A whisky made in Taiwan has taken the title of world’s best single malt whisky 2015 for its “sweet pruney” flavors and dry, walnut finish.

After Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible named The Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry 2013 from Japan the best in the world, another group has proclaimed the Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength whisky from Taiwan the world’s best single malt whisky 2015.

It’s an outcome that rubs salt into the wounds of Scotland’s whisky industry and boosts Asia’s reputation as a formidable player in the spirits market.

It’s also an impressive feat for a distillery that only just released its first bottle of whisky in late 2008.

Developed to appeal to the Taiwanese palate, Kavalan whiskies have fruitier flavor profiles thanks to the use of different casks and barrels.

Kavalan means “flatland people” and is named after the aboriginal ethnic group which originally inhabited the modern-day Yilan County, home to the distillery.

Judges of the World Whiskies Awards, hosted by TheDrinksReport.com, heap a plethora of evocative adjectives on the winning whisky: nutty, meaty, pruney, clove, chili, dry cinnamon, walnut, incense, caramel, marzipan, coffee-vanilla, fudge and sandalwood.

Other major winners of the World Whiskies Awards 2015

World’s Best American Whiskey 2015
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky
Nikka Whisky Taketsuru Pure Malt 17 Years Old

World’s Best Blended Whisky
That Boutique-y Whisky Company Blended Whisky #1 – Batch 1

World’s Best Canadian Whisky
Forty Creek Confederation Oak

World’s Best Flavoured Whisky
Master of Malt Speyside Whisky Liqueur 40 Years Old

World’s Best Grain Whisky
Darkness! North British 18 Years Old Oloroso Cask Finish

World’s Best Pot Still Whisky
Redbreast Single Pot Still 15 Years Old