Kavalan Whisky Distillery

The basics

One of the newest frontiers in the global whisky market, Taiwan has recently bolstered its reputation off the back of some seriously high-caliber single malts—and it couldn’t have done that without Kavalan, its inaugural distillery. While Taiwan’s hot and humid climate would seemingly make whisky production difficult, the distillery finds that it helps the spirits age more quickly than they would in a cooler climate, and also imparts signature notes of coconut, mango, and tropical fruit to its products.

To see the distillery in Yilan, visitors can explore independently or hop on a range of guided tours that depart from Taipei. In addition, the Kavalan Whisky Bar caters to Taipei-based travelers looking to taste without making a special trip.

Things to know before you go

• Kavalan offers both English and Chinese tours. If you’d like to attend an English-language tour, contact the distillery at least 7 days in advance.

• The distillery recommends setting aside at least 1 hour for the full visiting experience, which includes a tour and visit to the shop and tasting area.

• To upgrade your experience, sign on for a whisky tasting or bartending class, which the distillery hosts multiple times daily.

How to get there

If you’re driving, Kavalan Whisky Distillery is roughly 1 hour from Taipei via National Highway no. 5; parking is available on-site. Buses also link Taipei to Yilan (with additional bus routes connecting Yilan to the distillery, located on the western outskirts of town). If you plan to indulge, consider booking a tour so as not to worry about transportation.

When to get there

Kavalan Whisky Distillery is open daily, from morning until early evening, though it closes early during the Lunar New Year (and can also close suddenly during inclement weather). If visiting independently, it’s best to reserve a slot on an English-language tour in advance. The distillery is most crowded on weekends, so visit during the week for a calmer experience.

Spirits to try

Kavalan produces a wide range of spirits, but there are several worth seeking out. Begin with Kavalan Classic Single Malt, the distillery’s flagship, before trying some of its award-winning favorites, including Solist Fino Sherry Cask and Solist Vinho Barrique. And don’t forget its gin, which was launched in 2019 and features Taiwanese botanicals (including guava, kumquat, and starfruit).

How do I visit the Kavalan Whisky Distillery?

For an English-language guided tour of the Kavalan Whisky Distillery, you must reserve at least seven days in advance. You can also visit on your own, reading about the distillery’s history and production on the information panels posted at regular intervals inside the small museum and still house.

Where is Kavalan whisky made?

Kavalan Whisky is produced at the company’s distillery in Yilan County, an area known for a microclimate that pairs the heat and humidity of the plains with cooler breezes from inland mountains and coastal seas. It takes about an hour to reach the distillery by car or bus from Taipei.

What does Kavalan mean in Chinese?

The name Kavalan was inspired by the Kavalan population, whose name means “people living in the plains,” as opposed to the Atayal population, meaning “people living in the forest.” The Kavalan Whisky Distillery adopted the name as a reference to the location in the plains of Yilan County.

How long does it take to visit the Kavalan Whisky Distillery?

It takes about 30 minutes to tour the Kavalan Whisky Distillery, either with a guided tour or on your own. If you plan on stopping in the distillery’s tasting rooms to sample the single malt whiskies produced here, plan to add another 30 minutes to your visit.

How old do I have to be to visit the Kavalan Whisky Distillery?

Visitors of all ages are welcome on the guided and self-guided tours of the distillery, which include an introductory video and a walking itinerary through a small whisky museum and the distillery production areas. You must be at least 18 years old to participate in a tasting or blending workshop.

Is it worth it to visit the Kavalan Whisky Distillery?

Yes, Kavalan is one of the premier names in whisky and has won countless awards for its whiskies produced in a singularly hot and humid climate. In addition to learning about the distillery’s history and production, you can sample a variety of whiskies or try blending with a hands-on workshop.