Kavalan Collaborates With Artist Takahide Komatsu For Rare Mizunara Oak Single Cask Release
Taiwanese whisky Kavalan has partnered with Japanese contemporary artist Takahide Komatsu on a limited-edition Mizunara Oak collection, featuring two cask-strength whiskies adorned with artwork inspired by Taiwan's native butterflies.
Both single cask strength expressions, the release comprises of one peated and one unpeated whisky. Celebrating Taiwan's rich biodiversity, each bottle is adorned with commissioned artwork by Komatsu depicting twelve native butterfly species in flight.
The whiskies are:
KAVALAN Mizunara Oak Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
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Colour: Deep Amber.
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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.
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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
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Colour: Reddish Amber.
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Nose: Gentle peat smoke meets sandalwood and vanilla. Notes of dried longan and caramel develop alongside tropical fruits.
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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.
Mizunara oak grows in the cool forests of northern Japan and often requires more than a century before it can be crafted into casks. Its porous grain structure makes coopering extremely difficult, which contributes to the rarity of Mizunara casks.
Within Taiwan’s warm and humid climate, the whisky is said to gradually develop notes of sandalwood, incense and coconut alongside the distillery’s characteristic tropical fruit aromas.
Born in Miyazaki, Japan, contemporary artist Takahide Komatsu draws inspiration from butterflies and the natural world, fusing traditional Rinpa aesthetics with modern techniques.
His internationally exhibited work includes a notable showcase at the 2010 UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
In Taiwan, the collection is offered as a Classic Single Bottle Edition and a limited Hand-painted Collector's Double Set featuring labels individually hand-painted and signed by Takahide Komatsu.
In 700ml bottles, The Kavalan Mizunara Oak Single Cask Strength collection is available through Kavalan’s official channels in Taiwan, including the Kavalan Distillery Shop, Kavalan Whisky Shops, Kavalan Whisky Bar, and select local liquor stores.
Kanpai!
88 Bamboo Editorial Team
