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Ever wondered if a whisky bar could be an unforgettable travel highlight? Our visit to the exclusive Kavalan Whisky Bar in Taipei proved it. Get ready for an exquisite tasting journey!
My partner and I were never really swept up in the whisky craze, but when planning our Taipei trip, we kept seeing recommendations for Kavalan – "a must-buy!" they said. With all the buzz, we decided to visit a whisky bar for the very first time. Even though we weren't whisky connoisseurs, there was something about Kavalan Whisky Bar that just called to us. Securing a reservation was incredibly tough, but it turned out to be absolutely worth it! We went in hoping to taste before buying, and it was a huge success. If you have even a slight appreciation for spirits, this Taipei spot is an absolute must-visit.
📍 Kavalan Whisky Bar
2F, No. 1, Nanjing E Rd, Section 2, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, 104, Taiwan (at the intersection with Xinsheng N Rd)
You can easily make reservations by searching on Google Maps or directly through their official website.
Located on the second floor of the building, the entrance is quite unique. Look for the "KAVALAN Whisky Bar" sign, and just beneath it, press the Taiwan map-shaped button (it looks like an oak barrel!). The door on the right will then slide open.
Be aware, they are strict about reservation times – you won't be allowed in early, and there's no waiting area inside. Make sure to arrive right on time!
As you step inside, you're immediately greeted by numerous Kavalan whisky barrels – a testament to the distillery's diverse production! The atmosphere is absolutely fantastic.
You'll also spot the stylish bar seating right by the entrance. I really wanted to snag a spot there, but unfortunately, it was completely full. (The photo was actually taken as we were leaving, once it had cleared out a bit!)
Fair warning: the prices here aren't typical Taiwan street food rates – they're quite substantial. Given the cost and the fact that we were already full, we opted for the nuts and chocolate plate, which pairs perfectly with whisky. The chocolates came in various types and were absolutely delicious.
For our whisky selection, we ordered a three-whisky sampler and a separate glass from their high-end collection, which isn't available in the sampler. So, four glasses in total! They were quite generous with the pour, which was a nice surprise. The bar has a generally dim, intimate ambiance, with individual lights at each table.
We chose our three sampler whiskies with recommendations from the staff. It's clear many international visitors come here, as all the staff members speak excellent English.
The special high-end glass we ordered was the Manzanilla, also recommended after a detailed explanation from the staff. And honestly, it was out-of-this-world delicious. The depth of flavor, the smooth finish – I truly wish everyone could experience it!
The three sampler whiskies came with cute little name tags, making them easy to identify: Pino Sherry, Vinho Barrique, and Oloroso. These are quite renowned, even internationally, and all three were incredibly enjoyable.
We ended up purchasing full bottles of all three whiskies from the sampler. For the Manzanilla, after much deliberation, we decided to buy a different high-end bottle instead – but I'll save that story for another post!
Honestly, I wanted to try so many more whiskies, but there's only so much one can drink in an evening. We left with a slight sense of longing, already wanting to return to this incredible bar. Whether you're a seasoned whisky drinker or a complete novice, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Kavalan Whisky Bar. It even inspired us to seek out whisky bars back home!
Tasting Kavalan here also ignited a strong desire to visit their distillery! While it's technically accessible from Taipei, the travel time can be a bit challenging for independent travelers, and our itinerary was simply too packed to fit it in this trip.
However, I hear that the distillery offers a wide range of tastings and even a "DIY your own whisky" experience, so if you have extra time in your Taipei schedule, definitely consider making the journey!
Kavalan Whisky Distillery Tour
The reviews are excellent, and the prices seem reasonable, so a distillery tour is definitely on our list for our next Taipei visit!
As a couple who loves spirits, we're always excited to visit distilleries and breweries!
To open the door to the Kavalan Whisky Bar, you need to press the Taiwan map shape located below the "KAVALAN Whisky Bar" text. Entry is not permitted before your reservation time, so please arrive punctually.
Following the staff's recommendation, the author ordered a three-whisky sampler consisting of Fino Sherry, Vinho Barrique, and Oloroso, along with a glass of Manzanilla from their premium selection. For snacks, a nuts and chocolate plate, which pairs well with whisky, was ordered.
While it's possible to go to the Kavalan Distillery from Taipei, it's a bit less accessible for individual travel. At the distillery, you can enjoy various tastings and a "DIY Your Own Whisky" experience.
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