Entrepreneurial skills and passion have enabled the founders of Kavalan to make Taiwan’s first single-malt whisky a resounding success
In 2002, whisky enthusiast and entrepreneur Lee Tien-tsai and his son, Lee Yu-ting, embarked on the fulfilment of a 40-year dream to produce Taiwan’s first single-malt whisky. In the same year, Taiwan joined the World Trade Organisation and, for the first time, its government permitted privately owned distilleries. In 2008, their vision became a reality, with the release of the first batch of Kavalan single-malt whisky.
Like most pioneering journeys, the road had its challenges. Under the umbrella of Tien-tsai’s successful beverage business, King Car Group, Kavalan had the expertise and resources to succeed, but “Kavalan whisky was a ‘no age statement’ whisky from a region with no history in whisky production,” says CEO Yu-ting. “Aged whiskies from traditional regions have historically dominated the market, so our first challenge was to showcase the superlative experience of an innovative new brand and the unique qualities of the region in which it is produced.”
The Kavalan distillery is in Yuanshan, Yilan, in northeast Taiwan, where the natural geology, fresh air and pristine water all contribute to the whisky’s quality. High summer temperatures, explains Yu-ting, increase the “angels’ share” (the evaporation that is drunk by angels, according to legend) and produce a full-bodied whisky. In winter, cold air from Siberia boosts oxidation for a smooth, fragrant flavour. These extremes supercharge the maturation process, giving Kavalan whisky the superior qualities of an aged whisky with the creativity of youth.
The emphasis has always been on quality. Yu-ting appointed the late “Einstein of whisky” Dr Jim Swan and a team of highly skilled distillers and blenders, including the current chief blender, to lead the early stages of product development. Yu-ting’s passion for innovating set a high benchmark that continues to guide the team. Both father and son have already been enrolled in Whisky Magazine’s prestigious Hall of Fame – testament to the respect they are garnering. Kavalan won Distiller of the Year in the Rest of World category at the 2023 Icons of Whisky awards, having also won World’s Best Single Malt in 2015 at the World Whiskies Awards for Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique.
“Kavalan is still a relatively young distillery, but we have earned our place on the world stage and now is our time to perform and inspire. We will continue to innovate and improve as we – like our whisky – age and mature to perfection.”
www.kavalanwhisky.com