Many of you may have noticed that the Asian whisky market is on fire. Japanese whisky has become all but extinct and the category continues to garner multinational accolades. While the fervor builds for the ever elusive Japanese Single Malt, a little distillery in Yuanshan in Western Taiwan has quietly been cranking out award winning whisky after award winning whisky. The special distillery in this rural township was only built in 2005, but is already bottling world class whisky. Named for the native people of the island, the distillery was built to exacting standards and features a Scottish style double pot still set up. With the quiet and confident Master Distiller Ian Chang at the helm the distillery has received several of the whisky world’s highest honors. Of their many offerings, the most special are their single barrel cask strength offerings (known in the rest of the world as Solist Casks). Here in the states a trademark dispute prevented the use of that moniker, but the whisky is no less special.

Of all the Solist offerings, the Sherry Cask (drawn from Spanish Oloroso Sherry Butts) is arguably the most delicious. Since its release two years ago we’ve not received more than 75 bottles in total from their importer. Each shipment has sold out within minutes of arriving on our shelves. For that reason we’re extremely lucky to be able offer you unlimited access to a very special single cask from Kavalan (Solist) Sherry Single Cask. It is the darkest and most powerful sherry cask from Kavalan we’ve ever seen and while stocks are open at this time, they will not last long.

Kavalan “Sherry Cask” Cask Strength Single Barrel Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $300) ($199.99) – Arriving In Two Weeks

After so much time spent merely reading about the great single malt whiskies from Taiwan’s Kavalan distillery, we can finally get our hands on them here in the states! This is the elusive Single Sherry Cask, known in every other market as the Solist Sherry. This particular cask was purchased exclusively for the Southern California Artisanal Group and represents a huge chunk of the total US allocation. It’s extremely rare because it’s rightfully regarded as one of the world’s great sherried malts. Rated 97 points by the BTI, 5 time double gold SFWSC and the winner of the coveted “Supreme Champion” title from the well respected Malt Maniacs Award, it’s no wonder connoisseurs around the world scramble to get their hands on this stuff when available. This particular cask #S100127022A is the DARKEST sherry from Kavalan we’ve ever seen. It maybe the darkest sherried whisky we’ve ever had in the store period and that intense color translates to monster flavors.. If you like big sherry and big malt this is the whisky for you. Color: Dark Raisin Nose: Multi-layer dried fruit, nuttiness and spice with marzipan and vanilla as well. Palate: Rich, oily and full with dense dried fruit and spices that linger into a fine coffee finish. We’ve secured a healthy chunk of this special cask but it won’t last long once our competitors notice that it’s available. Expect higher prices as it trickles through the market or secure your bottle right now.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 29, 2016

If you’re a fan of the heavily-sherried Karuizawa whiskies, then this whisky is going to light your fire. It’s a total sherry bomb, dark and dense, and loaded with big, heavy Oloroso flavor. It’s totally concentrated as well, despite only seven years in the butt. That’s that Taiwanese heat, I guess. I don’t know how else to explain it. It’s not youthful or hot or out of whack. It’s the real deal — lots of cakey baking spices, dark fudge, and rich decadent sherry action.

Daniel Maas | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 16, 2016

Sure, most of us probably think of Japan as the eminent whiskey producing country in Asia, but just wait. If you’re like me, you will find yourself reconsidering that ideology upon tasting this ultra-rare cask of super-sherried KAVALAN! Easily the finest example of the Taiwanese distillery’s offerings I’ve had, this takes power to a new level with a myriad of spices, creamy-vanilla, and a subtle nutty essence. It’s all wrapped up nicely in a plush, full bodied malted texture that easily holds the immense level of sherry character. Bottled at a full-proof 57%, this beast remains quite drinkable and carries with it a lingering finish that left this PEAT-HEAD simply mystified. Could it be? Have I finally become a sherry lover? Yes.. Friends, we are truly in a new world. AND I LIKE IT.

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