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Kavalan Blitzes IWC 2025 Taking Trio of Whisky, Distillery and Master Distiller of the Year Prizes

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Published
07/06/2025 by

Kavalan has come away from the 16th edition of International Whisky Competition (IWC) garlanded with three top accolades, taking the distillery's performance in international contests to a new level.

Taiwan's premier distillery clinched "Whisky of the Year", "Distillery of the Year", "Master Distiller of the Year" in Louisville, Kentucky and will be the custodian of the "Golden Barrel trophy" for winning Whisky of the Year until next year's winner is announced.

All entries were evaluated individually, one at a time, across 8 minutes for each tasting, using a strict double-blind tasting format, with no information provided about origin, category, or ABV.

IWC Competition Director Max A. Solano said Whisky of the Year Solist Fino "stunned the panel with its balance and complexity." He summed it up: "A world-class expression that stood out from the rest."

King Car Chairman Mr. YT Lee said Kavalan was honoured to be recognised at the U.S. contest known as the "Olympics of whisky competitions".

"Of all competitions, IWC is considered one of the toughest because only one Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal is awarded for each category. We're humbled and grateful to receive top honours at this competition that has become a benchmark for whisky excellence around the world."

 

Kavalan Solist Fino Tasting notes from Adam Edmondson, Master of Whisky:

"On the nose, it bursts with mango, apricot, and grilled pineapple, layered with almonds, dried figs, and oak spice. The palate offers rich plum, brandied cherries, dark chocolate, and the dry finesse of fino sherry. The finish lingers with coffee, sandalwood, and dried citrus."

 

Of IWC's Top 15 Whiskies of 2025, Kavalan ranked as follows:

No.1 –Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 97.04pts

No.9 –Solist Manzanilla Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 95.78pts

No.11 –Solist Palo Cortado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky – 95.68pts

 

List of Kavalan awards:

Whisky of the Year:

Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky - 97.04 Pts

Distillery of the Year:

Kavalan Distillery - 92.78 Pts/Avg

Master Distiller of the Year:

Zerose Yang - Head of R&D

Golden Barrel Trophy

Kavalan will be the custodian of the Golden Barrel trophy for winning Whisky of the Year until next year's winner is announced.

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