Whisky Review/Tasting: Yushan

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Taiwan, a small island just before the south coast of China, independent from mainland China.
Type: Malt Whisky (Blended Malt Whisky, though the term "blended" may have a different cultural interpretation in Asia).
Distillation and Maturation Process: The distillery, founded in 1978 and started producing whisky in 2008, uses stills from Forsyths with volumes of 7,000 liters, 5,000 liters, and 2,000 liters. The whisky is matured in bourbon and sherry casks.
Age Statement: No specific age statement provided; estimated to be between 3 to 5 years old.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the implication of possible coloring.
Bottle Design: Features a screw top, but no further details provided.

Balance of Flavors: Light and fruity with a balance of sweetness and a bit of sourness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its honey and fruit notes, particularly green apple, banana, and dried fruits.
Comparison: Reminiscent of breakfast flavors, including cereals and yogurt, with a strong presence of honey.

Distillery Background: The Yushan distillery is relatively old among Asian distilleries, with a history of whisky production beginning in 2008.
Name Origin: Named after Yushan, the highest and most beautiful mountain in Taiwan, reflecting a connection to local geography and natural beauty.

Taiwanese Independence: The whisky's origin from Taiwan, an island with a complex political relationship with mainland China, adds a layer of cultural and geopolitical context.
Language and Naming: Discussion on the complexity of Chinese language and pronunciation, highlighting the cultural nuances in naming and terminology.

"Definitely smells like a single malt... Sweetness, honey, fruits, banana, dried fruits, dried banana. Oh, that's a nice one."
"It's rather good quality for a distillery that is not well known."
"Usually that stuff from overseas, far away, Asia, is a bit more pricey."

Yushan Whisky is a malt whisky from Taiwan, matured in bourbon and sherry casks, with an estimated age of 3 to 5 years.
It features a light, fruity flavor profile with strong notes of honey, green apple, banana, and dried fruits.
The distillery has a notable history, starting whisky production in 2008, and is named after Taiwan's highest mountain, Yushan.
The whisky's Taiwanese origin adds cultural and geopolitical significance, with references to the island's independence and the complexities of Chinese language.
Recommended for collectors or those looking to explore whiskies from different regions, though it may be pricier due to its overseas origin.

Whisky Collectors: Individuals interested in unique or less common whiskies from around the world.
Adventurous Drinkers: Those looking to explore Asian whiskies and appreciate the cultural nuances behind them.
Flavor Seekers: Drinkers who enjoy light, fruity whiskies with a strong presence of honey and dried fruits.