a specialization in Whisky blending, received extensive training in Scotland to become the master blender for Kavalan. He has been responsible for Whisky development and the creative design of Kavalan bottlings since the beginning.
The construction of the new Kavalan distillery began in April 2006, and an impressively swift nine months later, production of Kavalan Whisky commenced. In 2008, the first Kavalan Whisky was released, receiving immediate acclaim and appreciation both domestically and internationally. The strong markets for Kavalan Whisky include Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and China. In subsequent years, Kavalan has expanded its exports to various countries, with Europe, South Africa, and the USA becoming significant markets for their premium Whiskies. The brand’s rapid success is a testament to the high-quality craftsmanship and dedication to excellence displayed by the Kavalan team.
Visitor Centre:
The Kavalan Distillery’s visitor centre, located adjacent to the distillery itself, is a remarkable attraction that has garnered significant recognition in the Whisky industry. In 2011, it was awarded the prestigious title of “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year” by Whisky Magazine, a testament to the exceptional experience it offers to visitors.
With its reputation for producing high-quality Whisky and its scenic location in Taiwan, the Kavalan Distillery draws an impressive number of visitors each year. Approximately one million Whisky enthusiasts and curious travelers alike make their way to the visitor centre to immerse themselves in the world of Kavalan Whisky, learn about the distillation process, and appreciate the craft behind each bottle.
The visitor centre likely offers a range of engaging activities and informative tours, allowing guests to witness the Whisky-making process up close, explore the historical and cultural aspects of the brand, and, of course, enjoy tastings of Kavalan’s renowned Whiskies. The centre’s accolade as “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year” speaks volumes about its commitment to providing an exceptional experience and creating lasting memories for every visitor who steps through its doors.
Admission is free.
Opening hours
Monday – Friday: 09:00 am – 06:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 09:00 am – 07:00 pm
Guided tours including a tasting are offered all day long without reservation. (Groups of 20 or more should book in advance via the form on the website.) The last tour starts at 4.00 p.m. The tours at Kavalan cover all production steps and last about 70 minutes.
Address
326, Section 2, Yuan-shan Road
Yuan-Shan, Yi – Lan, Taiwan. 26444
Phone
+886（0）3-922-9000＃1104
Visitor information:
326, Section 2, Yuan-shan Road
Yuan-Shan, Yi – Lan, Taiwan. 26444
Telephone
+886（0）3-922-9000＃1104
Information about the Distillery: |
|
| Number of bottles: | 0 Bottles |
| Country, Region: | Taiwan |
| Coordinates: | 121.691944 24.713722 |
| Status: | Active |
| Fermenters: | 4 x 0 l |
| Official Website: | http://www.kavalanwhisky.com/ |
Introduction:
Kavalan is a Taiwanese distillery that has gained international success and critical acclaim for its unique approach to Whisky production. Due to the favorable climatic conditions in Taiwan, Kavalan Whiskies require less time to mature and develop complex flavors compared to Whiskies from other regions like Scotland or Ireland.
The distillery’s success is attributed to the expertise of master blender Ian Chang and the guidance of Whisky consultant Dr. Jim Swan. Kavalan’s first bottlings were released in 2008 and quickly became the standard and bestsellers of the distillery.
Two of their popular standard releases are the Kavalan Classic and King Car Conductor. These expressions are a blend of Whiskies from different cask types, offering a harmonious aroma profile of exotic fruits, cherries, apples, honey, vanilla, cereals, and oak. These bottlings have gained significant popularity in Asia.
However, Kavalan achieved its breakthrough in the international market, specifically in Europe, South Africa, and the USA, with the success of their Solist series. The Solist series features cask strength single cask bottlings that have won numerous international awards. The initial releases were Ex-Bourbon and Sherry cask expressions. Over time, the series expanded to include Fino, Vinho Barrique, Amontillado, and Peaty Cask, the latter being matured in used casks from Islay.
The Kavalan Vinho Barrique was a standout, winning the title of Best Single Malt Worldwide at the 2015 World Whisky Awards, and the Solist Amontillado Sherry received the WWA award for Best Single Cask Malt Whisky in 2016.
Notably, Kavalan Whiskies are bottled without an age statement since their maturation periods are relatively short, typically around four or five years. However, the Solist series labels indicate the serial number and cask types, allowing enthusiasts to explore the uniqueness of each individual cask.
Production:
Kavalan’s production numbers have seen a remarkable increase in recent years. Prior to 2015, the annual production capacity was 1.5 million litres. However, with the installation of new distillation equipment, the distillery managed to triple its production capacity to 4.5 million litres per year.
The ambitious plans did not stop there. Kavalan aimed to double its capacity once again through further expansions. By the end of 2016, the distillery had set its sights on achieving a staggering annual production capacity of 9 million litres.
This rapid expansion is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to meet the growing demand for its high – quality Whiskies, both domestically and internationally. Kavalan’s success story and dedication to innovation have earned it a prominent position in the global Whisky market.
The Mashing:
At Kavalan Distillery, a semi – lauter mash tun with a capacity of 8 tons is in operation around the clock, allowing for continuous production of their Whisky. Recognizing the need for further expansion to meet the increasing demand, the distillery had plans to add a second mash tun by the end of 2016.
Unlike some other Whisky distilleries, Kavalan does not cultivate its own malt on Taiwan. Instead, they import malt from Scotland and Finland. This is likely due to the challenging climatic conditions on the island, which may not be conducive to barley cultivation on a large scale.
The location of Kavalan Distillery in Yilan County was chosen strategically for the excellent water quality sourced from the nearby Xue Shan mountain range. High – quality water is crucial for producing premium Whisky, and the abundance of pristine water in the area provides a key ingredient for Kavalan’s successful distillation process.
The Fermentation:
Fermentation is a critical stage in the Whisky-making process, and at Kavalan Distillery, it occurs in eight closed stainless – steel tanks. The fermentation process typically lasts between 60 to 72 hours, allowing the yeast to convert the sugars in the mash into alcohol, creating the “wash” that will be distilled into Whisky.
To accommodate the increasing production demands and maintain the quality of their Whisky, Kavalan planned to double the number of fermentation tanks to 16 by the end of 2016. This expansion would enable the distillery to ferment a larger volume of wash simultaneously, contributing to the overall increase in their production capacity.
The Distillation:
The King Car Group started its Whisky production journey at Kavalan Distillery with two copper pot stills. The wash still had a capacity of 12,000 litres, while the spirit still had a capacity of 7,000 litres, both supplied by the renowned Scottish manufacturer, Forsyths.
Initially, the distillery made their cuts during distillation at around 78-72% alcohol content. However, to achieve a more complex aroma profile and allow for a broader range of flavors, the cut point was later adjusted to a lower range of 65 – 55% alcohol content. This middle cut, which contains the heart of the distillate, typically runs for two to three hours.
Due to the increasing success and demand for Kavalan Whisky, the distillery expanded its production capabilities significantly. In 2015, they added six more pot stills to their operation. By the end of 2016, the plan was to have a total of 20 pot stills actively producing Whisky at Kavalan Distillery. This substantial expansion aimed to keep up with the growing demand and secure the supply of their sought-after Whiskies in both domestic and international markets.
Storage:
Kavalan Distillery boasts two massive, five-story warehouses for storing their maturing casks. Due to the seismic activity in Taiwan, the casks are bound together in small groups of 2×2 to ensure stability and safety. The climate in Taiwan brings extreme temperature variations, with daytime temperatures in summer soaring as high as 42°C (108°F) on the upper floors and a cooler 24°C (75°F) on the lower floors. This significant temperature difference, along with the high humidity and constant airflow, accelerates the aging process, resulting in Whisky maturing two to three times faster than in traditional Scottish warehouses.
The angels’ share at Kavalan is relatively high at around 15%, which means that a significant amount of the Whisky evaporates during maturation. However, this rapid aging process also contributes to the rich and complex flavors found in Kavalan Whiskies.
The casks predominantly used for Kavalan Whisky are made from American oak, which imparts distinct vanilla and oak flavors to the spirit. Additionally, they utilize fortified Wine casks from Europe, especially for their acclaimed Solist bottlings. These Wine casks add unique and rich fruity notes to the Whisky, enhancing its complexity and depth.
Before bottling, the Kavalan Whisky is diluted with spring water from Yilan to achieve the desired bottling strength. However, cask strength bottlings are an exception, as they are bottled at the full, undiluted alcohol content straight from the cask. This attention to detail ensures that each Kavalan Whisky is crafted to its optimal taste and quality before reaching Whisky enthusiasts around the world.
History:
The King Car Group, founded in 1956, is a prominent Taiwanese conglomerate with a strong presence in the food industry, biotechnology, and aquaculture. Employing around 2,000 people, the company has gained international recognition for its various products, including the popular ready – to – drink coffee brand, Mr. Brown.
In 2005, T.T. Lee, the founder and owner of King Car Group, fulfilled his dream of building a Whisky distillery in Taiwan. He named it Yuan Shan Distillery, after the traditional name of the region where it is located. Prior to Taiwan’s accession to the World Trade Organisation in 2002, private distilleries were not permitted due to the governmental spirits monopoly. With the opening of the market, Lee seized the opportunity to enter the Whisky industry.
To ensure the success of his new venture, Lee sought the expertise of renowned Whisky consultant Dr Jim Swan, who played a crucial role in planning and building the distillery. Additionally, Ian Chang, a chemist with a specialization in Whisky blending, received extensive training in Scotland to become the master blender for Kavalan. He has been responsible for Whisky development and the creative design of Kavalan bottlings since the beginning.
The construction of the new Kavalan distillery began in April 2006, and an impressively swift nine months later, production of Kavalan Whisky commenced. In 2008, the first Kavalan Whisky was released, receiving immediate acclaim and appreciation both domestically and internationally. The strong markets for Kavalan Whisky include Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and China. In subsequent years, Kavalan has expanded its exports to various countries, with Europe, South Africa, and the USA becoming significant markets for their premium Whiskies. The brand’s rapid success is a testament to the high-quality craftsmanship and dedication to excellence displayed by the Kavalan team.
Visitor Centre:
The Kavalan Distillery’s visitor centre, located adjacent to the distillery itself, is a remarkable attraction that has garnered significant recognition in the Whisky industry. In 2011, it was awarded the prestigious title of “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year” by Whisky Magazine, a testament to the exceptional experience it offers to visitors.
With its reputation for producing high-quality Whisky and its scenic location in Taiwan, the Kavalan Distillery draws an impressive number of visitors each year. Approximately one million Whisky enthusiasts and curious travelers alike make their way to the visitor centre to immerse themselves in the world of Kavalan Whisky, learn about the distillation process, and appreciate the craft behind each bottle.
The visitor centre likely offers a range of engaging activities and informative tours, allowing guests to witness the Whisky-making process up close, explore the historical and cultural aspects of the brand, and, of course, enjoy tastings of Kavalan’s renowned Whiskies. The centre’s accolade as “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year” speaks volumes about its commitment to providing an exceptional experience and creating lasting memories for every visitor who steps through its doors.
Admission is free.
Opening hours
Monday – Friday: 09:00 am – 06:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 09:00 am – 07:00 pm
Guided tours including a tasting are offered all day long without reservation. (Groups of 20 or more should book in advance via the form on the website.) The last tour starts at 4.00 p.m. The tours at Kavalan cover all production steps and last about 70 minutes.
Address
326, Section 2, Yuan-shan Road
Yuan-Shan, Yi – Lan, Taiwan. 26444
Phone
+886（0）3-922-9000＃1104
Visitor information:
326, Section 2, Yuan-shan Road
Yuan-Shan, Yi – Lan, Taiwan. 26444
Telephone
+886（0）3-922-9000＃1104
Information about the Distillery: |
|
| Number of bottles: | 0 Bottles |
| Country, Region: | Taiwan |
| Coordinates: | 121.691944 24.713722 |
| Status: | Active |
| Fermenters: | 4 x 0 l |
| Official Website: | http://www.kavalanwhisky.com/ |