Alternative drinks judging process
Judging process
Achieving an IWSC award isn't easy, but that's what makes the medal so well respected
We run a tightly structured, rigorous tasting process. We use the ‘double-blind’ method, which means samples are tasted in pre-poured numbered glasses to ensure our experts never see a bottle. Each drink is judged by a whole panel in sync, allowing for group discussions.
Our points of difference
Our experts
IWSC judges are world-renowned experts from across the global drinks trade. Many judges are also distillers/producers themselves, providing a unique opportunity for independent peer feedback.
Our independent judging committee meets once a quarter to maintain the utmost integrity, accuracy and impartiality during the judging process.
Why do we need four samples?
We want to ensure that if a wine is faulty or damaged we can serve a fresh sample to avoid any of your wines getting an unfair score. In addition, if your wine wins a gold medal it will be put forward for our trophy judging, where we will use a bottle in these judging sessions. Spare bottles are used for promotional activities throughout the year.
Please note: if you are sending cans, we will require six samples.
Alternative drinks scoring system
Gold | Silver | Bronze |
95-100 | 90-94 | 85-89 |
An excellent drink with an exceptional balance and rare and complex flavours. An example that stand out against its peers. | An accomplished drink with good balance, strong character and good complexity. A classic example of its category style. | A perfectly well-made drink which provides an enjoyable drinking experience. A good reflection of the category style. |
