New Pricing on a Pair of Benchmark Tropical Whiskeys
“If you miss big, tropically aged whiskey at super-sharp prices, you’ll find a new favorite in Omar.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer

For spirits aficionados who can’t or don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for the finest Taiwanese whiskey (ahem, Kavalan), we’ve just secured a pair of stunning examples from the equally prodigious Nantou distillery at an exceptional discount. Omar’s outstanding single malts boast all the intensity, depth, and character of proper tropically aged whiskey. Not only is our new pricing a small fraction of what you’d pay for the luxury icons from Kavalan, but it’s nearly half off what you’ll find them for elsewhere in the market, thanks to some savvy negotiating on the part of our spirits team.

Omar Bourbon Cask Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (700ml) (Elsewhere $70) ($39.99)

K&L Notes: Most whiskey drinkers these days have Taiwanese whiskey on their radar. Kavalan is undoubtedly the biggest name in Taiwan and has won some major awards over the last decade. They really put Taiwan on the whiskey map for American consumers. Meanwhile, Omar has been making excellent whiskey on the same island but flying under the radar in the United States due to a lack of distribution. That has finally changed! Produced at the Nantou distillery in the mountainous central interior of Taiwan, Omar’s whiskies undergo that intense tropical aging that produces an incredibly deep and concentrated flavor profile in just a few short years. Their long ferments (72 hours in steel washbacks) produce a clear, vibrant, fruity distillate before aging for four to five harsh and humid years for their standard bottlings.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: June 08, 2023

A gobsmacking amount of fruit and vanilla hit you right off the bat. This is like a classic Glenlivet or ‘Fiddich turned up way past eleven, plus even more mouthfeel and weight. If you love that classic ex-bourbon cask influence on high-quality, fruity, and sweet barley malt, do not miss this exceptional deal. At 46% and without color or chill-filtration, the intensity of citrus and sweet spice is huge. There is a gentle floral component that adds intrigue, complexity, and depth. On the palate, it is rich and round with just the right amount of kick thanks to the higher-than-average proof. The finish shows off lots of malt and just a hint of sweet herbs with another reprise of citrus peel.

Omar Sherry Cask Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (700ml) (Elsewhere $83) ($44.99)

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: June 01, 2023

The Nantou/Omar distillery has been producing some of the most compelling whiskeys on the island at super-reasonable prices that show that same signature intensity of fruit and wood that Kavalan fans love. While we have yet to see their famed cask-strength bottlings, we do finally have access to their exceptional 46% ABV, non-chill-filtered, and uncolored Bourbon Cask and Sherry Cask bottles. The Sherry Cask begins with an intense bang but is packed together so tight it is closed off. After 15-20 minutes in the glass, it opens up dramatically. The fruit unfolds in stunning fashion. Ripe succulent peaches, pineapple, papaya, plums, blackberries, Medjool dates, burnt orange peel, dried cherries, and more mash together with marzipan, candied almonds, Sadaf pomegranate molasses, hookah tobacco, and of course, sweet malted barley. The piquant nose of the first pour has moved into a great background of old-school sherry funkiness. The finish is long, sweet, and oxidative. If you miss big, tropically aged whiskey at super-sharp prices, you’ll find a new favorite in Omar.

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