Whiskies of Taiwan

With Asian economic growth and rising demand for blends and single malts, it was probably inevitable that an enterprising nation like Taiwan, the sixth largest Scotch whisky consumer in the world, with direct access to the Chinese market, would start producing whisky.

Kavalan Distillery, formerly Yuan Shan Distillery led by master distiller Iain Chang, founded in 2005 is without a doubt the country superstar. The ‘Solist’ Single cask range is particularly note worthy having earned numerous awards, unfortunately prices for this range are quickly moving out of most drinkers budget. The state owned Omar distillery does show promise but for the moment is solid rather than exceptional.

As with Indian whiskies the high temperatures cause much greater evaporation ‘angels share’ and far faster ‘tropical’ maturation. No Age statements and reasonably high prices are the rule but the quality is pretty high.