Kavalan Peatist Oloroso Sherry Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (700ml)

2026 Whisky of the Year at the International Whisky Competition.

2026 has turned out to be a big year for Kavalan, with the distillery claiming back-to-back 'Whisky of the Year' titles at the prestigious International Whisky Competition (IWC). This was the 2026 winner, taking the top honour with a score of 96.97 points. The distillery secured eight places in the competition's Top 15 Whiskies, while Head of Research and Development Zerose Yang was named Master Distiller of the Year, recognising the consistency and excellence of the Kavalan team.

Crafted from lightly peated malt and matured in Oloroso Sherry casks, Peatist Oloroso forms part of Kavalan's Peatist Series, exploring the harmony between delicate peat smoke and the distillery's signature subtropical maturation character. Tasting notes were provided by Octavio Bernal, Master of Scotch at the Council of Whiskey Masters: "The nose opens with oily leather, an earthy tea blend and a hint of anise, followed by grilled mango, light ash and a touch of white pepper. On the palate, chocolate-covered raisins, chewy figs and a delicate smoky barbecue tang come forward. The finish lingers with dark leather, juicy cassis and lightly roasted cocoa nibs." Because the Peatists are small batch bottlings, ABVs and outturns may vary slightly between releases. Non-chill filtered.

Notes from the producers... Smoky peat weaves through tropical fruit, as pineapple and mango meld with buttery toffee, charcoal-roasted plums, and dark dried fruits. A hint of fresh herbs deepens the profile, with ripe raisins and figs adding richness. Citrus and buttery toffee open on the palate, layered with dried pineapple and mango. Savoury-sweet black dates and candied plums enrich the peat. Hints of wood, cinnamon, and cloves create a delicate tannic texture, leading to a finish of chocolate, coffee, and nuts.