Kavalan to launch the first peated STR Whisky this October

Taiwanese whisky distillery Kavalan has announced it is releasing a ‘sequel’ to its hugely successful ‘Solist Vinho Barrique’ (which was first released in 2006), this October.

Named the world’s ‘best single malt whisky’ by World Whiskies Awards in 2015, the Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique was the whisky that brought the distillery into the spotlight of the international whisky scene.

It was created using the “STR technique” (Shaving, Toasting, and Recharring) developed by the late Dr Jim Swan and Kavalan.

This casks treatment emerged from the distillery’s laboratory, and has since spread across the industry. The process involves gentle shaving of the casks to remove any undesirable flavours and acid compounds associated with wine cask maturation, then toasting to release organic compounds from the wood and bring out all its fruity vanilla notes, lastly recharring with an intense fire to enable the eventual release of pleasant flavours such as rich caramel and chocolate.

The distillery’s second Shave, Toast, Rechar expression is also its very first peated whisky, whose new make is distilled from peated barley.

Kavalan CEO, Albert Lee, said: “Kavalan’s STR technique awakened the dormant flavours locked within the barrels, resulting in bigger, bolder, fruitier flavours, made possible in Yilan County’s phenomenal subtropical climate. These layers are underlaid with the alluring, smokey malt aromas from the peated spirit.

“I’ve been asked many times when we would release another made in Taiwan STR whisky. Now after years of experimenting, we sincerely hope the second STR whisky will pass on the excellent performance of Vinho, becoming the spotlight for whisky fans around the world.”

The second STR whisky to be launched this October in Taiwan will be part of an exclusive four-bottle set for Christmas.