The distribution across Europe of award-winning Taiwanese whiskies from OMAR has been assigned to the French company Les Whiskies du Monde [September 2016]. In the UK, Cellar Trends will launch OMAR to consumers and trade at the Whisky Show in London 1-3 October, where it will present OMAR Bourbon Cask and OMAR Sherry Cask. Whisky fans will soon be able to buy OMAR through specialist whisky retailers, online and at premium spirits bars. RRP for OMAR Bourbon Cask 70cl is £63, and for OMAR Sherry Cask, £67. OMAR brings diversity and choice to the world of premium Taiwanese whisky, which until now has been dominated by Kavalan as the only alternative Taiwanese whisky distillery.
OMAR single malt whisky is distilled by Nantou Distillery, owned by the Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation (TTL). Founded in 1978, it is situated in central Taiwan and has produced the OMAR range of single malts since 2008. Their style is a tribute to Scotland and its whisky expertise and heritage, matched with the modern Eastern exoticism of Taiwan and its passion for developing its whisky know-how. OMAR means ‘amber’ in Gaelic.
The range comprises two single malts at 46% abv; one aged 100 percent in ex-Bourbon oak casks and the other in ex-Sherry casks. Both have won awards in leading international whisky competitions.
Caroline Pihoue, brand manager for OMAR at Cellar Trends, adds, “OMAR whiskies are for whisky explorers as well as connoisseurs of single malt. The brand brings new options to discover for fans of new-world whisky, as there are only two whisky distilleries in Taiwan. We predict strong demand for OMAR Sherry Cask in particular, as the brand’s intense flavour qualities have won strong accolades, and it has a competitive price point. OMAR will be an excellent addition to Cellar Trends’ whisky portfolio, and we are very excited to distribute a brand which is already attracting such considerable interest.”
Tasting notes
OMAR Bourbon Cask
- Silver Outstanding medal, IWSC 2016; Bronze medal, ISC 2016; Bronze medal, 2015 World Whiskies Awards.
- Nose: Refreshing and complex – white flowers, vanilla, honey, malty grain, cedar.
- Palate: Medium bodied with a velvety finish.
- Finish: Lingering – vanilla, milk candy, fresh mandarins.
OMAR Sherry Cask
- Silver Outstanding medal, IWSC 2016; Silver medal, ISC 2016; Silver medal, 2015 World Whiskies Awards
- Nose: Intense – floral, freshly cooked jam, dark chocolate, salty.
- Palate: Full bodied and smooth – hint of smokiness, caramel, toasty.
- Finish: Lingering – dried fruits, orange cake flavours
Both are non-chill filtered. Presented in a gift box.
Nantou Distillery: Located in the mountains, the region has an altitude of up to 3,000 meters. Lakes and rivers provide the fresh spring water. The sub-tropical climate is humid-hot with dry winters, and the average temperature of 19.9 degrees C matures the whisky faster here.
Les Whiskies du Monde: Spirits distributor Les Whiskies du Monde has been located in Merignac close to Bordeaux for over 15 years. Its portfolio of quality brands includes affordable rums to high-end whiskies. Les Whiskies du Monde travels the world to meet passionate producers that create unique and legendary spirits.