Kavalan has revealed two new single malt expressions, released exclusively to global travel retail. The new Grand Reserve No 1 and No 2 are both matured using the Taiwanese brand's 'Vinho' wine casks, which are treated using the STR (shave, toast, rechar) technique.

The STR technique was pioneered by the late Dr Jim Swan, who worked closely with Kavalan during the early years of the brand. The Grand Reserve series celebrates the process, pairing spirit matured in its STR casks with that from Spanish and Portuguese fortified wine casks. 

Grand Reserve No 1 is drawn from the Vinho wine casks, blended with whisky matured in amontillado sherry casks. The distillery says the resulting expression has flavours of apricot jam, dried berries, and caramel cream.

For the Grand Reserve No 2, Kavalan paired whisky from its Vinho wine casks with Madeira and ruby port casks. According to Kavalan, the whisky has a "rich, fruity profile" with candied-fruit notes.

Kavalan Grand Reserve No 1 and No 2 are both bottled at 40% ABV, available exclusively via Lotte Duty Free.