The highest rated whisky in the world, with a score of 97/100 points, was the Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask … [+]
Taiwanese whiskies swept the top prizes at the recent Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) World Whisky Judging, taking home all three Platinum medals awarded. Thirty-eight whiskies received Gold medals, of which 32 were from Taiwan. All of the Taiwanese medalists were from Kavalan or related companies. The other Gold medalists came from all over the world.
World whiskies is an umbrella term that encompasses whiskies produced outside of the major whisky-producing countries, although there is no universally accepted definition of the category.
In BTI judging, however, all whiskies are classified as either American, Irish, Scottish or world. The latter category includes Japanese and Canadian whiskies, as well as expressions from India, Taiwan, Europe and elsewhere.
The highest rated whisky in the world, with a score of 97/100 points, was Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky. The two runners-up, also from Kavalan, each with 96/100 points, were Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky It is Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whiskey.
Kavalan Distillery is Taiwan’s first whisky distillery, founded by King Car Group in 2005. Named after the indigenous Kavalan people who originally inhabited the Yilan region, the distillery is situated in a location known for its pure spring water and ideal climate for whisky production. Despite being relatively new to the whisky industry, Kavalan has quickly gained international recognition for its high-quality single malt whiskies.
Kavalan’s success can be attributed to its innovative approach to whisky production, combined with traditional craftsmanship. The distillery uses a variety of casks for maturation, including sherry, bourbon and wine casks, which contribute to the complexity and richness of its whiskies. Under the guidance of Master Blender Ian Chang, Kavalan has won numerous awards and accolades, cementing its reputation as a world-class whisky producer.
Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry is matured in hand-selected Fino Sherry casks, known for their delicate and dry character. Bottled at cask strength, this expression showcases the finesse and complexity of the Fino Sherry influence.
On the nose, the whisky is elegant and refined, with notes of green apple, citrus peel and almond, along with subtle hints of vanilla, dried fruit and a delicate floral tone. It is light and smooth on the palate, with flavours of fresh orchard fruit, honey and toasted nuts. The Fino Sherry cask imparts a dry and crisp character, balanced by a gentle sweetness and a touch of oak. The finish is long, with lingering notes of citrus and a hint of Fino’s savoury flavour.
Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
Kavalan Amontillado Sherry is aged in Amontillado Sherry casks, which provide a unique combination of dry and nutty characteristics. Bottled at cask strength, this whisky offers a rich and complex flavor profile.
It is intense and aromatic on the nose, with notes of dried figs, raisins and caramel. Layers of toasted almonds, dark chocolate and a touch of spice add complexity and depth.
It is full-bodied and robust on the palate, with rich flavors of toffee, dried fruit and toasted nuts. Amontillado Sherry adds a distinct dryness, balanced by a sweet, creamy texture.
The finish is long, with lingering notes of oak, spices and a subtle hint of nuts.
Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Sherry is matured in Manzanilla Sherry casks, known for their dry and savory profile. Bottled at the same intensity as the cask, this whisky highlights the unique influence of Manzanilla Sherry.
The whisky is fresh and vibrant on the nose, with notes of sea breeze, green apple and lemon zest, along with subtle hints of honey, vanilla and toasted hazelnuts.
It’s crisp and minerally on the palate, with flavors of citrus, white peach and salted caramel. Manzanilla Sherry imparts a distinct salinity, balanced by a gentle sweetness and a hint of spice.
The finish is long and spicy, with lingering notes of brine, citrus and a touch of almond.
Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Sherry single malt whisky with single cask strength.
The BTI Judging Panel described the Kavalan Fino Sherry expression as exhibiting:
Aromas of black walnut, Calvados cask-aged Norman Cidre and dried figs. The palate presents flavours of chocolate-covered dried figs, black cherries and rancio. A contemplative and complex sip that represents why these whiskies deserve to be mentioned as some of the world’s finest; the aromas continue to develop and show balance and elegance with each passing moment.
