IWSC announces shortlist for 2025 Spirits Communicator Trophy

The IWSC is proud to announce the shortlist for its 2025 Spirits Communicator Trophy. With 10 brilliant entries from across the globe, this award was judged by the 2024 Spirits Communicator Trophy winner Ian Burrell, our 2023 winner Mark Gillespie, Editorial Director for Club Oenologique Laura Richards, our 2017 winner and Spirits Judging Committee member Olivier Ward, as well as Kate Power from Chivas Brothers, the sponsor of the trophy. 

The winner of the 2025 IWSC Spirits Communicator Trophy will be revealed at the IWSC Awards Celebration on 12 November at the Roundhouse, London. 

The shortlisted entrants for 2025 IWSC Spirits Communicator Trophy are:

Felipe Schrieberg

Felipe Schrieberg is an innovative whisky writer, musician, and author based in Poland, recognised for his dynamic contribution to spirits communication. With an impressive background as a senior contributor for Forbes and features in renowned publications, such as Whisky Magazine, his upcoming book, "The World of Whisky: The New Traditions", is set to launch globally in January 2025. Felipe is the creative force behind the Rhythm and Booze Project, which fuses live music with whisky tasting events, earning accolades at the Edinburgh Fringe for three consecutive years.

"We love the way he infuses live events with traditional forms of communication. There’s not many spirits communicators performing at the Edinburgh Fringe after all! Also worth noting is his excellent and commendable work on cask education with the Protect Your Cask project," noted our judges.

Felipe's commitment to educating the public on whisky cask investments further highlights his passion for helping the consumers make informed decisions. Felipe is a worthy candidate for this prestigious trophy, said our judges.

Hamish Smith

Hamish Smith is a leading drinks journalist and editor of Class magazine, the UK's premier bar-focused publication. With a career spanning nearly 15 years, he has transformed Class into a beacon of independent journalism that celebrates the vibrancy of the spirits and cocktail scene. As a founding editor of the World’s 50 Best Bars, Hamish played a crucial role in elevating the brand to a global phenomenon. He also spearheaded the Bar World 100 initiative, highlighting influential figures in the industry.

The judges commented: "Hamish has a wealth of experience and a body of work that’s taken years to cultivate, alongside an amazing platform that he’s been chiefly responsible for creating. More importantly for this award, when he does get the opportunity to comment and communicate, he’s very effective at it.”

Hamish's recent projects, like the Class Report, promise to further enhance the spirits narrative in the UK. His commitment to advancing bar culture positions him as a formidable contender for the 2025 IWSC Spirits Communicator Award.

Melita Kiely

Melita Kiely has spent a decade immersing herself in the spirits industry, culminating in her role as editor of The Spirits Business since January 2020. Under her leadership, the magazine has flourished, becoming a trusted source for data and insights into top-selling spirits brands. Additionally, Melita chairs spirits competitions, showcasing her commitment to industry standards. Her recent podcast initiatives delve into critical conversations, tackling topics like racism and sexism, earning her high praise for her willingness to confront uncomfortable issues.

As the judges noted, "Melita’s more then done her job from a communication platform perspective, but she’s also stood out as an individual, managing to find ways to implement her own voice through content and conversations around areas that have quite frankly been ignored for too long. We were particularly impressed with how Melita has used her role as editor of The Spirits Business to push the more uncomfortable topics from the spirits industry perspective, covering often uncomfortable topics like racism and sexism in the trade." With a diploma in single malt whisky and a Level 3 qualification in spirits, Melita exemplifies passion and expertise in her craft.

Phillip Gow

Hailing from ōhope, New Zealand, Phillip Gow is a pioneering figure in the world of whisky communication. As the creator of one of the largest single malt whisky YouTube channels globally, he has amassed over 50,000 subscribers, attracting viewers with engaging and easily digestible content. His documentary-style videos unravel complex whisky concepts, making them accessible to enthusiasts at all levels.

"Phillip is a very effective communicator and one of the leading voices in promoting the Australian/New Zealand whiskey industry. We love his communication style, his videos are high quality with slick production that’s entertaining to watch. He explains often complicated topics in a way that's really easy to follow, breaking them down bit by bit. Phillip defines the multi-platform approach that is key in today’s crowded media landscape," commented the judges.

With a decade of experience in video production, Phillip's unique storytelling ability sets him apart, allowing him to connect with a global audience. His live whisky tastings and thriving online communities demonstrate his commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all whisky lovers.


Congratulations to all shortlisted communicators for their remarkable achievements and contributions to the spirits industry. Your dedication and innovative approaches are inspiring, ensuring that the art of communication continues to flourish within this vibrant sector. 

The winner of our 2025 Spirits Communicator Trophy will be announced at our Awards Celebration on 12 November at the Roundhouse.