What’s New?

After the remarkable success of its inaugural season, Kavalan, Taiwan’s globally acclaimed single malt whisky, is joining forces once more with long-time South Korean partner Golden Blue to launch “Team Kavalan 2.0.” This dynamic campaign is set to roll out across South Korea throughout 2025, spotlighting the craftsmanship, creativity, and flavor versatility of Kavalan whisky.

The theme “One Whisky, Two Perspectives” will take center stage, as eight elite Korean bartenders pair up to craft signature cocktails showcasing contrasting interpretations of Kavalan. These dual creations will be featured simultaneously in two different bars for a three-month run, offering whisky enthusiasts a side-by-side exploration of flavor, innovation, and presentation.

Meet the Teams

The campaign opens in May 2025 with an exceptional pairing:

• Bar Cham vs Bar Sookhee
  
• Featured Whisky: Distillery Select No.1
  
• Match Title: Best & Best
  

Both bars are pillars of South Korea’s cocktail scene, and their bartenders are regarded as industry icons. This kickoff sets a high bar for the rest of the campaign, with future collaborations and pairings to be unveiled progressively.

Alongside these signature cocktails, participating bars will also offer Kavalan flights — a curated tasting of various expressions served neat, allowing guests to experience the full depth and elegance of the whisky.

Continued Growth in Korea

“We’re thrilled to bring ‘Team Kavalan’ back for a second year,” said Golden Blue CEO Park Soyoung. “Last year’s campaign brought Kavalan’s vibrant versatility to life, and this year, we aim to collaborate with even more standout bars across Korea.”

Kavalan’s rise in South Korea has been nothing short of extraordinary. According to King Car Group Chairman Y.T. Lee, “South Korea saw triple-digit growth in 2023, and Golden Blue has maintained that momentum with strong double-digit gains in 2024.”

The campaign will also be spotlighted at the Seoul Int’l Bar & Spirits Show, taking place July 25–27, 2025, one of Asia’s leading bar and spirits trade events.

The Kavalan Portfolio in South Korea

Domestic whisky lovers can enjoy seven core expressions, including:

• Distillery Select No.1
  
• Classic
  
• Triple Sherry Cask
  
• Oloroso Sherry Oak
  
• Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask
  
• Vinho Barrique
  
• Port Cask
  

In Korea’s duty-free sector, even more premium offerings are available, such as Concertmaster Port Cask Finish, Solist ex-Bourbon, Solist Fino Sherry, Solist PX Sherry, and selections from the Master’s Select, Grand Reserve, and Distiller’s Reserve series.

About Golden Blue

Founded in 2003, Golden Blue is a major player in South Korea’s spirits industry, with operations in whisky, herbal liquors, and international distribution. Based in Busan and Seoul, the company blends tradition (Gold) with innovation (Blue), aiming to reshape the Korean liquor landscape. It was named one of Forbes Asia’s 200 Best Under A Billion in 2019.

Golden Blue has exclusively represented Kavalan in South Korea since 2017.

About Kavalan Whisky

Established in 2005 in Yilan County, Taiwan, Kavalan Distillery pioneered single malt whisky in the region, harnessing the area’s unique climate, sea and mountain breezes, and crystal meltwaters from Snow Mountain. Backed by parent company King Car Group, Kavalan has garnered over 900 gold or higher awards from global spirits competitions. The brand is now exported to more than 50 countries worldwide.

Source: PR Newswire

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