Where many whisky brands prefer to have you believe they're run by old farmers in overalls rather than by conglomerates, Kavalan is proud to let the more than one-million tourists a year who tour its visitor centre know it's part of King Car Group, a 2,000-employee company that also produces soft drinks, coffee, instant noodles and chewing gum, among other goodies. That's confidence. Aged initially in former bourbon barrels, this was finished for a short period in port casks for a touch of fruit. It's silky and honeyed, with dried apricot and barley notes as well as a pleasant earthy note that, for me, brings to mind camembert rind. Three years ago, a Kavalan whisky beat three Scottish blends in a Burns Night faceoff judged by experts in Scotland. Not bad for an Asian conglomerate.