The Top World Whiskies According To The Beverage Testing Institute

Taiwanese whiskies swept the top awards at the Beverage Testing Institute’s (BTI) recent judging of world whiskies, taking all three of the Platinum Medals awarded. Thirty-eight whiskies were awarded Gold medals, of which 32 were from Taiwan. All of the Taiwanese medalists were from Kavalan or related companies. The other Gold medalists hailed from all over the world.

World whiskies is a catch all term that encompasses whiskies produced outside of the major whisky producing countries, although there is no universally accepted definition of the category.

In the BTI judging, however, all whiskies are classified as either North American, Irish, Scotch or World. The latter category includes Japanese and Canadian whiskies as well as expressions from India, Taiwan, Europe and elsewhere.

The top-ranked World Whisky, scoring 97/100 points, was Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky. The two runner ups, also from Kavalan, each scoring 96/100 points, were Kavalan Solist Amontillado Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky and Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky.

Kavalan Distillery is Taiwan’s first whisky distillery, established by the King Car Group in 2005. Named after the indigenous Kavalan people who originally inhabited the Yilan region, the distillery is situated in a location known for its pure water sources and ideal climate for whisky production. Despite being relatively new in the whisky industry, Kavalan has rapidly gained international acclaim for its high-quality single malt whiskies.

Kavalan’s success can be attributed to its innovative approach to whisky making, combined with traditional craftsmanship. The distillery uses a variety of casks for maturation, including Sherry, bourbon, and wine casks, which contribute to the complexity and richness of its whiskies. Under the guidance of Master Blender Ian Chang, Kavalan has won numerous awards and accolades, cementing its reputation as a world-class whisky producer.

Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry is matured in hand-selected Fino Sherry casks, known for their delicate and dry character. Bottled at cask strength, this expression showcases the finesse and complexity of Fino Sherry influence.

On the nose, the whisky is elegant and refined, with notes of green apple, citrus peel, and almond, along with subtle hints of vanilla, dried fruits, and a delicate floral undertone. It’s light and smooth on the palate, with flavors of fresh orchard fruits, honey, and toasted nuts. The Fino Sherry cask imparts a dry, crisp character, balanced by a gentle sweetness and a touch of oak. The finish is long, with lingering notes of citrus and a hint of salty “Fino” tang.

Kavalan Amontillado Sherry is aged in Amontillado Sherry casks, which provide a unique combination of both dry and nutty characteristics. Bottled at cask strength, this whisky offers a rich and complex flavor profile.

It’s intense and aromatic on the nose, with notes of dried figs, raisins, and caramel. Layers of toasted almonds, dark chocolate, and a hint of spice add complexity and depth.

It’s full-bodied and robust on the palate, with rich flavors of toffee, dried fruits, and roasted nuts. The Amontillado Sherry adds a distinctive dryness, balanced by a sweet, creamy texture.

The finish is long, with lingering notes of oak, spice, and a subtle nuttiness.

Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Sherry is matured in Manzanilla Sherry casks, known for their dry and salty profile. Bottled at cask strength, this whisky highlights the unique influence of Manzanilla Sherry.

The whisky is fresh and vibrant on the nose, with notes of sea breeze, green apple, and lemon zest, along with subtle hints of honey, vanilla, and toasted hazelnuts.

It’s crisp and minerally on the palate, with flavors of citrus fruits, white peach, and salted caramel. The Manzanilla Sherry imparts a distinctive salinity, balanced by a gentle sweetness and a touch of spice.

The finish is long and tangy, with lingering notes of brine, citrus, and a hint of almond.

The BTI Judging Panel described the Kavalan Fino Sherry expression as exhibiting:

Aromas of black walnut, Calvados barrel aged Norman Cidre, and dried figs. The palate features flavors of chocolate covered dried figs, black cherries, and rancio. A contemplative and complex sipper that represents why these whiskies deserve to be mentioned as some of the finest in the world; the aromas continue to develop and show balance and elegance at every turn.

