For the second consecutive year, Kavalan Distillery has been named Whisky of the Year at the International Whisky Competition, reaffirming its status as a world-class producer. The 2026 competition, held at the Louisville Thoroughbred Society, awarded the Golden Barrel Trophy to Kavalan Peatist Oloroso Sherry Cask Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, a testament to the distillery's continued excellence and innovation.
This back-to-back victory follows Kavalan's 2025 win, when Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky scored 97.04 points. The repeat honor is a rare achievement in the industry, as noted by Max A. Solano, Competition Director of the International Whisky Competition. “Kavalan has accomplished a rare feat by winning Whisky of the Year two years in a row at one of the industry's most demanding blind tasting competitions,” Solano said. “The Kavalan Peatist Oloroso Sherry Cask distinguished itself with exceptional depth, balance, and complexity.”
Tasting notes provided by Octavio "Tavo" Bernal, Master of Scotch, Council of Whiskey Masters, describe the winning whisky as having an "oily leather" nose with "earthy tea blend and a hint of anise," followed by "grilled mango, light ash, and a touch of white pepper." On the palate, notes of "chocolate-covered raisins, chewy figs, and a delicate smoky barbecue tang" emerge, with a lingering finish of "dark leather, juicy cassis, and lightly roasted cocoa nibs."
Produced in Yilan County, Taiwan, Kavalan continues to push boundaries through innovative production methods, unique climate conditions, and meticulous cask selection. The International Whisky Competition, restructured in 2015, is known for its rigorous double-blind evaluation process, ensuring impartial judging without revealing origin, category, or alcohol by volume. This year's panel included Masters from the Council of Whiskey Masters, industry veterans, and professional tasters. The competition follows an Olympic-style format, awarding only Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals per category, making each accolade highly coveted.
Complete results are available at www.whiskycompetition.com/results. For additional details, visit www.whiskycompetition.com.
