▲Kavalan has made a dramatic surge to clinch 7th place in the 2022 “World's Most Admired Whiskies” by Drinks International.

“We’re honoured to be recognized by Drinks International as one of the top 10 most admired whiskies in the world,” said CEO Mr. YT Lee.

Judges said when King Car Group released the first Kavalan whisky in 2008, Taiwan’s relationship with whisky was one of consumption, but the group’s founder, Lee Tien-Tsai, aspired to create a “new whisky homeland”. 

“Set on producing quality single malt without compromise, King Car imported two pairs of copper stills from Scotland and brought in the legendary late Dr Jim Swan as the distillery’s technical consultant,” 

“Since mid-2013, when Kavalan whiskies were first made available outside of Taiwan, the brand’s bottlings have received international plaudits and have built a reputation for outperforming the competition in blind tastings. One of the styles which Kavalan is becoming best known for is its sherry cask whiskies, which fetch top price points at auctions and retailers around the world.”

 “Kavalan’s portfolio is also gaining more and more respect from industry leaders. At the 2022 International Spirits Challenge, the brand amassed a medal haul that included three gold medals and 18 silvers, showcasing both quality and consistency. The brand was also named World Whisky Producer for the third year running, cementing its place among the elite of the global whisky scene.”

Shay Waterworth, Drinks International Supplement Editor, said it was the second interaction of the ranking: “Up to now, whiskies have only ever been ranked on either volume or taste, but now they can gauge their admiration within the trade, based on a host of factors.”

About Drinks International and “The World’s Most Admired Whiskies” List

Established in 1967, Drinks International is the only magazine devoted exclusively to the global spirits, wines and beers market, providing our readership of international drinks buyers with news on all the latest developments and trends within the global drinks industry.

Drinks International has used its widespread contacts within the global whisk(e)y industry to choreograph an elite voting Academy to determine this list of The World’s Most Admired Whiskies. Our Academy consists of buyers, bar owners, writers, educators and other specialists who carry no affiliation with any brand to ensure that the results burden no bias and retain integrity across the board.

Our Academy features some of the most respected whisk(e)y names from around the world and we work hard to ensure that there is a broad geographical and demographic spread. We consider it to be the most influential group of global whisk(e)y experts ever assembled. Voting took place during September 2022.