If Distillery Select No.1 is Kavalan's tropical welcome, No.2 is the stroll into the shaded side of the garden. Released as a companion expression, it leans toward wine-cask influence, offering a darker, fruitier profile that still carries the unmistakable subtropical signature of the Yilan distillery.
The nose opens with dried cherries and raisin, a whisper of milk chocolate and toasted almond. There is depth here that rewards patience — swirl the glass and stewed plum emerges, followed by a faint floral note.
On the palate, red berries and plum jam take the lead, supported by cocoa nibs and a gentle sweetness that recalls good oloroso without ever becoming heavy. The Yilan climate's fast maturation shows itself in the integration: the wood feels seasoned rather than green, the fruit ripe rather than raw.
The finish is medium and softly drying, with dark chocolate and stewed fruit lingering comfortably. At 40% ABV it remains eminently sessionable, a whisky built for contemplative evenings rather than dramatic statements.
No.2 is a clever counterpoint to its tropical sibling. Together they map two directions Kavalan travels — one toward sunshine fruit, the other toward dusk and dried orchard. For anyone curious about how subtropical ageing shapes wine-cask whisky, this is a quietly compelling case study poured into a glass.
