A miraculous single malt whisky born in Taiwan, a country perfectly suited to its subtropical climate.
「KAVALAN WHISKY (Kavalan Whisky)」。
「KAVALANIt is located in the area east of the Xueshan Mountain Range in northeastern Taiwan.
Yilan/Lanyang PlainsIt is the name used by the indigenous people of that region.
Kavalan Whiskyteeth,TaiwanのYilanTaiwan's first single malt whisky, launched in 2008!
Although Kavalan whisky has a relatively short history, TaiwanSubtropical climateThis helps in the early maturation of the whiskey.
The company is attracting attention for its commitment to handling everything from raw materials to manufacturing entirely within Taiwan.
Within just two years of its creation, it won numerous awards around the world.
This is a miraculous single malt whisky that is attracting attention from all over the world.
This time, the person serving as Master Blender at this distillery isIan ChangI was introduced to them,
We'll be taking a tour of the distillery!
(*Distillery tours are free.)
「Silks Place Yilan (Lan City Crystal Hotel)Front staff of "[the name of the company]"
Jack ChangThey provided transportation,
Kavalan WhiskyWe have arrived in front of the convention center.
This is the reception area for distillery tours.
The convention center's entrance hall is filled with high ceilings.
The marble floor is so spacious that voices echo throughout the room!
This distillery tour was arranged by my friend.Ryohei HiedaI met up with [Name] at the location and we went together!
PR ManagerNico Liuand Administrative AssistantCindy Chen、
The person who will be acting as interpreterEmma NiniHello! (你好♪)
Emma NiniShe studied Japanese in Fukuoka, Japan for three months, so she can speak a little.
Master Blender who introduced meIan Changteeth,
Unfortunately, he had a sudden business trip to the UK, so we were unable to meet.
I hope we can meet someday!
In a conference room on the second floor of the convention center,Kavalan WhiskyOperated by
「King Car Group Gold car related business"of
I watched the company introduction video (approximately 18 minutes),King Car GroupYou can learn about its history.
King Car GroupIt is one of Taiwan's leading beverage manufacturers, established in 1979.
A coffee brand that uses mineral water and other high-quality water to create its coffee.
「Mr. Brown CaféThis also produced works such as
We are deeply committed to providing high-quality, safe beverages that are essential to people's lives.
Also,"Otsuka PharmaceuticalThey established a joint venture company and also manufacture powdered Pocari Sweat, etc.
King Car GroupWe will make the most of the know-how we have cultivated up to this point.
Rich in water sourcesYilanUtilizing the clear spring water and the local climate and environment,
They have achieved success in Kavalan's whisky making!
https://youtu.be/luU5gWsEluE
King Car Group Company Profile (Japanese Version)
King Car GroupAfter learning about that, let's move on to the next facility and head to the distillery!
The facility is very spacious, filled with trees and grass, and boasts a lush, green environment.
This area gives off a feeling of comfort and tranquility.
Used barrels have been decorated with art and are now on display.
The artist is a Taiwanese artist.Huang Yi-Shengin,YilanBeautiful scenery is depicted♪
Whisky Aging Warehouse 1
We can now see Warehouse No. 1, where the barley used to make whiskey is stored!
Currently, barley is imported from the UK.
Recharring Area
A method of carbonizing the inside of a barrel with high heat.CharringHe said,
Furthermore, to reactivate barrels that have been used several times, heat treatment is performed again.RecharringThat's what it's called.
This process generates sweet aging flavor components such as vanillin inside the barrel wood.
The carbonized layer also helps reduce the unripe aroma, significantly impacting the flavor.
Depending on the barrel wood,CharringWhiskey has different characteristics depending on the condition of the ingredients.
The skill of the barrel maker in igniting the barrel with a burner is also an important part of the process.
Even through the glass, you can smell the charcoal, and the heat from the burner is so intense you can feel it through the glass!
Whisky Distillery (1)
This is the entrance for the distillery tour!
We are being given a guided tour for this interview, but normally, it is open to the public on a free-for-all basis.
The date the barrel was filled is written on it.
”"R" stands for "refill cask," "S" for "sherry cask," and "B" for "bourbon cask."
All the barrels are managed with barcodes!
You can touch the malt imported from the UK to compare the malt used in Kavalan with that used elsewhere.
They each seem to have a different scent, so let's smell them!
Smoked malt has an aroma similar to Seirogan (a traditional Japanese medicine), but this type of malt is not used in Kavalan whiskey.
The yeast is made using an original method, but both the ingredients and the manufacturing process are considered trade secrets.
All the barrels are imported as well.
The clear bottle display makes the differences based on the barrel and aging period immediately apparent.
From the colorless new spirit, as you move to the left, the whiskey gradually turns amber as the number of days of aging increases.
The taste and aroma vary from barrel to barrel and from aging to aging.
Winho (葡萄酒桶) won a gold medal in 2015, and Amontillado (雪莉桶) won a gold medal in 2016!
「Delicious whiskey is made in cold regions."such as
It overturned preconceived notions.Kavalan Whisky。
In subtropical Taiwan, the maturation process is extremely fast, and we have succeeded in maturing the product at almost twice the normal rate.
Initially,There's no way you can make delicious whiskey in Taiwan.This apparently drew a lot of opposition.
but,Kavalan WhiskyIn 2010, they achieved a groundbreaking feat that defied conventional wisdom!
