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Forbes
23-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The World's Best Single Malt Whisky, According To BevTest
Yuanshan, Republic of China - October 2, 2023: Oak casks of maturing single malt whisky at the Kavalan Whisky Distillery. getty In recent years, the global whisky scene has been reshaped by the rise of new producers from unexpected corners of the world. Nowhere is this more evident than in Asia, where countries like Taiwan, India, and Japan have rapidly emerged as serious competitors to traditional whisky powerhouses. The 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) World Whisky Judging offered a striking example of this trend. Asian whiskies, particularly from Taiwan's Kavalan distillery, dominated the competition, earning the majority of top medals. The awards also highlighted surprising gold medal winners from non-traditional whisky-producing nations, such as France and Indonesia, underscoring the evolving, increasingly diverse nature of global whisky excellence. Kavalan swept all three of the Platinum medals and 24 of the 26 gold medals. Many of the winners were from Kavalan's Solist Series. The Kavalan distillery was founded in 2005 in Yilan County, Northeast Taiwan, by the King Car Group, a prominent Taiwanese conglomerate. Although Taiwan has no history of local whisky production, the distillery quickly emerged as an innovator, known for pushing boundaries and developing its unique stamp on whisky. Taiwan's hot, humid environment accelerates aging, creating richly matured whisky after just 4–8 years of barrel aging. On average, whisky in Taiwan matures at three times the speed it does in Scotland, and it loses a higher 'angel's share' to evaporation, typically 12%-15% annually. Rapid maturation can be tricky to manage, especially ensuring the whisky is balanced. Kavalan's Barrel rooms are carefully climate-managed to prevent over-aging. The tropical climate also accelerates cask finishing, allowing for greater extraction from barrels and a more flavorful whisky. Some of the whiskies in the Kavalan Solist range. Photo, courtesy Kavalan The Solist Series is Kavalan's crown jewel. Introduced in the late 2000s, this series helped catapult Kavalan onto the global whisky stage, showcasing the remarkable effects of Taiwan's subtropical climate and the distillery's innovative barrel management. The range is a collection of single cask, cask-strength, non-chill-filtered, non-colored single malt whiskies—each matured in a specific type of barrel to highlight a distinct flavor profile. All the whiskies are bottled at natural cask strength, typically 55–60% ABV. Each expression is sourced from a single barrel and individually numbered. The whiskies are not chill filtered, preserving all fatty acids and esters. The result is a range of whiskies offering exceptional complexity and intensity, providing a case study in how cask influence shapes whisky. Below is a brief description of some of the top-ranked Kavalan whiskies from the BevTest judging, as well as a summary of the aroma and taste profile of the Solist series. Kavalan Solist Brandy, 55.6% ABV, 750 ml. $229 This whisky is matured in ex-brandy casks, resulting in a rich, fruit-forward profile. It scored 98/100 points and earned a platinum medal. The whisky features aromas of candied apricot, caramel custard, brandied yellow plum, and toasted oak. It's silky and flavorful on the palate, showcasing flavors of raisin, orange zest, crème anglaise, and baking spice. The finish is long, smooth, and sweet, with lingering notes of brandy sweetness and grapefruit peel. Kavalan, Solist Fino Sherry, 59.4% ABV, 750 ml. $599 The whisky is matured in Fino Sherry butts. This expression offers a dry, oxidative Sherry character enhanced by accelerated tropical maturation. It scored 97/100 points and was awarded a platinum medal. It features aromas of almond, crusty bread, green apple, and honeycomb. It's dry and nutty on the palate, showcasing flavors of marzipan, green grape, and a touch of cooked cereal/malt sweetness. The finish is long and crisp, with lingering notes of almond and a saline aftertaste. Yilan, Taiwan - November 29, 2018: Kavalan Distillery Building. Kavalan Distillery is a Taiwanese whisky distillery. It is owned by the King Car Group and is located at Yuanshan Township. getty Kavalan, Solist Amontillado Sherry, 54.8% ABV, 750 ml. This whisky is matured in Amontillado sherry casks, striking a balance between the freshness of Fino and the richness of Oloroso. It scored 97/100 points and a platinum medal. The whisky features classic Amontillado aromas of toasted almond and hazelnut, along with notes of brown sugar, dried cranberry, fig jam, and subtle leather. It's dry and rich on the palate, showcasing flavors of dried fruit, cedarwood, toffee, and gentle spice. The finish is long and excellent with lingering notes of toasted nuts and seasoned oak. Kavalan 15-Year-Old Single Malt, 43% ABV, 750 ml. $149 The whisky is aged for 15 years in Taiwan's warm climate in a mix of ex-bourbon, Sherry, and both Ruby Port barrels and puncheons. It scored 95/100 points and a gold medal. It features tropical fruit notes of candied mango, melon, and sweet citrus, along with caramel, chocolate, and leather. It's robust and concentrated on the palate, showcasing flavors of honey, herbal notes of aged tobacco leaf, caramel, candied fruit, and wood spices. The