Our experts

MEET THE JUDGES

Recruited for their unrivalled expertise, the IWSC judges are at the heart of our awards

Our judges assess every glass put in front of them methodically to ensure a fair and true result, tasting and discussing each entry alongside the rest of the panel. Our panels consist of experts and influencers from every sector of the drinks trade, from buyers, importers and distributors to the specialists making and serving the drinks. View our judges below.

For more information about becoming an IWSC judge and to apply, please click here. 

Madhu Rajigani
Madhu Rajigani

Position: Brand Ambassador - The Macallan

Company: Edrington

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Keli Rivers
Keli Rivers

Position: Sr National Brand Ambassador

Company: Sipsmith

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Bryan Rodriguez-Curtis
Bryan Rodriguez-Curtis

Position: Wine & Spirit Judge and Consultant

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Josh Rosenbaum
Josh Rosenbaum

Company: Glenrinnes Distillery Ltd. (Eight Lands Organic Spirits)

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Derek Sandhaus
Derek Sandhaus

Position: Author and co-founder

Company: Ming River

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Erik Simonics
Erik Simonics

Position: Head of Wine & Beverage

Company: Sunset Hospitality

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Sukhinder Singh
Sukhinder Singh

Position: Owner

Company: Elixir Distillers

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Aidy Smith
Aidy Smith

Position: TV Presenter, Drinks Columnist

Company: The Three Drinkers

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DavidT Smith
DavidT Smith

Position: Member of the Spirits Judging Committee

Company: Summer Fruit Cup

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Simone Spagnoli
Simone Spagnoli

Position: Groups Bar Manager

Company: Inception Group

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Fabio Spinetti
Fabio Spinetti

Position: Director of Bars

Company: Rocco Forte Hotels

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Emma Stokes
Emma Stokes

Position: Spirits writer and judge

Company: Gin Monkey Ltd

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Rachel Sutherland
Rachel Sutherland

Position: Liquid Subject Matter Expert

Company: Diageo

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Noel  Sweeney
Noel Sweeney

Position: Consultant and Co-Founder

Company: Next Level Distillers

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Toshio Ueno
Toshio Ueno

Position: Executive Instructor & Vice President

Company: International Sake School & Sake School of America

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Adamo Varbaro
Adamo Varbaro

Position: Events and Project Manager UKBG

Company: FastForward Bartending

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Emma Walker
Emma Walker

Position: Master Blender

Company: Johnnie Walker

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Olivier Ward
Olivier Ward

Position: Member of the Spirits Judging Committee

Company: Journalist & Spirits Consultant

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Kristiane Westray
Kristiane Westray

Position: Whisky writer, communicator and educator

Company: Freelance

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