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Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Kavalan Makes History at Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Competition 2025 Clinching Double 'Best of the Best Single Malt'
TWSC Says Their Top 'Best of the Best' Award Has Never Been Awarded to Two Whiskies Before TAIPEI, Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In the final round of the 2025 Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Competition (TWSC), Taiwan's premier whisky distillery achieved the impossible, scooping not just one "Best of the Best Single Malt", but two of the same award. Organisers said: "Due to a tie, this category has two winners. This marks the first time in TWSC history that the 'Best of the Best' title has been awarded to two whiskies." Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Cask and new expression, Kavalan Lán, were jointly named "Best of the Best Single Malt" after a rigorous double selection procedure. Judges found PX Sherry to have a " silky and profound finish with umami depth", while Lán was described as " caramelised nuts, honey, and temple incense" creating a " deep and intriguing aroma". King Car Group Chairman Mr. YT Lee said Japan was one of the world's most refined whisky markets. "Japan is where connoisseurs appreciate complexity, depth, and character. To win the first ever tied 'Best of the Best' in Tokyo is an extraordinary honour. We are thrilled to have our craftsmanship recognised on such a grand stage." Product Descriptions LÁN Single Malt Whisky (700ml, 43% ABV) The name LÁN carries deep meaning. It stands for "Kavalan", pays homage to our home "Yilan" and represents the orchid "lán" in Mandarin, symbolizing Taiwan's reputation as the "Kingdom of Orchids." This is the first Kavalan whisky named after our home region, with packaging featuring expressive calligraphy and delicate orchid motifs, reflecting a distinctly Asian aesthetic. On the nose: orchid, rose, jasmine, peony, orange blossom, butter, vanilla, chocolate, and sandalwood. On the palate: floral-fruity freshness, butter, cocoa, and spiced oak, finishing like a fine eau de parfum. Kavalan Solist PX Single Cask Strength (700ml, 50–59.9% ABV) PX (Pedro Ximénez), the sweet dessert sherry, is often referred to as the "King of Sherries,". Kavalan Solist PX is a rich, warming whisky, brimming with juicy raisins and honeyed syrup. In blind tastings, its surprising maturity has judges mistaking it for a 20 or 30-year-old dram. This is the second time Solist PX has been awarded "Best of the Best," following its 2023 win. On the nose: rich raisins, fig jam, toffee sweetness, and a touch of dark chocolate. On the palate: silky and full-bodied, with honeyed dates, cocoa, nutmeg spice, and a lingering sherry warmth. The Solist series takes its name from the idea of a soloist performing in Kavalan's warehouse. Each cask is bottled at single cask strength without colouring or chill-filtration. Kavalan also set a new record of 7 superior gold and 11 gold medals in the contest this year. Judges' notes for select Superior Gold medal whiskies: Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Cask Kavalan Lán Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Cask Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry Cask Kavalan continues to break boundaries and redefine what world-class whisky can be, crafted on the small island of Taiwan, but celebrated across continents. Full List of the Awards: Superior Gold Gold About the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition The TWSC is one of Asia's largest competitions and the only one in Japan. Building on the relationships of the more than two decades since the establishment of the Japan Whisky Research Centre, TWSC can draw from hundreds of judges from across Japan of bartenders, manufacturers, importers, and more, as well as Whisky Connoisseur certification holders. In the 2025 competition, approximately 30 countries participated, with a total of 639 spirit entries submitted. In the first round, 213 judges participated and in the second round, 41. 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 or higher awards from the industry's most competitive contests.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kavalan Makes History at Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Competition 2025 Clinching Double 'Best of the Best Single Malt'
