Taiwanese single malt producer Kavalan announced the second edition of its “Team Kavalan” campaign in South Korea, expanding its bartender collaboration program across 12 months in 2025. The “One Whisky, Two Perspectives” initiative will feature eight Korean bartenders creating contrasting cocktail interpretations at different venues.
The campaign builds on the success of last year’s inaugural program, which showcased Kavalan expressions including Distillery Select No.1, Triple Sherry Cask, and Kavalan Classic.
Golden Blue, Kavalan’s exclusive South Korean partner, is coordinating the nationwide program.
Kavalan Whisky Campaign Features Korean Bar Icons
The first collaboration, undertaken in May 2025, paired Bar Cham and Bar Sookhee, two established names in Korea’s cocktail scene. These bartenders created signature cocktails using Kavalan’s Distillery Select No.1, with each venue offering its unique interpretation for three months. Additional pairings will be announced throughout 2025.
Participating bars will also offer curated flights of Kavalan single malts served neat. The program allows guests to experience the whisky in multiple formats across different locations.
“We’re thrilled to bring ‘Team Kavalan’ back for a second year,” said Golden Blue CEO Ms. Park Soyoung. “This year, we are excited to collaborate with even more bars in Korea to enhance Kavalan’s brand value and deliver diverse experiences.”
Kavalan Whisky Strengthens South Korean Market Position
The expanded campaign reflects Kavalan’s growing presence in South Korea, which has become one of the distillery’s fastest-growing markets globally. The partnership with Golden Blue has driven significant sales increases, with triple-digit growth recorded in 2023 and continued double-digit growth through 2024.
“Golden Blue has been instrumental in driving Kavalan’s success here,” said Mr. Y.T. Lee, Chairman of King Car Group. “South Korea saw triple-digit sales growth in 2023, and Golden Blue has continued that growth trajectory strongly into 2024 with further double-digit increases.”
Seven Kavalan expressions are currently available in the South Korean domestic market, including Distillery Select No.1, Classic, Triple Sherry Cask, Oloroso Sherry Oak, Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask, Vinho Barrique, and Port Cask. Additional expressions are offered through duty-free channels.
The Taiwanese distillery will also participate in the Seoul International Bar & Spirits Show from July 25 to 27, reinforcing its commitment to the Korean market. The event is recognized as Asia’s leading bar and spirits exhibition.