Whisky Review/Tasting: Omar Bourbon Cask (Taiwan)

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Nantou Distillery, Taiwan, which is the second globally recognized distillery from Taiwan after Kavalan.
Type: Single Malt Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Matured in ex-bourbon casks, distilled using four pot stills in the Scottish style. The distillery operates seasonally between October and April due to climatic conditions.
Age Statement: No age statement provided, but based on the distillery's operational history, the whisky could be up to 8 years old.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whisky is named Omar, which means "amber" in Gaelic, suggesting its color. Unclear if it is colored artificially.
Bottle Design: Comes with a tube that has a golden sticker indicating a Gold Medal from the Spirit Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2015.

Initial Impressions: Floral and fresh, with a smooth taste profile.
Flavors: Noted flavors include floral, vanilla, and citrus, with a sweet, honey, and vanilla start, transitioning to a more malt-forward profile.
Balance and Characteristics: The whisky is described as round and full, with a good aftertaste, no bitterness, and a pleasant nose. It is likened to typical Scottish whisky, despite its Taiwanese origin.

Distillery Background: The Nantou Distillery was founded in 1978 but only started producing whisky in 2008. The gap in the distillery's operational history is not explained.
Production Details: The distillery's location near the equator and its seasonal production schedule are highlighted, drawing a parallel to the historical Banff distillery in Scotland, which also faced seasonal operational challenges.

Taiwanese Whisky Scene: The Nantou Distillery contributes to Taiwan's emerging presence in the global whisky market, following the success of Kavalan.
Geographical Influence: The distillery's unique climate and seasonal production cycle are emphasized, suggesting these factors influence the whisky's character.

"This Omar whisky is definitely a buy" - Horst Luening, indicating a strong endorsement of the whisky.
The whisky is praised for its roundness, fullness, and lack of bitterness, with a recommendation for purchase.

Nantou Distillery's Omar Bourbon Cask is a Taiwanese single malt matured in ex-bourbon casks, with no age statement.
It features a smooth flavor profile with floral, vanilla, and citrus notes, and is compared favorably to Scottish whisky.
The distillery's unique geographical location and seasonal production are highlighted as distinctive aspects.
The whisky has received a Gold Medal from the Spirit Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2015.
Expert opinion from Horst Luening is highly positive, recommending the whisky as a good purchase.

Whisky Enthusiasts Interested in Global Whiskies: Those curious about the expanding world of whisky beyond traditional regions.
Fans of Smooth, Floral Whiskies: Individuals who prefer a whisky with a smooth, floral, and vanilla-forward profile.
Collectors: Given its unique origin and the distillery's relatively recent entry into whisky production, it might appeal to collectors looking for something different.