Held in Scotland, the home of whisky
「Burns NightAt a tasting competition hosted by [organizer name]
「KAVALAN CLASSIC SINGLE MALT WHISKY"but
Starting with their magnificent victory,
It is said to be the most prestigious whisky award in the world.World Whiskies Awardsで
「KAVALAN SOLIST ex-BOURBON SINGLE CASK STRENGTH SINGLE MALT WHISKY
(Kavalan Solist Bourbon Single Cask Strength)"but
It won the "Best Rest of the World Single Malt Whisky" award.
It went on to win numerous awards and grew into a miraculous whisky that attracted attention from all over the world!
The distillery has four pot stills (distillation stills) that were imported from England.
The shape will be lantern-shaped.
We can manufacture 3 million units of this size per year!
You can see the difference between before and after fermentation.
It's the same process as making beer, but this method is a trade secret!
This is a German-made pot still (distillation still), a continuous distillation apparatus.
In the foreground, the alcohol concentration obtained by the pot still method is measured.
A measuring instrument for inspection.Spirit safeIt is installed and managed♪
This is a cooling device used to heat the mash and liquefy the vaporized alcohol.
A capacitor is installed.
The whiskey after distillation is in this large vat.Spirit VatIt is sent to a facility, then transferred to barrels for aging.
On the fifth floor of the building, all the barrels are stored, and there are an astonishing 558 million barrels there!
TaiwanBecause of the frequent earthquakes in the area, the barrels are stored vertically, not lying on their sides!
Even through the glass, the distillery is enveloped in the aroma of whiskey.
It smells nice ♪
After touring the distillery, it's time for the much-anticipated tasting!
Zhubo Spirit CastleThe first floor has a tasting corner and a shop for sales.
On the second floor,Mr. Brown Café"of
We also have a cafe where you can relax♪
The tasting corner is a huge success!
Kavalan WhiskyIt is open 365 days a year and attracts 1 million visitors annually!
And now,Kavalan WhiskyThey produce as many as 9 million bottles per year.
It's in demand among whiskey lovers all over the world!
Staff announcements were made every hour.
Before tastingKavalan WhiskyThey'll introduce it to you♪
At each table, you'll find samples of nine different whiskies, allowing you to enjoy their aromas.
You can sample two types of whiskey, and the whiskeys available vary from day to day!
This time, we were able to sample numbers 1 and 9.
Number 9, which emits a distinctive and strong fragrance,KAVALAN DISTILLERY RESERVE SINGLE MALT WHISKY PEATY CASK
(Kavalan Distillery Edition Single Malt Whisky Peaty Cask)」。
This is a very rare, limited edition light-peated brew, with only 20,000 bottles available, and it has not been imported into Japan!
The other number one is the one I mentioned earlier, which won the tasting competition in 2010.
「KAVALAN CLASSIC SINGLE MALT WHISKY"is!
A rich fragrance reminiscent of orchids, with notes of honey, mango, pear, vanilla, coconut, and chocolate.
The mango flavor softens the alcoholic taste, making it a flavor that women can enjoy as well.
Tastes vary from person to person, but this is a flavor that appeals to almost everyone!
Even just tasting two different whiskies while searching for your favorite aroma can be an enjoyable experience.
It lifts your spirits and puts you in a pleasantly tipsy mood.
TaiwanでKavalan WhiskySince encountering it, my interest in whiskey has suddenly been piqued.
I'm enjoying the rich and deep flavor♪
As I was leaving, the master blenderIan ChangTherefore,
I received a wonderful gift!(Thank you Ian!)
Four types of Kavalan whisky
Peaty Oak, Sherry Cask, Bourbon Cask, ClassicA tasting set that you can enjoy
「MALT WHISKY YEARBOOK 2016"and
「Ian Buxton 101 Whiskeys to Try Before You DieThese are two valuable books.
Kavalan WhiskyI plan to read it while studying English, with this book in hand♪
After enjoying the tasting,Kavalan WhiskyShop at stores that sell this product!
"Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky" - 2016 Gold Medal Winner
Selling price: 8,000 TWD (approximately 28,800 Japanese Yen)
At this shop, if you purchase an expensive item...
King Car GroupThey're giving away a case of the tea they sell there as a gift.
I received a wonderful service!
However, on the trainTaipeiSince I was going back to my destination and didn't want to carry too much luggage, I declined.
They provided me with a coffee voucher that I can use at the cafe inside the building!
With the exchange ticket in hand, head straight to the second floorMr. Brown Café"fart!
With the voucher I mentioned earlier, you can enjoy a delicious original blend coffee andexchangeCan do it,
HiedaI was able to spend a relaxing coffee time with [Name] ♪
PR ManagerNico Liuand Administrative AssistantCindy Chen、
The person who will be acting as interpreterEmma Nini、
Thank you for the information! (Thank you!)
We are Master BlendersIan Changbut,
We will continue to be a beautiful city.YilanExcellentKavalan WhiskyI'm looking forward to creating it!
Whiskey lovers,
Come and learn about Taiwan's miraculous whiskey, born in the subtropical climate.
Please come and see for yourself!
KAVALAN WHISKY (Kavalan Whisky)
Location: No. 326, Section 2, Yuanshan Road, Yuanshan Township, Yilan County
TEL: +886(03)922-9000
Business hours: Weekdays 9:00-18:00, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays 9:00-19:00
(On Lunar New Year's Eve, until 17:00)
Admission fee: Free
http://www.kavalanwhisky.com/
