NORWICH, Norfolk, March 23 — A whisky made in Taiwan has taken the auspicious title of world’s best single malt whisky 2015 for its “sweet pruney” flavours and dry, walnut finish, according to the World Whiskies Awards 2015 in the UK.
After Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible named The Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry 2013 from Japan the best in the world over Scottish brands last year, another group has proclaimed the Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength whisky from Taiwan the world’s best single malt whisky 2015.
World’s best single malt whisky: The Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength.©KavalanIt’s an outcome that rubs salt into the wounds of Scotland’s whisky industry and boosts Asia’s reputation as a formidable player in the spirits market.
It’s also an impressive feat for a distillery that only just released its first bottle of whisky in late 2008.
Developed to appeal to the Taiwanese palate, Kavalan whiskies have fruitier flavour profiles thanks to the use of different casks and barrels.
Kavalan means “flatland people” and is named after the aboriginal ethnic group that originally inhabited the modern-day Yilan County, home to the distillery.
Judges of the World Whiskies Awards, hosted by TheDrinksReport.com, heap a plethora of evocative adjectives on the winning whisky: nutty, meaty, pruney, clove, chili, dry cinnamon, walnut, incense, caramel, marzipan, coffee-vanilla, fudge and sandalwood.
Or, “It’s like Bourbon infused milk chocolate”.
Judges looked for balance, character, complexity, quality and confidence in category of taste, as well as craft skills, insight and inspiration in the category of design and production techniques.
Last year, words such as “shock” and “humiliation” were used in the British media when news hit that a Japanese whisky had trumped Scottish distilleries to be named the best in the world.
Here are the other major winners of the World Whiskies Awards 2015:
World’s Best American Whiskey 2015: Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky: Nikka Whisky Taketsuru Pure Malt 17 Years Old
World’s Best Blended Whisky: That Boutique-y Whisky Company Blended Whisky #1 – Batch 1
World’s Best Canadian Whisky: Forty Creek Confederation Oak
World’s Best Flavoured Whisky: Master of Malt Speyside Whisky Liqueur 40 Years Old
World’s Best Grain Whisky: Darkness! North British 18 Years Old Oloroso Cask Finish
World’s Best Pot Still Whisky: Redbreast Single Pot Still 15 Years Old — AFP-Relaxnews
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/eat-drink/article/after-japan-taiwan-knocks-scotland-off-pedestal-as-producer-of-worlds-best#sthash.tYHBL0Ea.dpuf
World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky: Nikka Whisky Taketsuru Pure Malt 17 Years Old
World’s Best Blended Whisky: That Boutique-y Whisky Company Blended Whisky #1 – Batch 1
World’s Best Canadian Whisky: Forty Creek Confederation Oak
World’s Best Flavoured Whisky: Master of Malt Speyside Whisky Liqueur 40 Years Old
World’s Best Grain Whisky: Darkness! North British 18 Years Old Oloroso Cask Finish
World’s Best Pot Still Whisky: Redbreast Single Pot Still 15 Years Old — AFP-Relaxnews
