Taiwanese pioneer of new world whisky Kavalan Distillery (owned by King Car Group) has refreshed its Mizunara Oak collection through a collaboration with renowned Japanese contemporary artist Takahide Komatsu.
The artwork draws inspiration from Taiwan’s native butterflies, depicting the island’s notable biodiversity in designs that evoke the movement, grace and vitality of butterflies in flight.
The collection features two single-cask strength expressions, crafted from unpeated and peated malt, showcasing two distinctive takes on Mizunara oak maturation.
Presented in 700ml bottles, the collection is available in Taiwan as either a Classic Single Bottle Edition or a limited Hand-painted Collector’s Double Set, with each label hand-painted and signed by Takahide Komatsu, making each set a classic collector’s piece.
King Car Group Chairman YT Lee said: “At Kavalan, we believe whisky making shares a natural connection with artistic creation. Mizunara oak is one of the rarest and most demanding casks in whisky making.
“Its rarity lies not only in the exceptional skill required to craft each cask, but also in the time it takes for the trees to mature.
“In Kavalan’s subtropical climate, Mizunara oak develops a character shaped by Taiwan’s unique maturation conditions. Through Takahide Komatsu’s butterfly artwork, this release also celebrates the richness of Taiwan’s natural world.”
Grown in the cool forests of northern Japan, Mizunara oak can take more than 100 years to mature before it is ready for cask-making. Its porous grain is extremely challenging to cooper, helping make Mizunara casks among the rarest in whisky maturation.
Kavalan’s new-make spirit, matured in Mizunara oak under Taiwan’s warm, humid climate, develops sandalwood, incense and coconut notes alongside its signature tropical fruit character, creating a distinctive blend of Japanese oak and Taiwan’s subtropical conditions.
Kavalan Mizunara Oak Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Colour: Deep amber
Nose: Vanilla and fresh coconut lead the aroma, followed by sandalwood and light incense. Floral tones appear alongside ripe pineapple and mango, with hints of honey and cinnamon.
Palate: Creamy toffee and soft oak open the palate. Hawthorn, dark chocolate and caramel sweetness follow, while citrus peel emerges toward the finish.
Kavalan Peated Malt Mizunara Oak Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Colour: Reddish amber
Nose: Gentle peat smoke meets sandalwood and vanilla. Notes of dried longan and caramel develop alongside tropical fruits.
Palate: Soft peat integrates with oriental oak and light spice. Peach, propolis and cream appear on the palate, followed by syrup sweetness and a smooth, lingering finish. ✈
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