Kavalan Artist Series Single Malt Whisky Paul Chiang 2021 (4 x 1000ml)

In ancient times, the land around I-Lan in Taiwan was called Kavalan, a mysterious land that was solely inhabited by the indigenous people of the Kavalan clan. The name was officially recognized by the Emperor of the Chin dynasty in the year of 1809 when the original city was also built under the same name.

Kavalan had always been kept primitive and protected from the outside world by the Syue-shan mountain range which is abundant in high quality natural water that comes from deep within the mountain range. The mists of Kavalan and the spirits of the past have been created for you in these exquisite whiskies.

Kavalan are celebrating their 15th year of operations with the release of the “Kavalan Artists Series” in collaboration with artist Paul Chiang.

Featuring 4 Cask Strength whiskies, with each bottle and box featuring one of Paul Chiang’s paintings, embodying the elements of Ocean, Sunlight, Air and Mother Earth.

More than just a set of whiskies, these are pieces of art in a bottle.

The set includes:

OCEAN – Puncheon. Single Cask Strength ABV 55.6

Painting – “Pisilian (Morning Stars over the Coast)”
The indigenous name, Pisilian, refers to a stretch of Taiwan’s eastern coastline, connecting Kavalan’s home in Yilan County with Taitung County where Paul Chiang is based. Kavalan’s story, or dream, starts in the Ocean under a starry sky. From here, moisture rises and eventually condenses above Snow Mountain, creating Kavalan’s legendary water source.

Official Tasting Notes:
Colour: Dark Crimson Waves
Flavour: The delicious aroma of freshly roasted almond biscuits brings out the smoothness of vanilla and sweetness of white peach, with a hint of maple syrup to accentuate the fruity aroma.
Palate: Smooth vanilla and sweet toffee, accentuated with hints of nutty notes, give way to a rich burst of white peach and tropical fruit – a multilayered flavor with an ocean of depth and complexity, and a smooth finish.

Sunlight – French Wine Cask Single Cask Strength ABV 61.8

Painting – “Meditation on Eternity”
The golden Sunlight in this piece represent sparks of hope, lighting the path toward the Kavalan dream. The fiery red denotes both the intensity of purpose and the heat of the sun, the same life-giving warmth that uniquely enhances Kavalan’s ageing.

Official Tasting Notes:
Colour: Final rays of an amber sunset
Flavour: The exquisite yet vibrant scent of berries and black currants form the body of this aroma, mixed with sweet peppers, apples, caramel and ripened fruit for a charming composition.
Palate: A full-bodied and multilayered tropical fruity flavor marked by rich and distinctive notes of wild berries and dried fruit for the perfect balance. A dash of soft tannins with subtle hints of spiciness deliver a charming and elegant finish.

AIR – Virgin Oak Single Cask Strength ABV 52.4

Painting – “On Wings of Song”
Named after a Felix Mendelssohn piano piece, Paul Chiang’s circular brushstrokes imagine effervescent air particles and the beating of wings, creating the sensation of air in motion. The Kavalan dream takes flight in Air, and this painting can be seen as an artistic rendition of whisky’s maturation process.

Official Tasting Notes:
Colour: Sweet Black Cherries
Flavour: Smoked plum and purple grapes mixed with buttery vanilla and rich beeswax gradually give way to crisp floral notes with charming apricot and peach.
Palate: A full-bodied and rich texture, with hints of spicy oak and sweet honey, autumn pear and chestnuts. The mellow aroma of ripened fruit, guava and cinnamon come together to form a delicious and lingering finish.

MOTHER EARTH – Peated Malt Single Cask Strength 54.8

Painting – “Jinzun / Summer”
The final piece in the set is both homecoming and rebirth. The green, yellow, and blue represent Taiwan’s East Coast’s lushness and the vibrant flavours and scents of Kavalan whisky. This Mother Earth bears the fruits of labour for both Kavalan and Mr Chiang and the seeds for new growth. The Kavalan dream becomes a reality.

Official Tasting Notes:
Colour: Plump Golden Rice Ears
Flavour: Rich beeswax, toffee, and coconut aroma complement the unique tropical fruitiness of Kavalan, exuding a deliciously charming and full-bodied sweetness.
Palate: A lavish spread of buttered toffee melts away into a peaty aroma with delicious earthy notes. Exquisitely layered and complex, with a balanced texture and remarkable depth of flavor. Lingering notes of red pepper, spice, and the unique aroma of longans create the perfect finish.