Spirits Communicator 2020 shortlist: Becky Paskin

The IWSC Spirits Communicator 2020 – sponsored by Chivas Brothers – recognises the individual or team who has best been able to engage with consumers to promote the world of spirits via both traditional media and new and unusual vehicles. The award recognises someone who connected strongly with consumers in 2019, adapted to the new normal of 2020, and has compelling plans going forward into 2021. We are profiling each of the shortlisted candidates...

Writing about drinks for over 12 years, Becky Paskin is an internationally respected spirits journalist, whisky specialist and consultant.  Editor and contributor of scotchwhisky.com and The Spirits Business, Paskin is highly regarded for her dedication to the craft, and was the first journalist to gain The General Certificate in Distillation, a qualification usually the preserve of distillery operators. Her writing has gained her admittance as a Keeper of the Quaich and seen her named Icon of Whisky Communicator of the Year and shortlisted for a Cocktail Spirited Award.

In 2018 she co-founded OurWhisky to promote the spirit as a diverse and accessible drink. She followed this up by launching the OurWhisky virtual festival in April 2020, which was attended by thousands of whisky consumers, and then organising and hosting a virtual panel discussion on the effect of Covid-19 on the global whisky industry – World Whisky Talk: Coronavirus

Apart from being a brand consultant for many global labels she also writes for publications including The Daily Beast, Club Oenologique, The Spirits Business and Whisky Magazine. Her plans for 2021 include being project director for the new virtual spirits exhibition the World of Spirits Expo, which will run in March next year.

“If I were to win, I would use my position as IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year to help consumers find their way through the category, assisting their journey as they discover new whiskies or spirits,” said Paskin. “Being named Communicator of the Year would also help support my mission to make whisky more inclusive. I’d want to use the opportunity to do some good for the industry, instigate change and help it continue to be progressive.”

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The issues raised in the last few days are more deeply rooted than the comments printed in a whisky reviews guide. So this is the first of many open conversations with the whisky community on the issues of sexism, objectification of women and gender stereotyping, and how the industry can collectively make progressive, positive change. Thanks to @themisswhisky @thejenniferwren @_simo_simo_ @louisemcguane @davemitton @beckhar67 @belleswhisky @ourwhisky

A post shared by Becky Paskin | Whisky + Drinks (@beckypaskin) on Sep 24, 2020 at 10:06am PDT

View the other nominees

• Ian Burrell
• Neil Ridley
• Billy Abbott
• The Three Drinkers

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is a global drinks producer and exports company steeped in Scottish heritage. It is the only Pernod Ricard business dedicated entirely to Scotch whisky and comprises a prestigious range of single malt and blended whiskies. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet.