As the best-selling whisky brand in Taiwan (and one of the most awarded whisky brands in the world), Kavalan Distillery has been synonymous with quality and prestige. This Lunar New Year, they're stepping it up a notch with the launch of three exclusive whisky gift sets to celebrate the Year of the Dragon in 2024. The Dragon, revered in the Chinese zodiac for its symbolism of power, prestige, and elegance, is a fitting emblem for these special gift sets. 

There would be 3 limited sets enclosing some of Kavalan's most popular whisky expressions: a 700 ml bottle of Concertmaster Sherry Cask Finish, Triple Sherry Casks or Solist Rum Cask, along with a smaller 50ml vial of a contrasting whisky expression from Kavalan.

These limited releases would be available in selected markets across the Asia Pacific region. Each set's packaging is a work of art, centered around a Dragon Pearl motif, surrounded by clouds and elements representing Kavalan Distillery and the Yilan region where the distillery resides. These sets are perfect for gifting, especially considering the auspicious connection of the Dragon in the Lunar New Year.

If you're interested, it might be wise to act fast before they're all snapped up. 

Let's dive into what each set offers:–

Set 1: Concertmaster Sherry Cask Finish

This features the Kavalan Concertmaster Sherry Cask Finish at 40% (700ml) accompanied by a 50ml vial of Kavalan Podium Single Malt Whisky at 46%.

The packaging is a striking pink, reflecting the sherry cask finish. A depiction of the distillery with the Snow Mountain Range backdrop symbolizes the fine craftsmanship of the whisky.

This would be priced around NT$ 1,700 (US$ 54).

Official Tasting Notes for Kavalan Concertmaster Sherry Cask Finish

Colour

Pale apricot

Flavour

Begins with a soft bouquet of sweet vanilla and toffee accompanied in the background by subtle, silky chocolate and layers of crème brûlée, made satisfyingly complex with rich, ripe dark fruits and walnut and almond nuttiness continuing onto the tongue.

Palate

Round, thick mouthfeel dominated by a dense burst of this series’ signature taste seductively luscious tropical fruits - elegantly balanced and lingering long on the finish. 

Set 2: Triple Sherry Casks

This includes the Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky at 40% (700ml) and a 50ml vial of Kavalan Wine Cask Single Malt Whisky at 54%.

The festive scarlet red packaging features a view of the Pacific and Turtle Island from the distillery. Depictions of barley and oak barrels are meant to symbolise gratitude for the land, with three sherry casks harmoniously blending their flavours.

This set comes in around NT$ 2,500 (US$ 80).

Official Tasting Notes for Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky

Colour

Deep scarlet

Flavour

Ripe, mature berries and dried fruits fill the nose, with fresh scents of grapes and citrus interlaced with chocolate brownie and toffee sweetness. Hints of cinnamon, clover and spiciness, blending into pleasant oakiness and fragrant rosemary.

Palate

Lingering flavours of sherry dried fruits. Warm and smooth with a mellow texture. A lively flamenco dance of candied fruit, caramel, and honey sweetness on the taste buds. Multilayered and perfectly balanced, it's an unforgettable feast for the palate.

Set 3: Solist Rum Cask

The third set is the most premium, and contains the premium Kavalan Solist Rum Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (50~59.9%) and a 50ml vial of Kavalan Port Cask Single Malt Whisky at 54%.

The packaging is golden in colour, inspired by the whisky's hues and symbolising prosperity. It reflects the sunlight on fertile plains and enhances the Lunar New Year festive mood.

This set comes in at NT$ 4,000 (US$ 127)

Official Tasting Notes for Kavalan Solist Rum Single Cask Single Malt Whisky

Colour

Deep, burnished gold like a Caribbean sunset.

Flavour

A honeyed sweetness is laced through the fruity character of the Kavalan courtesy of the influence of the rum cask. Alluring aromas of golden syrup cake, waxed lemon, pistachiostudded nougat, creamy vanilla, stewed apple, papaya and faint white pepper are exuded from the glass.

Palate

A gloriously thick texture saturated with melon and papaya sweetness, it is showered with an array of spices, clove, and root ginger delivered at cask strength, before it settles down to a sustained final phase of light toffee, golden sultana, and Kendal mint cake.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team