finish is long and fruity, with lingering notes of tropical fruit, toffee, and seasoned oak. Kavalan, Solist PX Sherry, 56.3%, 750 ml. $699 This whisky is matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. It offers a rich, indulgent, dessert-style whisky. The whisky scored 95/100 points and a gold medal. The whisky features aromas of toffee, fig jam, Christmas cake, and toasted almond. It's dense and syrupy on the palate, showcasing flavors of dark dried fruit, heavy caramel, and wood spices. The finish is thick, sweet, and powerful, with lingering notes of raisin and burnt sugar. Below is a summary of the other gold medal-winning soloist expressions. Some additional award-winning expressions in Kavalan's Solist Series. Chart, J Micallef These Kavalan whiskies all scored 94 points and were awarded gold medals: King Car Conductor Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Master's Select Reserve No.1 Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Madeira Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, and Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky. Scoring 93 points and also winning gold medals were: Kavalan Concertmaster Port Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Concertmaster Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Distillery Select No.1 Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Distillery Select No.2 Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Port Oak Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Lán Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Podium Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Peated Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Port Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, and Kavalan Solist Palo Cortado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky. Also winning gold medals, scoring 91 points, were Kavalan Classic Single Malt Whisky and Kavalan Master's Select Reserve No.2 Single Malt Whisky. Kavalan Wine Oak Single Malt Whisky also scored 91 points and received a gold medal. Two other whisky expressions also earned gold medals. Hériose Le Classique Whisky, a French whisky, scored 93 points, and—perhaps most surprisingly—Keris Silver Single Malt Whisky, an Indonesian whisky, scored 91 points. The 2025 BevTest results reaffirm a continuing shift in the whisky world: excellence knows no borders. Kavalan's dominance, with its climate-driven maturation and experimental cask finishes, represents a new paradigm for what world-class whisky can look and taste like. The performance of unexpected medalists from France and Indonesia further emphasizes that innovation and craftsmanship are flourishing globally. Whether you're a collector, connoisseur, or curious newcomer, these award-winning whiskies are a testament to the boundless potential of modern whisky making—and they're well worth exploring. More From Forbes Forbes 2025's Best Single Malt Irish Whiskeys, According To BevTest By Joseph V Micallef Forbes India's Whisky Revolution: Rising Stars Of Single Malt By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The Top Single Malt Scotch Whisky, According To The International Wine And Spirit Competition By Joseph V Micallef
Korea Herald
17-07-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Kavalan, Golden Blue Launch 'Team Kavalan 2.0' - A Toast to South Korea's Finest Bars
Back by Popular Demand After a Stellar First Season TAIPEI, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After the overwhelming success of its inaugural campaign, Kavalan, Taiwan's award-winning single malt whisky, is teaming up once again with long-time exclusive South Korean partner Golden Blue to launch the second edition of 'Team Kavalan'—a nationwide celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and world-class whisky. "One Whisky, Two Perspectives" will feature eight world-class Korean bartenders across 12 months, pairing up to collaborate in crafting two distinct signature cocktails that offer contrasting interpretations of Kavalan. Each pair of cocktails will be promoted simultaneously for three months at two different bars, creating a dynamic, dual-location experience. The campaign will unfold in waves throughout 2025, with the first collaboration already confirmed: This opening match features two of Korea's most iconic bartenders. Bar Cham and Bar Sookhee are widely recognized across the industry, with their influence deep and far reaching. As top talents in the Korean cocktail scene, their participation sets the tone for what's to come. Additional pairings and themes will be revealed progressively as part of the campaign rollout. Alongside these signature serves, guests can savor a curated flight of Kavalan single malts, enjoyed neat to fully appreciate the whisky's depth, elegance, and complexity. "We're thrilled to bring 'Team Kavalan' back for a second year," said Golden Blue CEO Ms. Park Soyoung. "Last year's campaign brought to life the vibrant versatility of Kavalan in stunning cocktails featuring expressions like Distillery Select No.1, Triple Sherry Cask, and Kavalan Classic. This year, we are excited to collaborate with even more bars in Korea to enhance Kavalan's brand value and deliver diverse experiences." As Kavalan continues its impressive growth in South Korea, one of its fastest growing and most strategic global markets, this collaboration underscores the strength of its partnership with Golden