Kavalan Enters Ghana in a Distribution Partnership with Say Cheers

Taiwan's single malt reaches West Africa

Kavalan, the distillery in Yilan County, Taiwan, is coming to Ghana for the first time. On 10 November 2026 Kavalan announced from Taipei a distribution partnership with Say Cheers Limited, a premium wine and spirits house based in Accra. Kavalan is already present in South Africa and Nigeria, and Ghana is the next step on the continent.

Ghana is not Kavalan's first new partner this year. In March 2026 the distillery named a new sole distributor for the UK, and in April it added a dedicated partner for the shops in British airports. In its own words, Kavalan works with experienced partners who know each market.

Who is Say Cheers?

Say Cheers was founded in Accra in 2001 and is a family business for premium wines, spirits and lifestyle. It is one of the leading houses of its kind in Ghana. Over 25 years it has built close relationships with international producers, luxury hotels, restaurants, corporate clients and discerning drinkers. Its focus is luxury hospitality, the distribution of premium brands and memorable experiences for its customers. Say Cheers was founded and is led by Nana Adwoa Konadu Karikari.

What both sides say

YT Lee, Chairman of King Car Group, the parent company of Kavalan, points to what the two firms share: both are family businesses and both hold an uncompromising commitment to quality. "It's important that partners share the same values, and Say Cheers' emphasis on taste and trust means they are the perfect fit for Kavalan," Lee said. Through Say Cheers' expertise and network, Kavalan hopes to introduce more people to its character and craftsmanship.

Nana Adwoa Konadu Karikari takes the long view: great brands, in Say Cheers' words, are built through trusted partnerships, consistent execution and a genuine understanding of each market. The aim is sustainable growth that keeps the heritage, craftsmanship and premium positioning of every brand intact.

Why Kavalan matures like no other

The distillery was founded in Yilan County in 2005 and takes its name from the county's old name. On 11 March 2006 the first new make spirit in Taiwan ran from its stills, the first freshly distilled spirit for whisky in the whole country. The whisky matures in intense heat and humidity. Its water comes from the meltwater of Snow Mountain, and breezes from the sea and the mountains sweep across the distillery. According to Kavalan, this combination creates the creaminess its whiskies are known for.

Behind Kavalan stands King Car Group, with more than 45 years of experience in making drinks. The distillery says it has won 1,000 gold or higher awards at the industry's toughest competitions.

Two Kavalan whiskies worth knowing

For the announcement Kavalan chose to show the Kavalan Concertmaster Port Cask Finish. The distillery describes it as rich and smooth, with natural sweetness and plenty of depth.

Among the oldest bottlings from Kavalan is the Kavalan 15 Years Old from the Time Exploration Series, 2025 Edition. It is the first Kavalan with an age statement and was released in March 2025 to mark the first new make of 11 March 2006. It matured in four cask types: ex bourbon casks, casks that previously held Oloroso sherry or Ruby port, and puncheons, which are extra large casks. It is bottled at 43% ABV. You can find both whiskies on Spiritory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who distributes Kavalan in Ghana?

Say Cheers Limited of Accra, a family business for premium wines, spirits and lifestyle, founded in 2001.

Where else in Africa is Kavalan present?

Kavalan is already present in South Africa and Nigeria, and the new partnership adds Ghana.

Where does Kavalan come from?

From Yilan County in Taiwan. The distillery was founded in 2005 and belongs to King Car Group.

Which Kavalan was the first with an age statement?

The Kavalan 15 Years Old from the Time Exploration Series, 2025 Edition. It matured in four cask types, is bottled at 43% ABV and is available on Spiritory.