Taiwan whisky maker wins two awards

THE World Whiskies Awards (WWA) named the Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique its 2015 "World's Best Single Malt Whisky".  This year, Kavalan's Solist Amontillado Sherry Single Cask Strength won the WWA's "World's Best Single Cask Single Malt Whisky" 

"We were incredibly humbled by this rare honor of getting two top World Whiskies Awards. Kavalan Whisky is always learning and always improving our whiskies to try to bring our customers the best in the world," said Kavalan owner Mr YT Lee.  

Interesting flavors

The 2015 WWA judges described Vinho as follows: "Very sweet pruney flavors initially on the palate, with fruit cake and big clove, chilli and dry cinnamon. Walnut and hazelnut on the very dry finish. Immediately and subtly liquor rich. Tiny bit of incense, a thread of spice and smoke.

"Caramel, marzipan, coffee-vanilla, fudge, rich, creamy, dried black fruits. Integrated and surprisingly light. Element of sandalwood. Starts creamy, waters out, almost disappears before rubbing hot brown sugar into the esophagus. Tiny bitter trace."

World's Best Single Malt and World's Best Single Cask Single Malt, World Whiskies Awards (PRNewsFoto/Kavalan)

Jim Murray in his Whisky Bible wrote: "Amontillado is probably my favorite sherry style. How many times, though, have I discovered its delicate, complex, understated nature perfectly transferred onto a single malt? In some 35 years, this must be only the fourth or fifth time, and I doubt any quite displayed such truth to its style, such panache."

The Kavalan Distillery which has been producing single malt whisky since 2006, is the first subtropical whisky distiller and the pioneer in making whisky in a hot climate. The Taiwan-based distillery has won over 180 gold awards. Its whisky is aged in American oak bottles in intense humidity and heat, but also benefits from sea and mountain breezes and the Snow Mountain's spring water, which combine to create signature creaminess.

Kavalan takes its name from the old name for Yilan County and is backed by 30 years of beverage-making thanks to parent company, King Car Group. It is available in 40 countries.