Korean whisky maker Ki One wins top US spirits award again

South Korean whisky distiller Ki One has won a top prize at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for the second consecutive year, beating rivals from Taiwan and China in the Other Single Malt Whisky category.

The company's travel-exclusive Ki One Sun was named best of class at the competition's Top Shelf gala in San Francisco on Sunday, the distiller said Tuesday.

Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition evaluates spirits through blind tastings. The Best of Class award is given to the top entry in each category following additional judging among double gold medalists.

Ki One secured three of the six finalist spots with Sun, Star and Tiger Cask Strength, competing against whiskies from Taiwan's Kavalan and China's Laizhou Distillery.

Aged in sherry and wine casks, Ki One Sun was praised by judges for its cherry aroma, notes of toffee, cacao and toasted almonds, and a lingering apricot finish.

Competition organizer The Tasting Alliance said Ki One's strong showing reflected its rapid emergence as an international competitor.

All eight whiskies entered by the distiller won medals, including five double golds, two golds and one silver.

"I am pleased to show on the same stage that last year's win was not just a stroke of luck," CEO Bryan Do said at the ceremony.

He added that having three Korean whiskies among the six finalists demonstrated growing international recognition of Korea's whisky industry beyond a single distillery.

Founded in 2020 in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, Ki One has also been named one of six finalists for the 2026 Worldwide Whisky Producer Trophy at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

The winner will be announced Nov. 24 in London.