#Taiwan #Whisky #Kavalan #Yilan County #Tokyo Competition

Kavalan Makes History at the 2025 Tokyo Wine and Spirits Competition

In a groundbreaking achievement, Kavalan, Taiwan's first whisky distillery, captured two prestigious awards for 'Best of the Best Single Malt' at the Tokyo Wine and Spirits Competition 2025. This unprecedented victory marks a significant moment not only for Kavalan but also for the whisky industry as a whole, as it is the first time in the competition's history that two whiskies share the top accolade.

At the final phase of the competition, which included the participation of over 600 spirits from thirty countries, the distinguished judges announced that the dual winners were Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Cask and the newly released Kavalan Lán. This unique situation arose due to an equal scoring from the judges, showcasing the extraordinary quality of these two exceptional whiskies.

Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Cask is celebrated for its silken and deep finish with umami notes, while Kavalan Lán offers an aromatic profile filled with hints of caramelized nuts, honey, and temple incense, creating a rich and enticing experience. Mr. YT Lee, the Chairman of the King Car Group, expressed immense pride and honor in winning this award, emphasizing Japan's reputation as a leading whisky market where connoisseurs value complexity, depth, and character.

The Significance of the Awards

The Tokyo Wine and Spirits Competition is one of Asia's most prestigious liquor competitions, recognized for its rigorous selection process involving hundreds of judges, including bartenders and whisky connoisseurs from across Japan. In 2025, the competition attracted an impressive total of 639 spirit entries. During the preliminary rounds, 213 judges participated, narrowing down to 41 in the final round to evaluate and taste the top contenders.

Kavalan's resilient commitment to excellence has once again garnered a remarkable reputation, as the distillery also secured seven exceptional gold medals and eleven additional gold medals during this year’s competition.

A Closer Look at the Winning Whiskies

Kavalan Lán

• - Details: 700ml, 43% ABV
• - Profile: Paying homage to its roots in Yilan County, 'Lán' symbolizes the region's identity as the 'kingdom of orchids.' The packaging features artistic calligraphy and delicate orchid motifs, resonating with Asian aesthetics. The whisky emanates floral scents of orchids, jasmine, and orange blossoms, along with buttery and chocolatey undertones, offering a refreshing palate balanced with floral and fruity freshness.

Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Cask

• - Details: 700ml, 50-59.9% ABV
• - Profile: Recognized as 'the king of sherries', PX gives this whisky its rich and warm characteristics. The palate is filled with notes of juicy grapes and syrupy honey, making it difficult to believe the whisky is not aged for over 20 or 30 years. Known for its silky mouthfeel and lingering flavors of honeyed dates and cocoa, this whisky previously won the 'Best of the Best' title, further solidifying its esteemed legacy.

Kavalan's Continued Success

Kavalan continues to extend the boundaries of what constitutes a world-class whisky, influenced by Taiwan’s unique climate and pure waters that enhance the crafting process. With over 900 awards to its name, including multiple gold medals from various prestigious competitions, Kavalan proudly showcases the mastery and craftsmanship that define its whiskies.

As the whisky landscape evolves, Kavalan remains at the forefront, captivating both critics and enthusiasts alike. This milestone at the Tokyo Wine and Spirits Competition is but a reflection of the distillery's journey towards international acclaim, proving that extraordinary whisky can indeed come from the small island of Taiwan.