Team Kavalan returns to South Korea
Taiwanese single malt brand Kavalan has partnered with distributor Golden Blue for the second time to unite bartenders in South Korea.
The Team Kavalan initiative is described as ‘a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and world-class whisky’, challenging Korean bartenders to reimagine Kavalan through cocktail collaborations.
Park Soyoung, CEO of Golden Blue, Kavalan’s long-time distributor in South Korea, said: “We’re thrilled to bring Team Kavalan back for a second year. Last year’s campaign brought to life the vibrant versatility of Kavalan in stunning cocktails, featuring expressions like Distillery Select No.1, Triple Sherry Cask, and Kavalan Classic.
“This year, we are excited to collaborate with even more bars in Korea to enhance Kavalan’s brand value and deliver diverse experiences.”
Under the ethos of ‘One Whisky, Two Perspectives’, the initiative will showcase eight world-class Korean bartenders over 12 months.
Pairs of bartenders will collaborate to create two distinct signature cocktails that offer contrasting interpretations of Kavalan whisky. The cocktails will be promoted simultaneously for three months at two different bars.
The campaign will unfold in waves throughout the year, with additional pairings and themes revealed as part of the campaign rollout.
The first matchup, Bar Cham vs Bar Sookhee, began in May 2025, drawing inspiration from Kavalan Select No.1. Both bars are recognised in the industry as representing top talents in the Korean cocktail scene.
South Korea represents one of the fastest-growing and most strategic global markets for Kavalan single malts.
Y T Lee, chairman of King Car Group, which owns Kavalan, commented: “Golden Blue has been instrumental in driving Kavalan’s success here. 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.”
Kavalan will also participate in this year’s Seoul International Bar & Spirits Show on 25-27 July.
Earlier this year, the brand launched a limited edition 15-year-old, its first age-statement release, available exclusively in Taiwan.
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