Kavalan Crowned Whisky of the Year for Second Consecutive Year at IWC 2026

Kavalan Secures Whisky of the Year Title for Second Time

In a remarkable achievement that highlights Taiwan's growing reputation in the world of whisky, Kavalan distillery has been awarded the prestigious title of Whisky of the Year for the second consecutive time at the renowned International Whisky Competition (IWC) 2026. This accolade was bestowed upon their standout expression, the Peatist Oloroso Sherry Cask Single Cask Strength, which achieved an impressive score of 96.97 points.

Kavalan's victory is particularly noteworthy as it follows last year's success with the Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry, which also clinched the Whisky of the Year title. Over the past eleven years, Kavalan has remarkably garnered eleven top accolades in various whisky competitions, showcasing the distillery's commitment to excellence and innovation.

The Peatist Oloroso Sherry Cask stands out in Kavalan's lineup, crafted from lightly peated malt and matured in Oloroso sherry casks. This expression is part of Kavalan's Peatist range, which seeks to harmonize the delicate smoke of peat with the rich subtropical profile characteristic of the distillery's aging process. The whisky is noted for its intricate flavor profile, which includes robust notes of leather, earthy tea, sweet roasted mango, and a hint of white pepper on the nose. On the palate, it reveals flavors of chocolate-covered raisins, luscious figs, and light barbecue smokiness, concluding with a lingering finish of dark leather, juicy blackcurrants, and roasted cacao shards.

This victory was celebrated by YT Lee, chairman of King Car Group, who stated, “Our constant pursuit of progress and innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Kavalan. Each award reflects the passion and dedication of our entire team. We are honored that our commitment continues to be recognized by the world's most prestigious whisky competitions.”

Furthermore, Max A. Solano, director of the IWC, highlighted the rarity of Kavalan's consecutive wins, stating, “Kavalan has achieved a rare feat by winning the Whisky of the Year title two years in a row at one of the industry's most demanding blind tasting competitions, standing out for its remarkable depth, balance, and complexity.”

In addition to the Whisky of the Year award, Zerose Yang, Kavalan’s head of research and development, was named Master Distiller of the Year, underscoring the consistent quality and innovation stemming from the distillery’s team.

Kavalan's accolades during the IWC 2026 include not only the Whisky of the Year but also multiple placements within the top 15 whiskies of 2026, further bolstering its reputation. The distillery has accumulated a staggering collection of over 1,000 international gold medals, solidifying its status as a leader in the whisky industry.

The Peatist Oloroso Sherry Cask is now available in Taiwan and select international markets, including France, Canada, Germany, Czech Republic, China, and Hong Kong. As the global appreciation for Kavalan grows, anticipation builds to see where this innovative distillery will go next.

As pioneers of Single Malt whisky in Taiwan since 2005, Kavalan distillery in Yilan County has carved a niche for itself by maturing its whiskies in a uniquely humid and warm environment, utilizing the pure waters derived from melting snow from the nearby Snow Mountains, combined with the invigorating sea and mountain breezes. Such optimal conditions contribute to the signature smoothness of Kavalan whiskies.

With a legacy of craftsmanship built on over 45 years under the auspices of King Car Group, Kavalan continues to push boundaries, ensuring that each bottle reflects not just the artistry of its creation but also the essence of its Taiwanese heritage. This recent triumph at IWC 2026 is merely another testament to Kavalan’s ongoing dedication to excellence in the ever-evolving world of whisky.