Kavalan has scored top honours from a more stringent International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) this year with criteria for its “Gold Outstanding” and “Gold” now that bit tougher to achieve.Kavalan also received two Platinums and 10 Golds from the International Review of Spirits (IRS) organised by the Tastings-Beverage Testing Institute in the US.
Ex-Bourbon Glory
The Kavalan Solist* ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky received both an IWSC Gold Outstanding and an IRS Platinum on 97 points.
IRS judges described Ex-Bourbon on the nose as “banana-pistachio gelato, pound cake, and smoked honey butter” and on the palate “white peach, rose tea, saffron, and coconut cream.” They concluded it was a “powerful, highly nuanced whisky that is a pleasure to discover.”
IWSC Awards
Along with the Ex-Bourbon’s Gold Outstanding, the IWSC gave four Golds (95-100) to
— Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak Single Malt Whisky
— Kavalan Podium Single Malt Whisky
— Kavalan Concertmaster Single Malt Whisky
— Kavalan Distillery Reserve Peaty Cask Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
IRS Platinums and Golds
Along with the Solist Ex-Bourbon, the other IRS-Platinum Award winner was the Solist Vinho Barrique on 96 points.
Judges described its aroma as “roasted pineapple, caramel, pecan praline, wine-poached pear, and chocolate coated malted milk ball.” And its taste as “candied peanuts, vanilla bean, dried mango, and baked dates.”
— 97 Kavalan Solist* Ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky(https://tinyurl.com/
— 96 Kavalan Solist* Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky(https://tinyurl.com/
A further 10 IRS Golds were awarded to Kavalan Ex-Bourbon Oak, Kavalan Solist* Oloroso Sherry, Kavalan Oloroso Sherry Oak, Kavalan Solist* Fino Sherry, Kavalan Classic, Kavalan Solist* Port, Kavalan Distillery Reserve Peaty Cask, Kavalan Distillery Reserve Rum Cask, King Car Conductor, and Kavalan Podium.
Kavalan Quotes
CEO Mr YT Lee said the higher IWSC standards meant whisky fans would benefit.
“These tougher awards help people distinguish the very best whiskies and it pushes us to do better,” Mr Lee said.
Master Blender Ian Chang said Kavalan expressions benefited from the natural environment in Yilan, Taiwan.
“It seems the world’s best casks and our unique subtropical climate can produce whiskies worth their weight in gold,” Mr Chang said.
*Please note that Kavalan’s award-winning “Solist” Series is sold under the name “Cask Strength” Series inside the US market only for trademark reasons.
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