Ki One Crowned With the Best Worldwide Whisky Trophy

Summary

• Korea’s first single malt, Ki One, won the Worldwide Whisky Trophy at IWSC
• The brand achieved the prestigious honor in “record time,” a historic first for Korea
• This proves the country can produce a world-class whisky

In a landmark achievement for Korean spirits, Ki One Whisky, the nation’s first single malt distillery, has been awarded the prestigious Worldwide Whisky Trophy at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2025. This historic win, achieved in what the brand’s CEO Bryan Do calls “record time,” has cemented Korea’s place on the global whisky map.

Often referred to as the “Academy Awards of the spirits industry,” the IWSC selects only a single product in each category for a trophy, making this an unparalleled honor. The winning product, Ki One Unicorn, was described as an “unforgettable experience” and was named the world’s best whisky outside of the traditional Scotch, Irish, and Bourbon categories. This triumph, just a few years after the distillery was founded, positions Ki One as one of the fastest-rising names in the history of single malt whisky.

This recognition is a landmark achievement, proving that Korea can produce a world-class whisky. The success is not limited to a single expression; the Ki One Tiger and Ki One Eagle also received Silver and Bronze medals at the IWSC, and Gold and Silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). This demonstrates the excellence of the entire lineup and establishes Korean whisky as a sustainable brand capable of consistently competing on the international stage, not just a passing novelty.

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