Blue. "Golden Blue has been instrumental in driving Kavalan's success here," said Mr. Y.T. Lee, Chairman of King Car Group. "South Korea saw triple-digit sales growth in 2023, and Golden Blue has continued that growth trajectory strongly into 2024 with further double-digit increases." Kavalan will also attend this year's high-end trend-leading Seoul Int'l Bar & Spirits Show from July 25 to 27, Asia's leading bar and spirits exhibition. South Korean whisky fans can enjoy 7 Kavalan expressions in the domestic market, including: Distillery Select No.1, Classic, Triple Sherry Cask, Oloroso Sherry Oak, Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask, Vinho Barrique, and Port Cask. In the duty-free sector, additional favorites such as Concertmaster Port Cask Finish, Solist ex-Bourbon, Solist Fino Sherry, Solist PX Sherry, Master's Select Series, Grand Reserve Series, and Distiller's Reserve Series are also available. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in both Busan and Seoul, Golden Blue is one of Korea's leading spirits companies. Golden Blue is active in whisky, herbal liquor, and global spirits distribution. The name "Gold" symbolizes tradition and authority, while "Blue" represents innovation and new value. This reflects the company's mission to open new horizons in the Korean liquor market by presenting fresh value while honoring heritage. Golden Blue was recognized in Forbes Asia's 200 Best Under A Billion list in 2019. Since 2017, Golden Blue has been the exclusive importer and distributor of Kavalan in South Korea. Kavalan is Taiwan's pioneering single malt whisky brand, internationally awarded and exported to over 50 countries. About Kavalan Whisky Kavalan Distillery in Yilan County has been pioneering the art of single malt whisky in Taiwan since 2005. Our whisky, aged in intense humidity and heat, sources the crystal meltwaters of Snow Mountain and is enhanced by sea and mountain breezes. These conditions combine to create Kavalan's signature creaminess. Taking Yilan County's old name, our distillery is backed by more than 45 years of beverage-making under parent company, King Car Group. We have collected 900 gold awards or higher from the industry's most competitive contests.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kavalan, Golden Blue Launch 'Team Kavalan 2.0' - A Toast to South Korea's Finest Bars
Back by Popular Demand After a Stellar First Season TAIPEI, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After the overwhelming success of its inaugural campaign, Kavalan, Taiwan's award-winning single malt whisky, is teaming up once again with long-time exclusive South Korean partner Golden Blue to launch the second edition of 'Team Kavalan'—a nationwide celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and world-class whisky. "One Whisky, Two Perspectives" will feature eight world-class Korean bartenders across 12 months, pairing up to collaborate in crafting two distinct signature cocktails that offer contrasting interpretations of Kavalan. Each pair of cocktails will be promoted simultaneously for three months at two different bars, creating a dynamic, dual-location experience. The campaign will unfold in waves throughout 2025, with the first collaboration already confirmed: May 2025: Best & Best – Distillery Select No.1Bar Cham vs Bar Sookhee This opening match features two of Korea's most iconic bartenders. Bar Cham and Bar Sookhee are widely recognized across the industry, with their influence deep and far reaching. As top talents in the Korean cocktail scene, their participation sets the tone for what's to come. Additional pairings and themes will be revealed progressively as part of the campaign rollout. Alongside these signature serves, guests can savor a curated flight of Kavalan single malts, enjoyed neat to fully appreciate the whisky's depth, elegance, and complexity. "We're thrilled to bring 'Team Kavalan' back for a second year," said Golden Blue CEO Ms. Park Soyoung. "Last year's campaign brought to life the vibrant versatility of Kavalan in stunning cocktails featuring expressions like Distillery Select No.1, Triple Sherry Cask, and Kavalan Classic. This year, we are excited to collaborate with even more bars in Korea to enhance Kavalan's brand value and deliver diverse experiences." As Kavalan continues its impressive growth in South Korea, one of its fastest growing and most strategic global markets, this collaboration underscores the strength of its partnership with Golden Blue. "Golden Blue has been instrumental in driving Kavalan's success here," said Mr. Y.T. Lee, Chairman of King Car Group. "South Korea saw triple-digit sales growth in 2023, and Golden Blue has continued that growth trajectory strongly into 2024 with further double-digit increases." Kavalan will also attend this year's high-end trend-leading Seoul Int'l Bar & Spirits Show from July 25 to 27, Asia's leading bar and spirits exhibition. South Korean whisky fans can enjoy 7 Kavalan expressions in the domestic market, including: Distillery Select No.1, Classic, Triple Sherry Cask, Oloroso Sherry Oak, Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask, Vinho Barrique, and Port Cask. In the duty-free sector, additional favorites such as Concertmaster Port Cask Finish, Solist ex-Bourbon, Solist Fino Sherry, Solist PX Sherry, Master's Select Series, Grand Reserve Series, and Distiller's Reserve Series are also available. About