Yushan Sherry Cask

Profile: The Yushan Sherry Cask at a glance

• Taiwanese Origin: Matured at the foot of Yushan
• Sherry Cask Maturation: Aged for four years in Oloroso casks
• Tropical Climate: Accelerated maturation through heat and humidity
• Modern Distilling Techniques: Produced at the Nantou Distillery
• Confident Style: Asian Single Malt with Character

Portrait: What makes the Yushan Sherry Cask special

Anyone who automatically thinks of misty valleys in Scotland when they think of whisky has probably never looked towards Taiwan. More precisely, to the Nantou Distillery. There, not far from the imposing Mount Yushan – Taiwan's highest mountain – a single malt is produced that proves that high altitudes can also inspire high-proof ideas.
The Yushan Sherry Cask doesn't bear its name by chance. If you're going to be named after a 3,952-meter-high mountain, you should also possess a certain amount of self-confidence. And that's exactly what it does. It's produced by the state-owned Taiwanese alcohol company (TTL), which has been in business since 1902. So you could say they have plenty of experience – and not just recently. This single malt matured for four years in former Oloroso sherry casks.
Four years might sound like a warm-up period in cool Scotland, but Taiwan's climate operates according to its own rules. The warmth and humidity ensure that maturation here is significantly more intense. While elsewhere they wait at a leisurely pace, in Nantou they work at express speed – presumably with a fan next to the cask. Historically speaking, Taiwan may be a newcomer to the world of single malt, but the island shouldn't be underestimated. In recent years, the country has secured its place on the international whisky map with astonishing consistency. The Yushan Sherry Cask is symbolic of this new beginning: tradition-conscious enough to rely on classic sherry casks, and at the same time confident enough to go its own way.

In short: This whisky is a bit like its namesake – ambitious, firmly rooted in Taiwan, and definitely not a quiet follower.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Yushan Sherry Cask tastes like

• Nose: Intensely and elegantly floral. The nose reveals aromas of freshly cooked jam and dark chocolate. A fine, subtle salt note underlies everything, adding freshness and vibrancy to the aroma.

• Palate: Full-bodied with a robust structure and remarkably smooth texture. On the palate, notes of ripe red fruits unfold, accompanied by pronounced dark chocolate. A subtle hint of smoke resonates, providing additional depth.

• Finish: Long and pleasantly warming. Dried fruits emerge, complemented by hints of fresh orange cake. A harmonious, well-rounded conclusion with a lasting impression.