World's Best Single Malt Whisky 2015: Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique

The World Whiskies Awards just took place, and the best whisky in the world isn’t from Scotland, but from Taiwan. Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique was named the best single malt in the world, boasting 57.5% ABV and produced by the King Car distillery in Taiwan. The winning whisky is made through maturing the malt whisky in American oak barrels that previously held white and red wines. Other winners included Taketsuru Pure Malt 17 Year Old from Japan for the world’s best blended malt, and Ireland’s Redbreast Pot Still 15 Year Old for best pot-still whisky. Check out the full list of winners at Bar Magazine’s website here, and let us know whether you’ll be trying some Kavalan.

This year's winner has lots of stewed fruits on the nose. There’s also aged Bourbon notes. Water brings out custard creams. Surprisingly smooth on the palate. The alcohol is very present. It’s like Bourbon infused milk chocolate.

Another nutty, meaty, savoury nose, with sweet notes in the backdrop. Very sweet pruney flavours initially on the palate, with fruit cake and big clove, chilli and dry cinnamon. Walnut and hazelnut on the very dry finish.

Immediately and subtly liquor rich. Tiny bit of incense, a thread of spice and smoke.

Caramel, marzipan, coffee-vanilla, fudge, rich, creamy, dried black fruits. Integrated and surprisingly light. Element of sandalwood. Starts creamy, waters out, almost disappears before rubbing hot brown sugar into the oesophagus. Tiny bitter trace.