The International Whisky Competition Committee announced the results of its 16th edition, with Kavalan Distillery's Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky taking the top honor. This victory not only highlights the distillery's exceptional craftsmanship but also signifies a shift in the global whisky landscape, as it's the first time a non-Scottish distillery has won the prestigious Whisky of the Year title.
Kavalan's achievement underscores the growing recognition of Taiwanese whisky on the world stage, challenging traditional whisky powerhouses. The competition, known for its rigorous and impartial judging process, evaluated entries based on a strict double-blind tasting format, ensuring fairness and objectivity.
The award-winning whisky, produced in Yilan County, Taiwan, impressed the judges with its balance and complexity, scoring an outstanding 97.04 points. Tasting notes described it as bursting with tropical fruits and layered with almonds, dried figs, and oak spice, culminating in a finish of coffee, sandalwood, and dried citrus.
This milestone for Kavalan Distillery and Taiwanese whisky could influence consumer preferences and industry trends, encouraging exploration beyond traditional whisky-producing regions. The full results of the competition are available at https://www.whiskycompetition.com/2025-results.
