Kavalan Taiwanese Distillery Releases New Lán Whisky
As a tribute to its birthplace Yilan County, Taiwan, Taiwanese whisky producer Kavalan has added a floral-inspired single malt. The new spirit is named Lán after the Mandarin word for orchid.
The expression is offered at 43% ABV in limited markets worldwide and was launched in Asia at the Hong Kong Whisky Festival, Korea Bar, and the Spirits Show. It was launched in Europe at Whisky Live Paris in September.
In the first phase, Lán will be launched in the EU, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Canada. In the second phase, all other countries where Kavalan is currently sold will be impacted.
Kavalan Releases New Lán Whisky
Kavalan’s CEO, Y.T. Lee, shared his inspiration for the floral whisky, which draws from the ‘King Car Peach’ orchid, exclusively cultivated by Kavalan’s parent company, King Car.
“Our Port-aged Lán whisky captures the delicate floral aromas of the King Car Peach orchid”, said Lee.
“It offers a sophisticated blend of vanilla and roasted nuts, enriched by our signature STR (shaved, toasted, re-charred) technique using Vinho wine casks, resulting in a smooth, fruity profile with layers of caramel sweetness.”
The STR technique is said to unlock the hidden flavors within oak casks. Since 1988, King Car Group has been involved in orchid research and cultivation, leading to the creation of Lán whiskey.
Despite the faster process, the amount of whiskey produced is significantly less. The amount lost to evaporation is much higher. Kavalan typically loses 12% to evaporation, while Scotch loses 2%.
Kavalan has been nominated in the category of Whisky/Whiskey Brand of the Year at this year’s The Spirits Business Awards.
The Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon whisky is a complex, single malt whisky with notes of vanilla, fruit, and coconut. The whisky is not chill-filtered, so it retains the qualities of a single malt whisky and is bottled at cask strength.
