The World Whiskies category defines whiskies not made in the traditional whisky production nations. These expressions are our choicest picks.
KAVALAN EX-SHERRY OAK MATURED SINGLE MALT WHISKY, TAIWAN (46% ABV)
After Japan, the next Asian whisky powerhouse is Taiwan, and Kavalan is the indisputable king. Celebrated by many as the best whisky in the world, the distillery in Yilan province produces over nine million litres of whisky. Master blender Ian Chang embraces the hot weather that helps mature the liquid and swiftly extract flavour compounds from oak barrels. It’s a complex drink with layers of dried fruit, dried orange rind and nutty, spicy notes. It glides smoothly on the finish and leaves vanilla notes. $170, Le Maison du whisky
AMRUT FUSION SINGLE MALT WHISKY, INDIA (50% ABV)
For a passionate whisky-drinking nation, India rarely produced any of it. Bengaluru-based distiller Amrut has changed all that with its range of single malt expression. Amrut Fusion alludes to a fusion of barley grown in India and peated barley from Scotland. Aged for just five years, the whisky achieves maturity rapidly in India’s hot and humid weather. The heat increases the angel share (evaporated whisky from the barrel) to 15% compared to a mere 2% in Scotland. The rich amber liquid captures delicate peaty notes that never overtake the dried tropical fruit palate of pineapple, oranges, and lemon.
$118, www.whisky.sg
KYRO SINGLE MALT WHISKY, FINLAND (42.7% ABV)
Kyro’s irreverent branding does not take away from the integrity of its construction. Made with 100% Finnish malted rye and matured in new American white oak casks, it’s a whisky borne out of passion. The five founders came up with the idea while in a sauna. With so much rye around (Finnish national food is rye bread), a Finnish rye whisky was begging to be made. The bold and distinctly young whisky opens with malty sweetness and fruity touches of ripe apples. The palate delivers rye bread, spice and finishes on a peppery note. $135, Le maison du whisky
