Kavalan – Lán (70cl, 43%)

Kavalan Lán is a floral Taiwanese single malt released in 2024, bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle. It combines whisky from bourbon casks, port casks and STR Vinho wine casks. The bourbon casks add fresh vanilla, the port casks fruity and nutty notes, and the shaved, toasted and re-charred Vinho casks a caramel fruit sweetness. Lán means orchid in Mandarin and also nods to Yilan, home of the distillery. Orchids and other blossoms are the intended aromatic theme. It is bottled without added colour. The nose brings orchid, rose, jasmine, peony and orange blossom. The palate has creamy vanilla, chocolate and caramel with honeydew melon and fruit gums. The finish is lingering, with nuts, cinnamon and a woody fragrance.