TWSC Says Their Top 'Best of the Best' Award Has Never Been Awarded to Two Whiskies Before TAIPEI, Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In the final round of the 2025 Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Competition (TWSC), Taiwan's premier whisky distillery achieved the impossible, scooping not just one "Best of the Best Single Malt", but two of the same award. Organisers said: "Due to a tie, this category has two winners. This marks the first time in TWSC history that the 'Best of the Best' title has been awarded to two whiskies." Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Cask and new expression, Kavalan Lán, were jointly named "Best of the Best Single Malt" after a rigorous double selection procedure. Judges found PX Sherry to have a "silky and profound finish with umami depth", while Lán was described as "caramelised nuts, honey, and temple incense" creating a "deep and intriguing aroma". King Car Group Chairman Mr. YT Lee said Japan was one of the world's most refined whisky markets. "Japan is where connoisseurs appreciate complexity, depth, and character. To win the first ever tied 'Best of the Best' in Tokyo is an extraordinary honour. We are thrilled to have our craftsmanship recognised on such a grand stage." Product Descriptions LÁN Single Malt Whisky (700ml, 43% ABV) The name LÁN carries deep meaning. It stands for "Kavalan", pays homage to our home "Yilan" and represents the orchid "lán" in Mandarin, symbolizing Taiwan's reputation as the "Kingdom of Orchids." This is the first Kavalan whisky named after our home region, with packaging featuring expressive calligraphy and delicate orchid motifs, reflecting a distinctly Asian aesthetic. On the nose: orchid, rose, jasmine, peony, orange blossom, butter, vanilla, chocolate, and sandalwood. On the palate: floral-fruity freshness, butter, cocoa, and spiced oak, finishing like a fine eau de parfum. Kavalan Solist PX Single Cask Strength (700ml, 50–59.9% ABV) PX (Pedro Ximénez), the sweet dessert sherry, is often referred to as the "King of Sherries,". Kavalan Solist PX is a rich, warming whisky, brimming with juicy raisins and honeyed syrup. In blind tastings, its surprising maturity has judges mistaking it for a 20 or 30-year-old dram. This is the second time Solist PX has been awarded "Best of the Best," following its 2023 win. On the nose: rich raisins, fig jam, toffee sweetness, and a touch of dark chocolate. On the palate: silky and full-bodied, with honeyed dates, cocoa, nutmeg spice, and a lingering sherry warmth. The Solist series takes its name from the idea of a soloist performing in Kavalan's warehouse. Each cask is bottled at single cask strength without colouring or chill-filtration. Kavalan also set a new record of 7 superior gold and 11 gold medals in the contest this year. Judges' notes for select Superior Gold medal whiskies: Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Cask Sweetness leads the palate, beautifully balanced later by gentle bitterness and refined astringency Silky and profound finish with umami depth and a subtle, comforting warmth reminiscent of high-quality sherry casks Rich as dried plums with concentrated aroma Kavalan Lán Caramelised nuts, honey, and temple incense create a deep and intriguing aroma Flavours of roasted pineapple, vanilla custard, and orange peel lead to a rich and satisfying profile Delicate yet powerful, evoking the grace of a Disney princess Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Cask Refined like a Western dessert, with elegant sweetness and a long finish featuring oak and mint Aromas of caramel, muscat grape, and peach are beautifully integrated Full-bodied and expressive, suitable neat or over ice Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask Lush and complex like a sweet wine, with delightful transitions across the palate Prominent sherry character, balanced with dried fruits and oak spice Citrus notes rise smoothly, soft on the tongue, recommended to enjoy neat Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry Cask Red grape, blackberry, and nutmeg aromas lead into raisin, tiramisu, and black coffee flavours Buttery and umami-rich, with a pleasing mix of sweet-savoury notes Long and layered finish, with complexity reminiscent of dark chocolate and dried citrus Kavalan continues to break boundaries and redefine what world-class whisky can be, crafted on the small island of Taiwan, but celebrated across continents. Full List of the Awards: Superior Gold Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky Kavalan Solist Peated Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky Kavalan Lán Single Malt Whisky Gold Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky Kavalan Solist Fino 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 Kavalan Classic Single Malt Whisky Kavalan Concertmaster Port Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky Kavalan Concertmaster Vinho Barrique Finish