Kavalan Distillery Select No. 1

Briny aroma, very spicy, has a burn to it but more from spice than booziness I think. Interesting, not sure what’s going on, but not really a fan.

$920TWD

Something about travel changes perspective and alters course of …everything, I guess. I’m not trying to be poetic, but had I not been in Taiwan and been curious about local distilling everywhere I go, I may not have found this brand. Truly it’s an instant favorite. I wish this were a cologne. Words come to mind that I don’t think I’ve used in a tasting: earthy, mineral, reminiscent of grain teas (like the coffee alternative kind.) Immensely drinkable, probably owing to low proof but really pops on the nose and palette. The locals seem to be sleeping on this one in lieu of big name imports. In this case, the accolades are warranted and I trust the global community of proponents and honest single malt lovers. Highly recommend you try this at any price point, ideally on a good night where you are open to something novel but familiar. Looking forward to other cask configurations in their subsequent offerings.

Easy to drink, smoothly whiskey