Taipei, May 31 (CNA) A variety of products produced by Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor Inc. (KKL) has won international acclaim after winning top prizes recently at major spirits competitions around the world.

KKL Chairman Chen Yung-ming (陳永明) said the quality of the distillery's products gained high approval from judges at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the 2016 Monde Selection in Brussels and at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in New York in recent months, and this will help the decades-old company increase its presence in the global market.

Kinmen Kaoliang, a strong and unflavored distilled white liquor made from sorghum, has long been the most popular white liquor (baijiu) in Taiwan, enjoying an 80 percent market share.

KKL general manager Che Cheng-kuo (車正國) attributed the liquor's pure, subtle and long-lasting taste to its success at the three prominent events.

In the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 38% Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor and Baoyue Spring Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor were both awarded a gold medal by a 39-member panel who judged 1,899 entries.

In addition, the Treasure Collection of Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor and 58% Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor won double gold medals at the competition, with 58% Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor grabbing the title of the "best baijiu" for the year.

In the 2016 Monde Selection in Brussels, eight judges, after a four-month appraisal period, gave gold awards to six Kimen Kaoliang Liquor products, with V.S.O. Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor winning the top honor of "special gold medal."

In the New York Ultimate Spirits Challenge, V.S.O. Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor was given 95 points and high recommendation by the judges who praised it as "extraordinary," beating famous brands from China such as Maotai and Shuijingfang.

(By Y.W. Wang and Flor Wang)ENDITEM/J