Omar Bourbon Cask Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky
Omar Bourbon Cask Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky is a 46% ABV (92 proof) single malt in a 700mL bottle — aged 4+ years entirely in American ex-bourbon casks at the Nantou Distillery in central Taiwan, non-chill-filtered with no added coloring, available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 46% (92 proof) — unanimous across sources
- Size: 700mL
- Age: 4+ years in American ex-bourbon casks (no age statement)
- Origin: Nantou Distillery, Nantou County, central Taiwan — owned by the state-run Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corp. (TTL); whisky production since 2008
- Production: copper pot stills; 72-hour fermentation in stainless washbacks; distillation October–April only; ~6–7% annual angel's share in the subtropical climate
- Name: "Omar" — Scottish Gaelic for "amber"
- Awards: International Spirits Challenge medalist (Gold/Silver citations vary by retailer)
Taiwan's Answer to Single Malt, Aged by the Subtropics
Omar is made at the Nantou Distillery — owned by Taiwan's state-run Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation, one of only two whisky distilleries on the island — where the subtropical climate does in four years what takes Scotland twelve: roughly 6–7% of every cask evaporates each year, driving intense wood interaction. This is the bourbon-cask expression, aged entirely in American ex-bourbon oak: bright honey-gold, non-chill-filtered, nothing added. The official TTL tasting finds white flowers giving way to vanilla, cream, and honey, with dried mango and ripe pineapple on a sweet, medium-length finish. Explore Omar, browse our whisky shelf, or compare the other great Taiwanese single malt.
Tasting Notes
Bright honey-gold. White flowers, vanilla, and cream on the nose over honey; the palate is sweet vanilla with delicate floral notes, dried mango, and ripe pineapple — medium-length, sweet finish.
How to Enjoy
Neat first to taste the tropical-malt character, then a few drops of water to open the florals. No chill filtration means it may cloud with water — that is the good stuff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Omar" mean?
It is Scottish Gaelic for "amber" — a nod to Scotland's whisky heritage from a subtropical island.
Is Omar made by Kavalan?
No — Omar is made at the Nantou Distillery, owned by Taiwan's state-run Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation. Kavalan is the island's other distillery, privately owned.
Why does a 4-year-old Taiwanese whisky taste so mature?
Subtropical heat and ~6–7% annual angel's share accelerate maturation dramatically — Omar's own estimate puts 3–4 years in Taiwan on par with a 12-year Scotch in wood interaction.
Amber from the subtropics — add Omar Bourbon Cask to your cart at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.