Best Whisky In The World Named As Kavalan Whisky From Taiwan

When you think of great whisky, what instantly springs to mind? We'd wager you weren't thinking about Taiwan.

But, funnily enough, this cheeky little Taiwanese number has been named as the best single malt whisky in the world by the 2015 World Whiskie Awards.

Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique single cask strength whisky has been crowned as the King of Single Malts and is described - rather wonderfully - as tasting like "Bourbon infused milk chocolate". Mmm.

Other contenders in the whisky awards included That Boutique-y Whisky Company Blended Whisky #1 – Batch 1, which won the title of World's Best Blended Whisky.

Meanwhile Nikka Whisky Taketsuru Pure Malt 17 Years Old, which hails from Japan, won the title of World's Best Blended Malt.

Kavalan whisky is produced by the King Car distillery in the county of Yilan, Taiwan. The "young" distillery was only founded in 2005 and has since been supplying whisky with signature flavours of tropical fruit.

The award-winning beverage is matured in American oak barrels that have previously held white and red wines. Bottles can be purchased for £93 from Master of Malt.

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The judges of the World Whiskies Awards wrote of the Taiwanese tipple:

"Lots of stewed fruits on the nose. There’s also aged Bourbon notes. Water brings out custard creams. Surprisingly smooth on the palate. The alcohol is very present.
"Another nutty, meaty, savoury nose, with sweet notes in the backdrop. Very sweet pruney flavours initially on the palate, with fruit cake and big clove, chilli and dry cinnamon. Walnut and hazelnut on the very dry finish.
"Immediately and subtly liquor rich. Tiny bit of incense, a thread of spice and smoke.
"Caramel, marzipan, coffee-vanilla, fudge, rich, creamy, dried black fruits. Integrated and surprisingly light. Element of sandalwood. Starts creamy, waters out, almost disappears before rubbing hot brown sugar into the oesophagus. Tiny bitter trace."

Bottoms up!

Whisky Gadgets

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You've been drinking the stuff for years but have you ever tried to make it? Well there's no time like the present and Firebox's 'Mature your own whisky' set is just the ticket.

With two bottles of new-make Malted Barley spirit and your very own reshly toasted Kentucky Oak barrel of Medium to heavy char all you need to do is sit back and wait. While you're waiting...
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Linn Limited Edition Highland Park LP12(02 of07)

While you're waiting for your whisky to mature why not sit back, stick on a Miles Davis vinyl and relax, you've earnt it. In fact you've earnt it so much that you should absolutely buy this eye-wateringly rare Linn Sondek LP12 Highland Park record player.

Just forty will be made, why? That wooden base is made from the solid oak cask that matured Highland Park's stunning 40 year old single malt. Naturally you get a bottle of that as well. Once you've seen the price though you might want to take a seat...Price: £25,000

Glenlivet Nàdurra Dram Chair(03 of07)

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Glencairn Whisky Glass(04 of07)

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The Macallan Oakley Flask(07 of07)

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It's then lovingly coated in black anodized 5-axis machined aerospace grade aluminium. Of course it is. Look we get the general impression that this flask could make it to Valhalla and back having had a far better time than its owner. For us, that's the mark of quality.
Price: £600

[H/T Independent]

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