Today, we're diving into something truly unique—Kavalan Classic Single Malt Whisky. This Taiwanese gem is made entirely from malted barley and comes from a location that's new to us on the Film & Whiskey Podcast: Taiwan. Kavalan has quickly made a name for itself with an extensive and premium line of whiskies, but information about the distillery is surprisingly scarce online. What we do know is that this whisky is 43% ABV (86 proof) and is non-age stated, leaving us to wonder just how long it’s been aged. But enough with the mystery—let’s get into the review.
The following review is taken from our episode "The Shining / Kavalan Classic Single Malt." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: This one hits you with a bit of peach and barley right off the bat. There’s honey, cherry, and then it turns into something almost like tropical fruit punch, but not in a cheap way. Think more like a smoothie made with real tropical fruits. It’s fascinating, and while it’s not the most mind-blowing nose, it’s definitely intriguing. I’m giving it 8/10.
Bob: I’m right there with you. The fruity brightness reminds me a lot of an Irish whiskey, with honeydew, orange, and lemon zest coming through. As it sits in the glass, those fruits are joined by layers of brown sugar, which is something I don’t usually get on malted whiskies. It’s warm, tropical, and really inviting. I’m also at 8/10.
Taste
Brad: The palate takes that tropical theme and runs with it. There’s mango, honey, and even a bright, sweet pineapple juice note that I’ve never had in a whisky before. It still has those classic Scotch feels with the barley and honey, but the tropical fruits are the stars here. I’m sticking with a 9/10 on this one.
Bob: For me, it’s like an upside-down pineapple cake in a glass. There’s brown sugar, pineapple, and even a bit of that Fig Newton vibe going on. It’s sweet, it’s fruity, and it’s so freaking good. I’m right there with you at 9/10.
Finish
Brad: The finish drops off just a bit for me. The pineapple and citrus stick around, but the barley starts to take over, and it gets a little less exciting. Still, it’s a strong finish, just not quite up to the palate’s level. I’m giving it 7.5/10.
Bob: I agree. The finish brings in a bit of smokiness—not peaty, but more like an ashy quality. It’s fine, but it feels like the sweetness just stops, and you’re left with the bitter and smoky notes. I’m going with a 7/10 on the finish.
Balance
Brad: This whisky is really well-balanced, with a high point on the palate but still solid throughout. I think the flavors work together nicely, even if the finish isn’t as strong. I’m giving it an 8/10.
Bob: I’m giving it an 8.5/10 on balance. The highs are very high, and the lows are still pretty good. It’s a consistent experience, and for a whisky from Taiwan, it’s impressive.
Value
Brad: You can find this whisky in the U.S. for anywhere between $70 and $100, so let’s call it $80. Honestly, at that price, I think it’s a solid value. It’s not cheap, but the unique experience makes it worth it. I’m giving it 8/10 on value.
Bob: I’m a bit more cautious, but I agree that $80 isn’t bad for what you’re getting. It’s not age-stated or high-proof, but it’s from a region that doesn’t usually make whisky, so that adds to the cost. I’ll give it a 7.5/10 on value.
Final Scores
Bob: I’m coming out to a 40/50.
Brad: I’m at 40.5/50.
That averages out to 40.25/50, or 80.5/100. When a whisky hits a 40, it’s pretty much a no-brainer recommendation from us. This is a great whisky—objectively. If you see it on the shelf or at a bar, it’s definitely worth your time and money.
Whether you’re new to Kavalan or a seasoned whisky drinker looking for something unique, this is one to try. It’s a whisky that doesn’t just play by the rules—it sets its own.