Golden Blue Founded in 2003 and headquartered in both Busan and Seoul, Golden Blue is one of Korea's leading spirits companies. Golden Blue is active in whisky, herbal liquor, and global spirits distribution. The name "Gold" symbolizes tradition and authority, while "Blue" represents innovation and new value. This reflects the company's mission to open new horizons in the Korean liquor market by presenting fresh value while honoring heritage. Golden Blue was recognized in Forbes Asia's 200 Best Under A Billion list in 2019. Since 2017, Golden Blue has been the exclusive importer and distributor of Kavalan in South Korea. Kavalan is Taiwan's pioneering single malt whisky brand, internationally awarded and exported to over 50 countries. About Kavalan Whisky Kavalan Distillery in Yilan County has been pioneering the art of single malt whisky in Taiwan since 2005. Our whisky, aged in intense humidity and heat, sources the crystal meltwaters of Snow Mountain and is enhanced by sea and mountain breezes. These conditions combine to create Kavalan's signature creaminess. Taking Yilan County's old name, our distillery is backed by more than 45 years of beverage-making under parent company, King Car Group. We have collected 900 gold awards or higher from the industry's most competitive contests. Media Contact information Kaitlyn Tsaikaitlyn@ Britney Chenbritneychen@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Kavalan Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
04-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The World's Best Whiskey—According To The International Whiskey Competition
Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky earned world's best honors at this year's International Whiskey Competition Kavalan Single Malt Whisky The International Whiskey Competition announced Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky as the whiskey of the year for 2025 in late June. The whiskey, made in Taiwan, outscored all other whiskeys entered in the competition—including bourbons, Scotches and more—earning the 97.04 rating, the highest score of the year. Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky rose to the top of the judges' scoring sheets after rigorous double-blind taste-testing in which judges tasted whiskeys blind to their names, countries of origin, categories, or ABV. 'Each whisky is evaluated individually by a single panel, ensuring fairness and depth of analysis. Each entry is scored on its own merits,' said Max Solano, competition director for the International Whisky Competition, via email. Unlike many other spirits competitions, the International Whiskey Competition only awards three medals: gold, silver and bronze per category. Because of this, Solano said, 'Producers tend to submit their very best. Any judge on the IWC panel will tell you it is rare to come across a whiskey that does not meet a high standard.' Solano added, 'This year, we saw a growing trend toward experimental distilling, new barrel treatment techniques, and the emergence of regions previously overlooked. The international diversity and high average quality of submissions were impressive.' Nowhere was that geographic diversity more apparent than in the whiskey that earned the world's best honors for 2025. Kavalan Distillery in Yuanshan Township, Yilan County, Taiwan. The distillery took home top honors at this year's International Whisky Competition. Kavalan Distillery Judges were instantly wowed by the complexity of the Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky. Adam Edmondson, Master of Whiskey at The International Whiskey Competition, noted: 'On the nose, it bursts with mango, apricot, and grilled pineapple, layered with almonds, dried figs, and oak spice. The palate offers rich plum, brandied cherries, dark chocolate, and the dry finesse of fino sherry. The finish lingers with coffee, sandalwood, and dried citrus.' Solano said, 'The Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky stood out for its depth and elegance.' He adds, 'it delivers a complex, layered experience from start to finish. On the nose, there are notes of mango, apricot, and grilled pineapple, layered with almonds, dried figs, and oak spice. The palate offers rich plum, brandied cherries, dark chocolate, and the dry finesse of fino sherry. The finish lingers with coffee, sandalwood, and dried citrus, all wrapped in a silky texture that carries through beautifully. It is both powerful and refined. Additional Awards For Kavalan Whiskey Zerose Yang, Kavalan Distillery's head of R&D, was named Master Distiller of the Year at the International Whiskey Competition. Kavalan Distillery In addition to winning whiskey of the year honors, Kavalan Distillery also took home 'Distillery of the Year' honors, and Zerose Yang, the distillery's head of R&D, was named Master Distiller of the Year. The distillery also had three whiskeys ranked in the top 15 rated whiskeys at the competition. The No. 1 ranked Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky was, of course, one of these, but the distillery also turned heads for the Solist Manzanilla Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, which scored 95.78 points, and for its No. 11—Solist Palo Cortado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, which scored 95.68 points. Solano said overall Kavalan Distillery showcased 'what modern Taiwanese whisky is capable of when tradition meets innovation.'