The BTI Judging Panel described the Kavalan Amontillado Sherry expression as featuring:

Aromas of spiced Marcona almonds, Amontillado, and chestnuts. The palate features flavors of spiced walnuts, pecan, and jamon. This just smells like a cask of Amontillado distilled down; perhaps polarizing but so tasty and makes one crave some Jamon Iberico and almonds.

The BTI Judging Panel described the Kavalan Manzanilla Sherry expression as featuring:

Aromas of toasted mahogany, salted rye toast, and walnut with pickled spiced figs. The palate features similar flavors along with accents of leather, dried walnut, and cigar box. Bold and savory, loaded with umami and yet has an undercurrent of salted red fruit; a massive whisky that is splendid and toothsome.

The Kavalan Gold medalists, scoring between 95 and 90 points were: Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Distillery Reserve Madeira Cask Single Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Brandy Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Single Cask Single Strength Malt Whisky, Kavalan Distillery Select No. 2 Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Moscatel Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Distillery Reserve Peated Malt Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Solist Port Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Classic Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Concertmaster Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky, King Car Conductor Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Podium Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Concertmaster Vinho Barrique Finish Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Master’s Select Reserve No. 1 Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Concertmaster Port Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Distillery Select No. 1 Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Wine Oak Single Malt Whisky, Kavalan Port Oak Single Malt Whisky, and Kavalan Master’s Select Reserve No.2 Single Malt Whisky.

The top-rated Indian whisky, with 95/100 points was Bhakta Spirits 2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky. Also winning Gold medals were Rampur 2022 Special Release Vintage Select Indian Single Malt Whisky, Amrut 2022 Triparva Indian Single Malt Whisky Batch No. 03, and Amrut 2022 ‘Single Malts Of India’ Kurinji Indian Single Malt Whisky Batch No. 01.

The top corn whiskies were both Peruvian. Don Michael is another world whisky that has been a consistent winner in international spirit competitions. Don Michael Single Barrel Selection Black Corn Whiskey Cask No. 393 and Don Michael Black Corn Whisky both won Gold medals. The whiskies use an ancient variety of black corn that dates back more than a millennium to the pre-Hispanic period.

The top French whisky, with 93/100 points was Coperies Les Ocres Whisky while the top French single malt with 92/100 points was Hériose Le Petit Tourbé French Single Malt Whisky.

Top scoring Canadian whiskies, all Gold medalists, were Glen Breton Rare 21 YO Canadian Single Malt Whisky, Glen Breton ‘Battle of the Glen’ 15 YO Canadian Single Malt Whisky, and Glen Breton 14 YO Canadian Single Malt Whisky.

Other Gold medalists in various world whisky categories included: Rampur Sangam World Malt Indian Whisky Batch No. 504 (blended malt whisky), The Globe Proof and Wood 8 YO Bourbon and Rum Barrel Finished Rye Whisky (cask finished rye whisky), Stauning Floor Malted Rye Whisky Batch 4-2021 (malted rye whisky), and Spirit Of Hven Old Hare Blended Swedish Whisky (Swedish whisky).

BTI reviews and scores, on a hundred-point scale, thousands of beverages each year. This activity makes it more like a conventional wines and spirits competition. The Chicago-based organization, however, plays a dual role in the beverage industry. It also functions as a consultancy that, in its own words, utilizes:

Exceptional methodology, proprietary tools, and decades of experience offer research, development, and marketing services that protect large investments, elevate brand reputations, optimize market reception, and engage consumers.

In the beverage industry, this dual role is unprecedented. BTI’s evaluations and advice are closely followed in the drinks industry by both global wine and spirit companies, by recently established craft spirit producers, as well as by consumers around the world

The 2024 BTI World Whisky judging highlighted some remarkable whiskies and underscored the continuing dominance of Taiwan’s Kavalan whisky. There is much to explore among BTI’s whisky medalists. For a complete listing of all of the medalists see the Beverage Testing Institute website.