Single Malt Whisky Kavalan Podium Single Malt Whisky Kavalan Wine Oak Single Malt Whisky Kavalan Port Oak Single Malt Whisky About the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition The TWSC is one of Asia's largest competitions and the only one in Japan. Building on the relationships of the more than two decades since the establishment of the Japan Whisky Research Centre, TWSC can draw from hundreds of judges from across Japan of bartenders, manufacturers, importers, and more, as well as Whisky Connoisseur certification holders. In the 2025 competition, approximately 30 countries participated, with a total of 639 spirit entries submitted. In the first round, 213 judges participated and in the second round, 41. 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 or higher awards from the industry's most competitive contests. Contact: Kaitlyn Tsai kaitlyn@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Kavalan
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@
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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 /PRNewswire/ -- 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. Kaitlyn Tsaikaitlyn@ Britney Chenbritneychen@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Kavalan
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kavalan Releases Limited 15 Years Old Whisky from 'Time Exploration' Series
'15 Years Old Single Malt Whisky' is Kavalan's first age statement whisky TAIPEI, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kavalan Distillery is launching its first-ever whisky with an age statement, matured in four unique casks: ex-Bourbon, Oloroso Sherry, Ruby Port, and Puncheon. The release marks a milestone in the journey of this Taiwanese distiller, which has broken boundaries not just by region, but now also by time and maturation. The whisky also pays tribute to the historic moment when Kavalan and Taiwan began whisky making. On this day in 2006, the first ever drops of Taiwanese-made new make spirit rolled off the stills, setting the stage for nearly two decades of innovation and craftsmanship. Kavalan 15 Years Old Single Malt Whisky 2025 Edition, 43% ABV, 700ml will be released in just 30,000 bottles globally, representing rare stock from the subtropical distillery's ultra-aged whisky selection. One of Kavalan's oldest bottlings, CEO Mr YT Lee said the 2025 edition has been masterfully blended using hand-selected aged whisky reserves, drawing on the four distinct cask types. "We wanted to achieve extraordinary depth and balance with multiple layers of complexity befitting of a high-age statement whisky. So we created a formula based on a four-cask maturation that would maximise the characteristics of each cask and achieve a rich harmony in the final product," he said. A tribute to 15 years of mastery, Kavalan presents this whisky as a timeless classic, capturing the true nature of time and craftsmanship. The packaging design embodies natural wood grain, symbolising the depth and maturity gained through years of ageing. The bottle design reflects the concept of 'fusion,' harmoniously vatted from four cask types, with textured oak patterns representing their distinct characteristics. The gold-foiled Kavalan logo adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, perfectly encapsulating the refined depth of this 15-year-old whisky. The Kavalan 15 Years Old Single Malt Whisky 2025 Edition is available through Kavalan's official channels in Taiwan, including the Kavalan Distillery Shop, Kavalan Whisky shops, Kavalan Whisky Bar, and select local liquor stores. Kavalan 15 Years Old Single Malt Whisky (2025 Edition) Product Description: Kavalan 15 Years Old, 700ml 43% ABV whisky is a testament to Kavalan's craftsmanship, showcasing the perfect balance of ageing, cask influence, and blending artistry in every sip. Colour: Golden caramel Nose: Captivating aromas of caramel apple mousse, fresh chocolate, walnut cinnamon rolls, and creamy popcorn, intertwined with subtle hints of dried tangerine peel and plum. The finish reveals the sweetness of toffee and black date fruit, evoking a warm, indulgent sweetness. Palate: Lush citrus aromas of bergamot, lemon, orange, and grapefruit dance with the sweet whispers of dried cranberries, raisins, and longan, unfolding into velvety notes of dark chocolate gelato and caramel walnut coffee mousse. The finish lingers with the comforting warmth of woody cinnamon spice. 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 about 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. Contact:Kaitlyn Tsaikaitlyn@ Britney Chenbritneychen@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Kavalan