Globe and Mail
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Kavalan Blitzes IWC 2025 Taking Trio of Whisky, Distillery and Master Distiller of the Year Prizes
Judges say Kavalan's Solist Fino Sherry 'stunned' panel with balance and complexity TAIPEI , July 1, 2025 /CNW/ -- Kavalan has come away from the 16th edition of International Whisky Competition (IWC) garlanded with three top accolades, taking the distillery's performance in international contests to a new level. Taiwan's premier distillery clinched "Whisky of the Year", "Distillery of the Year", "Master Distiller of the Year" in Louisville, Kentucky and will be the custodian of the "Golden Barrel trophy" for winning Whisky of the Year until next year's winner is announced. All entries were evaluated individually, one at a time, across 8 minutes for each tasting, using a strict double-blind tasting format, with no information provided about origin, category, or ABV. IWC Competition Director Max A. Solano said Whisky of the Year Solist Fino "stunned the panel with its balance and complexity." He summed it up: "A world-class expression that stood out from the rest." King Car Chairman Mr. YT Lee said Kavalan was honoured to be recognised at the U.S. contest known as the "Olympics of whisky competitions". "Of all competitions, IWC is considered one of the toughest because only one Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal is awarded for each category. We're humbled and grateful to receive top honours at this competition that has become a benchmark for whisky excellence around the world." Kavalan Solist Fino Tasting notes from Adam Edmondson , Master of Whisky: "On the nose, it bursts with mango, apricot, and grilled pineapple, layered with almonds, dried figs, and oak spice. The palate offers rich plum, brandied cherries, dark chocolate, and the dry finesse of fino sherry. The finish lingers with coffee, sandalwood, and dried citrus." Of IWC's Top 15 Whiskies of 2025, Kavalan ranked as follows: No.1 –Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 97.04pts No.9 –Solist Manzanilla Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 95.78pts No.11 –Solist Palo Cortado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 95.68pts List of Kavalan awards: Whisky of the Year: Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky - 97.04 Pts Distillery of the Year: Kavalan Distillery - 92.78 Pts/Avg Master Distiller of the Year: Zerose Yang - Head of R&D Golden Barrel Trophy Kavalan will be the custodian of the Golden Barrel trophy for winning Whisky of the Year until next year's winner is announced. About the Golden Barrel Trophy Designed in Switzerland and unveiled at Diageo Archive, the Golden Barrel Trophy represents the pinnacle of excellence in whisky making, showcasing two lions holding a whisky barrel. It is casted in bronze with 24K golden leaves on each side of the barrel. The Golden Barrel will be kept by the winner of the Whisky of the Year until next year's competition and the name of each winner will be engraved in its marble base to commemorate the history of each annual Whisky of the Year. Basically, the Golden Barrel is to whisky what the World Cup is to football. About International Whisky Competition (IWC) Established in 2010, the International Whisky Competition was created to offer a truly competitive and credible judging platform, awarding only three medals — Gold, Silver, and Bronze — in each category. With its rigorous standards and transparent methodology, the IWC has earned a reputation as the "Olympics of the whisky world." Whiskies are evaluated through a double blind tasting process, ensuring absolute impartiality. Judges are unaware of the producer, origin, or any identifying details about the whiskies they assess, other than whether the sample is cask strength. The judging panel is composed exclusively of whisky experts: Masters of Whisky, Scotch, or Bourbon, Master Distillers, Blenders, and seasoned industry experts. Each brings a depth of experience and precision to every evaluation. Each whisky is judged individually for up to 8 minutes, using a detailed scoring system based on four main segments and eleven subcategories: Sight • Colour (0 points) • Visual Appeal (5 points) Nose • Intensity and Complexity (15 points) • Distinctiveness of Aromas (10 points) • Balance of Aromas (10 points) Taste • Palate and Balance (10 points) • Alcohol, Body, and Complexity (10 points) • Distinctiveness of Flavours (10 points) • Balance Between Flavours (10 points) Finish • Length and Finish (10 points) • Quality of Finish (10 points) About Kavalan Whisky Kavalan Distillery in Yilan County has been pioneering the art of single malt whisky in Taiwan since 2005. Our whisky, aged in intense humidity and heat, sources the crystal meltwaters of Snow Mountain and is enhanced by sea and mountain breezes. These conditions combine to create Kavalan's signature creaminess. Taking Yilan County's old name, our distillery is backed by more than 45 years of beverage-making under parent company, King Car Group. We have collected 960 gold awards or higher from the industry's most competitive contests. Britney Chen britneychen@