The BTI Judging Panel described the Kavalan Amontillado Sherry expression as exhibiting:
Aromas of spiced Marcona almonds, Amontillado and chestnuts. The palate presents flavors of spiced walnuts, pecans and ham. This smells just like a barrel of distilled Amontillado; perhaps polarizing, but so tasty and makes one crave some Iberico ham and almonds.
The BTI Judging Panel described the Kavalan Manzanilla Sherry expression as exhibiting:
Aromas of toasted mahogany, salted rye toast and walnuts with spicy pickled figs. The palate features similar flavors along with hints of leather, dried nuts and cigar box. Bold and savory, packed with umami and even has an undercurrent of savory red fruits; a huge whiskey that is both gorgeous and savory.
The Kavalan gold medalists, with scores between 95 and 90 points, were: Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Distillery Reserve Madeira Cask Single Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Brandy Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Distillery Select No. 2 Single Malt Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Distillery Reserve Peated Malt Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Port Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Classic single malt, Kavalan Concertmaster Sherry Cask Finish single malt whisky, King Car Conductor single malt whisky, Kavalan Podium single malt whisky, Kavalan Concertmaster Vinho Barrique Finish single malt whisky, Kavalan Master’s Select Reserve No. 1 single malt whisky, Kavalan Concertmaster Port Cask Finish single malt whisky, Kavalan Distillery Select No. 1 single malt whisky, Kavalan Wine Oak single malt whisky, Kavalan Port Oak single malt whisky, It is Kavalan Master’s Select Reserve No.2 single malt whiskey.
The highest rated Indian whisky, with 95/100 points, was Bhakta Spirits 2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky. They also won gold medals Rampur 2022 Special Release Vintage Select Indian Single Malt Whisky, Amrut 2022 Triparva Indian Single Malt Whiskey Batch No. 03It is Amrut 2022 ‘Single Malts Of India’ Kurinji Indian Single Malt Whiskey Batch No. 01.
The best corn whiskeys were both Peruvian. Don Michael is another world-class whiskey that has been a consistent winner in international spirits competitions. Don Michael Black Corn Whiskey Cask No. 393 Single Barrel Selection It is Don Michael Black Corn Whiskey both won gold medals. The whiskeys use an ancient variety of black corn that dates back more than a millennium to the pre-Hispanic period.
The best French whiskey, with 93/100 points, was Coperies Les Ocres Whiskey while the best French single malt with 92/100 points was Hériose Le Petit Tourbé French Single Malt Whisky.
The highest scoring Canadian whiskies, all gold medalists, were Glen Breton Rare 21 Year Old Canadian Single Malt Whisky, Glen Breton ‘Battle of the Glen’ 15 Years Canadian Single Malt WhiskeyIt is Glen Breton 14 Year Old Canadian Single Malt Whisky.
Other gold medalists in various world whisky categories include: Rampur Sangam World Malt Indian Whiskey Batch No. 504 (blended malt whiskey), The Globe Proof and Wood 8 YO Bourbon and Rum Barrel Finished Rye Whiskey (barrel-finished rye whiskey), Stauning Floor Malted Rye Whiskey Lot 4-2021 (malted rye whiskey) and Spirit Of Hven Old Hare Swedish Blended Whiskey (Swedish whiskey).
BTI analyzes and scores thousands of beverages on a 100-point scale each year. This activity makes it more like a conventional wine and spirits competition. The Chicago-based organization, however, plays a dual role in the beverage industry. It also operates as a consultancy that, in its own words, uses:
Exceptional methodology, proprietary tools and decades of experience deliver research, development and marketing services that protect major investments, elevate brand reputation, optimize market reception and engage consumers.
In the beverage industry, this dual role is unprecedented. BTI’s assessments and advice are closely followed in the beverage industry by global wine and spirits companies, newly established craft spirits producers, as well as consumers around the world.
The 2024 BTI World Whisky judging highlighted some notable whiskies and underscored the continued dominance of Taiwan’s Kavalan whisky. There’s plenty to explore among the BTI whisky medalists. For a full list of all medalists, check out the Beverage Testing Institute website.
