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Kavalan's Historic Achievement at the Tokyo Whisky Competition 2025

In an unprecedented event at the Tokyo Whisky Competition 2025 (TWSC), Kavalan Distillery, Taiwan's foremost whisky producer, captured the spotlight by winning not one, but two awards for 'Best of the Best Single Malt'. This landmark achievement sets a new precedent in the competition's history, signifying a remarkable recognition of excellence in the whisky industry.

A Historic Win

During the final round of the competition, the judges faced a rare scenario of a tie in the 'Best of the Best Single Malt' category. For the first time, two whiskies were honored simultaneously with this top accolade, highlighting the exceptional quality of Kavalan's offerings. The winning whiskies were Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Cask and the newly introduced Kavalan Lán. The judges were particularly impressed with the Solist PX, which boasts a "silky and deep finish with an umami touch," while the Lán's profile was characterized by "caramelized nuts, honey, and temple incense," resulting in a deep and intriguing aroma.

The Distillery's Pride

Chairman of King Car Group, YT Lee, expressed immense pride in receiving the awards in Japan, a market recognized globally for its refinement and appreciation of whisky. He stated, "Japan is where connoisseurs appreciate complexity, depth, and character. Winning the first 'Best of the Best' tied award in Tokyo is an extraordinary honor. We are thrilled that our craftsmanship is celebrated on such a prestigious stage."

Kavalan Lán and Solist PX

Kavalan Lán Single Malt Whisky

This whisky, which honors its home region of Yilan, is the first Kavalan product to be named after the area. Its packaging features expressive calligraphy and delicate orchid motifs, reflecting an Asian aesthetic. The bouquet is rich with floral and fruity notes, including orchids, roses, jasmine, peony, orange blossom, butter, vanilla, chocolate, and sandalwood. On the palate, it provides a floral-fruity freshness, butter, cacao, and spicy oak, culminating in a finish that evokes fine perfume.

Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Cask

Renowned for its intense and warmth, the Solist PX is known for its rich flavors of juicy raisins and honey syrup. Blind taste tests have occasionally led judges to mistake it for a whisky aged 20 to 30 years. Its aroma is filled with intense raisins, fig jam, toffee sweetness, and a hint of dark chocolate, while the mouthfeel is smooth, bodied, and radiates flavors of honey dates, cacao, nutmeg, and a comforting warmth reminiscent of high-quality sherry casks.

Championship Recognition

Kavalan also set a new record by securing a total of seven superior gold medals and eleven gold medals in this year's competition. The judges acknowledged the superior gold medal whiskies with impressive notes:

• - Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Cask: Features a dominating sweetness balanced with a soft bitterness and refined astringency, along with a silky finish and umami intensity.
• - Kavalan Lán: Offers an intriguing aroma of caramelized nuts, honey, and temple incense, with flavors of roasted pineapple, vanilla cream, and orange peel delivering a rich and satisfying profile.
• - Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Cask: Described as elegant with integrated notes of caramel, muscat grape, and peach, ideal for solo sipping or on the rocks.
• - Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask: Prominent sherry character balanced with dried fruits and oak spices, smooth palate transitions recommend savoring alone.
• - Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry Cask: Rich with red grape and walnut aromas, and flavors reminiscent of raisins, tiramisu, and black coffee, finishing with complex dark chocolate and dried citrus notes.

The Competition

The TWSC is renowned as one of Asia's largest spirits competitions, solely held in Japan. Growing from two decades of collaboration within Japan's whisky community, it showcases hundreds of judges from various sectors in the industry. The 2025 edition featured entries from approximately 30 countries, totaling 639 proposed spirits, with a rigorous selection process conducted by 213 judges in the first round, then narrowed down to 41 in the final.

About Kavalan Distillery

Established in 2005, Kavalan Distillery in Yilan County has pioneered the art of pure malt whisky in Taiwan. By aging whisky in the region's specific hot and humid conditions, combined with the unique waters from the Snow Mountain, Kavalan creates a distinct creaminess in its spirits. Backed by over 45 years of experience from its parent company, King Car Group, Kavalan has received more than 900 gold or higher awards across the industry's most competitive contests, continuously breaking barriers and redefining what a world-class whisky can be.

Kavalan Distillery stands as a testament to the potential of Taiwanese craftsmanship, gaining recognition far beyond its homeland and reaching whisky enthusiasts worldwide.