#Taiwan #Kavalan Distillery #Yilan #Master Distiller #Whisky of the Year

Kavalan Distillery Shines Brightly at IWC 2025

In the world of whisky, few events hold as much prestige as the International Whisky Competition (IWC). At the 2025 edition held in Louisville, Kentucky, Taiwan's own Kavalan Distillery left an indelible mark by securing three top honors: Whisky of the Year for their Solist Fino Sherry, Distillery of the Year, and Master Distiller of the Year awarded to Zerose Yang. This remarkable achievement reflects Kavalan's unwavering commitment to excellence in whisky craftsmanship.

Unveiling the Gold Medalists

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry, which astounded the judges with its score of 97.04 points. Described as having a stunning balance, tropical richness, and layered complexity, this whisky impressed even the most discerning palates. The judges engaged in rigorous evaluation, tasting each entry for eight minutes in a strict double-blind format, devoid of any information about the whisky's origin or specifics.

Max A. Solano, the competition director, praised the Solist Fino’s astonishing complexity, emphasizing its world-class expression. YT Lee, president of King Car, the parent company of Kavalan, expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the IWC as one of the most challenging whisky competitions worldwide.

Tasting Notes

Whisky expert Adam Edmondson offered detailed tasting notes for the Solist Fino Sherry: “On the nose, you encounter an explosion of mango, apricot, and grilled pineapple, followed by layers of almonds, dried figs, and oak spices. The palate reveals richness with prunes, cherry liqueur, and dark chocolate, complemented by the dryness characteristic of fino sherry. The finish lingers with coffee, sandalwood, and dried citrus.”

Notably, Kavalan's other expressions also made a significant impact at the competition:

• - Solist Manzanilla Sherry, ranked 9th with 95.78 points
• - Solist Palo Cortado Sherry, ranked 11th with 95.68 points

The Golden Barrel Trophy

As a testament to their success, Kavalan will hold the Golden Barrel trophy until next year’s winner is announced. This prestigious trophy, designed in Switzerland, symbolizes excellence in whisky production and is crafted from bronze, adorned with 24-karat gold leaves. The Golden Barrel not only commemorates the current winner but also honors each past recipient engraved on its marble base, sharing a legacy akin to the World Cup in football.

About IWC

Established in 2010, the IWC aims to provide a competitive and credible evaluation platform, bestowing only three medals—gold, silver, and bronze—in each category. Its rigorous standards and transparent methodology have earned it the recognition as the 'Olympics of whisky competitions.' Each entry undergoes an extensive blind tasting by an expert panel, ensuring absolute impartiality, with judges comprising master distillers and seasoned industry professionals.

Kavalan's Legacy

Founded in 2005 in Yilan County, Kavalan has quickly become a pioneer in the single malt whisky segment in Taiwan. The distillery harnesses the unique local climate, characterized by high humidity and heat, to age its spirits, while clear mountain spring water enhances its distinctive flavor profile. With over 960 gold awards in competitive industry contests, Kavalan continues to elevate its global reputation and showcase the artistry of Taiwanese whisky.

As Kavalan celebrates its triumphs, it remains committed to quality and excellence, ensuring that its whiskies not only compete with the best but set new standards in the industry. The future looks bright for Kavalan as it continues to push the boundaries of whisky craftsmanship.