Taiwan’s Kavalan Distillery made historical past on the 2025 Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Competitors, changing into the primary model to obtain two “Better of the Greatest Single Malt” awards in a single yr.
The bizarre outcome occurred when judges couldn’t determine between two expressions, creating the competitors’s first-ever tie for its high honor.
The Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Competitors introduced the unprecedented resolution after its last judging spherical. Competitors organizers said: “Because of a tie, this class has two winners. This marks the primary time in TWSC historical past that the ‘Better of the Greatest’ title has been awarded to 2 whiskies.”
Kavalan Solist PX and Kavalan Lán Share High Honors
The 2 successful whiskies have been Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Cask and Kavalan Lán, a brand new expression from the distillery.
Judges praised the Solist PX for its “silky and profound end with umami depth,” whereas describing Lán as having notes of “caramelised nuts, honey, and temple incense” that create a “deep and intriguing aroma.”
The Solist PX expression marks its second “Better of the Greatest” win at TWSC, having beforehand gained the award in 2023. The cask-strength whisky ranges from 50 to 59.9% ABV and options what judges describe as wealthy raisins, fig jam, and toffee sweetness.
Lán, bottled at 43% ABV, represents the distillery’s first whisky named after its dwelling area. The identify carries a number of meanings, standing for “Kavalan,” paying homage to Yilan, and representing the orchid in Mandarin. The packaging options calligraphy and orchid motifs reflecting Asian aesthetics.
Kavalan Units Extra Data at Competitors
Past the twin high award, Kavalan established a brand new document for the distillery with seven superior gold and 11 gold medals throughout varied classes.
The TWSC drew 639 spirit entries from roughly 30 nations, with 213 judges collaborating within the first spherical and 41 within the last spherical.
King Automotive Group Chairman Mr. YT Lee acknowledged the importance of the Japanese marketplace for whisky. “Japan is the place connoisseurs respect complexity, depth, and character. To win the primary ever tied ‘Better of the Greatest’ in Tokyo is a rare honour. We’re thrilled to have our craftsmanship recognised on such a grand stage,” Lee stated.
The Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Competitors stands as one in all Asia’s largest spirits competitions and the one one in Japan. The competitors attracts judges from throughout Japan’s whisky trade, together with bartenders, producers, importers, and licensed whisky connoisseurs.
Kavalan Distillery has been producing single malt whisky in Taiwan’s Yilan County since 2005. The distillery sources water from Snow Mountain and ages its whisky in Taiwan’s humid local weather, which the corporate says creates its signature character.
