Recently, the Korean spirits industry has reached a significant milestone as the country’s first single malt distillery, Ki One Whisky, won Worldwide Whisky Trophy at the 2025 International Wine and Spirits Competition. The brand's CEO, Bryan Do, remarked that this record-breaking victory officially puts Korean whisky on the global stage.
The international wine and spirits competition, known as The Oscars of the Liquor Industry, awards just one trophy in each category, showcasing just how fierce the competition really is. This year, the champion, Ki One Unicorn, has been rated as An unforgettable experience and is considered one of the best whiskies in the world outside of Scotland, Ireland, and bourbon. This relatively new brand has rapidly become one of the most dazzling names in the single malt whisky scene.
In addition, Ki One's other products have also excelled, with Ki One Tiger and Ki One Eagle winning silver and bronze medals respectively at the IWSC, and clinching gold and silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This series of achievements not only highlights the strength of Ki One's product line but also signifies the long-term competitiveness and potential of Korean whiskey, proving it’s not just a fleeting trend.
