We’ve been mighty jealous of the Taiwanese ever since the news that a very limited release of Kininvie Batch Number One – the Kininvie 23-year old – was launched exclusively in that market last year. That jealousy surged to new heights when the William Grant & Sons (WGS)-owned Dufftown, Moray-based Scotch whisky distillery released for the first time in the world its younger Kininvie sibling, the 17-year old, in July this year, again in Taiwan. Sure we’re aware that island nation is probably the biggest and most adventurous whisky market in this part of Asia, but the favouritism still hurts.

However, if you’ve been chafing under that indignity like we have, you can angst no longer. WGS has just announced that the Kininvie 17-year old, a gold medal winner in the Super Premium Scotch Single Malt category of the World Whisky Masters 2014 – will be made available in Singapore from September, albeit exclusively in travel retail (as is in Taiwan).

If you’re not familiar with Kininvie, you’re probably not alone. The distillery was first opened in July 1990 – with just six copper stills that sit amongst the buildings within the Balvenie distillery – by Janet Sheed-Roberts, granddaughter of William Grant, to make whisky predominantly for use in blended whiskies such as WGS’ triple malt Monkey Shoulder. As such no product had been released under the Kininvie brand in its 23-year history until the blasted Taiwanese got their grubby paws on the limited 7,000 bottle run of the 23-year old last year. 

But now you can too: the 17-year old is a delicate and floral Speyside – which have been matured in American oak hogsheads and sherry butts – that’s exclusively bottled for travel retail in a 35cl collector’s edition bottle size. Which is good news, because this means your alcohol allowance lets you buy two from duty free!

There’s no news regarding the 23-year old though; perhaps our Taiwanese counterparts have drained those precious stocks.

Tasting Notes (Official): The Kininvie 17 Years Old, 42.6% ABV

Nose Rich and full aroma with fresh fruit notes and a deep vanilla sweetness. Uniquely fragrant with a characteristic floral note that is accentuated through the addition of a little water.

Taste Beautifully sweet, buttery vanilla and slightly spicy.

Finish Long and lingering with a notable sweetness.

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