Kavalan Named World’s Best Whisky

Kavalan – or by its full name, Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique – whisky was named as the world’s best single malt Scotch whisky at the World Whisky Awards this week. What makes it unique is not so much its distinctly non-Scottish name but rather its dinstinctly non-Scottish distillery location – in Taiwan. This Taiwanese-produced single malt Scotch whisky was praised by the judging panel with having notes of fruitcake, clove, cinnamon, fudge, marzipan and walnut while also tasting like “bourbon-infused milk chocolate”.

Kavalan is matured in American oak barrels that had previously held various wines, resulting in the fruit notes.

Kavalan Distillery is Taiwan’s only distillery and has only been in existence since 2005.