Kavalan Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Ex-Bourbon Cask Release in the U.S.
Kavalan’s Landmark 15th Anniversary Release
Kavalan Distillery, Taiwan’s leading whisky producer, has introduced a limited-edition ex-Bourbon cask whisky to mark its 15th anniversary. Initially launched in Taiwan in July 2024, this expression saw a worldwide release in November 2024, with select U.S. markets receiving it in March 2025. This bottling, one of the oldest released by the brand, exemplifies Kavalan’s signature tropical maturation, yielding a whisky rich in complexity and depth. Whisky enthusiasts in select U.S. markets can now experience this highly anticipated expression.
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Key Takeaways
Release Date: March 17, 2025
Age Statement: Approx. 15 years (distilled in 2009)
Limited Availability: Select U.S. markets
Price: Approximately $1,000 per 750ml bottle
Maturation: American ex-Bourbon casks
Production and Maturation
Kavalan’s latest release was distilled in 2009 and matured exclusively in American ex-Bourbon casks for approximately 15 years. The warm climate of Taiwan accelerates aging, leading to a whisky with concentrated flavors and a rich, full-bodied profile. Bottled at 50% ABV, this expression highlights vanilla, tropical fruits, and delicate coconut notes, showcasing the distillery’s refined aging process.
Product Specifications
Distillery/Brand: Kavalan
Country of Origin: Taiwan
Age: Approx. 15 years
Mash Bill: Not specified
ABV: 50%
Maturation: American ex-Bourbon casks
Price: $1,000 per 750ml bottle
Availability: Initially released in Taiwan in July 2024, followed by a global rollout in November 2024. Select U.S. markets, including California, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Washington D.C., New York, and Texas, received the release in March 2025.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Rich vanilla, tropical fruit medley, light oak spice
Palate: Creamy caramel, toasted coconut, ripe banana, warm spice
Finish: Long and smooth with lingering vanilla and subtle oak
Comparison to Other Bourbon-Cask Whiskies
For those who enjoy bourbon-cask-matured whisky, here are some comparable alternatives:
Balvenie 21-Year-Old The Second Red Rose – A Scotch whisky matured in bourbon casks, featuring floral and honeyed characteristics.
Aberfeldy 18-Year-Old Limited Edition – A bourbon barrel-aged single malt with bright citrus and vanilla notes.
Glenlivet 18-Year-Old Single Malt – A well-balanced expression with caramel, spice, and vanilla influences.
Final Thoughts
Kavalan’s 15th Anniversary ex-Bourbon Cask release is a testament to the distillery’s expertise in tropical aging, producing a whisky of remarkable depth and richness. As one of the oldest expressions from Kavalan, it is a sought-after addition for collectors and whisky aficionados alike.
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