Kavalan moves into gin

Taiwanese whisky maker Kavalan has launched its inaugural gin, the first in a new series set to launch globally.

Kavalan Gin has been double charcoal-filtered and triple distilled in traditional copper stills. It is made from the same malted barley spirit as Kavalan whisky. “We want to offer a new gin experience this new year," said Kavalan CEO YT Lee. "That's why along with the traditional botanicals of juniper, aniseed and coriander, we are giving people a taste of Kavalan's home in Yilan with kumquat peel, dried star fruit and red-flesh guava botanical extracts. Bottled at 40% abv, Kavalan Gin is said to be "rich, pleasingly sweet, and long and full in body". It is well balanced with a "distinctive sweetness from the red-flesh guava, starfruit, and zesty kumquat". Master blender Ian Chang said: "After more than 10 years of making whisky, I wanted to try my hand at gin and contribute to the global gin renaissance. "I'm very excited about crafting a unique series to showcase Kavalan distillery and Yilan and extend a warm welcome to gin drinkers.”