taste. From their base in Vancouver, they are now exporting fine Canadian whisky back to the land of their birth. And with typical Asian symmetry, they have also begun importing into Canada a very fine Taiwanese whisky named Kavalan. Canadian Rockies is produced in
Alberta by Highwood Distillers with the help of Thomas Chen who selects barrels that he feels will most appeal to the Asian palate. Both the 10-year- old and 21-year-old are elegant and richly imbued with flavours of exotic Asian fruits. Sadly, for now at least, Canadian Rockies is available in Taiwan only. My son and I had the very good
fortune to accompany Thomas and Jackey to Taiwan to help with the launch of their new whisky venture. Here, in photographs, are some of the highlights.
Davin de Kergommeaux is the author of the award-winning book Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert.
Photos By CHRISTOPHER DE KERGOMMEAUX
6 Taiwan is a very small island with excellent transportation links. Just an hour from the hustle of downtown Taipei, the calming quiet of the South China Sea awaits. Western tourists have yet to discover Taiwan. In their place, waves of visitors from Asia have made the island an ideal destination for the adventurous. Reasonable hotels and the most scrumptious (even if somewhat bewildering) meals, abound at very affordable prices. Our favourite dish? Steamed wasabi mustard greens.
7 Right in the heart of the city, Taipei’s huge, un-crowded botanical garden offers tranquil relaxation time.
8 Canadian Rockies 21-Year-Old: Subtle hints of red cedar, sweet plums, butterscotch, and white pepper in a rich, elegant, and oh-so- moreish libation. Sweet and sour kumquats, earthy dragon fruit, and fragrant passion fruit waft over bare suggestions of oak, cloves, and lilacs. Stupendous!
9 Tasting Kavalan Single Malt Whisky:The heavenly scent of spring flowers mingles with exotic fruits – think Asian custard apple, guava, and passion fruit. Essences of coconut and butterscotch are balanced by hints of lightly roasted coffee. Touches of cloves and hot pepper stimulate the palate.
www.bounder.ca BOUNDER MAGAZINE 55
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