Kavalan Distillery Launches Exclusive 15-Year-Old Whisky Celebrating Taiwanese Craftsmanship
Kavalan Distillery has officially launched its first-ever aged whisky, the 15 Years Old Single Malt Whisky from the Time Exploration series. This significant release took place on March 11, 2025, marking a momentous milestone for Taiwan’s whisky scene. The whisky has been skillfully matured in four distinct types of barrels: ex-Bourbon, Oloroso Sherry, Ruby Port, and Puncheon, each contributing unique characteristics to the final product.
Established in 2005, the Kavalan Distillery is known for pioneering single malt whisky in Taiwan, thriving under conditions of high humidity and temperature. This environment remarkably influences the distillation and aging processes, resulting in a rich, creamy texture that distinguishes Kavalan's offerings. The new 15-year whisky pays homage to March 11, 2006, when the distillery produced Taiwan's first new make spirit, laying the foundation for nearly two decades of premium craftsmanship and innovation.
Kavalan's CEO, YT Lee, expressed his excitement about this major milestone, stating, “This edition of 15 Years Old represents a masterful blend from carefully selected older reserves, aimed at achieving an exceptional depth and balance. We developed a formula that maximizes the qualities of each barrel type, resulting in a complex and harmonious final whisky.”
The limited edition release consists of only 30,000 bottles, making it a rare addition to the Kavalan portfolio of ultra-matured whiskies. The packaging reflects the essence of time and craftsmanship, featuring a design that highlights the natural wood grain of the barrels, symbolizing the depth and maturation achieved through years of aging.
In terms of tasting notes, this single malt boasts a captivating caramel-apple mousse aroma, embellished with fresh chocolate, walnut-cinnamon rolls, and creamy popcorn. Subtle hints of dried mandarin peels and plums round out the nose. On the palate, vibrant citrus notes of bergamot, lemon, orange, and grapefruit dance alongside the sweetness of dried cranberries and raisins, finishing with plush dark chocolate ice cream and caramel-walnut coffee mousse notes.
The adventurous flavors culminate in a warmly spiced finish, reminiscent of cinnamon and complemented by the luxurious touch provided by the gold-embellished Kavalan logo on the bottle.
Anyone interested in experiencing this exquisite whisky can purchase it through official Kavalan distribution channels in Taiwan, including the Kavalan Distillery Shop and select local spirit retailers.
As Kavalan continues to break barriers in the whisky-making arena, this introduction of the 15 Years Old Single Malt Whisky emphasizes not only the distillery's commitment to excellence but also its profound influence on the global whisky landscape. With its distinguished flavor profile and limited availability, this whisky is set to leave a lasting impression on whisky connoisseurs around the world.