IWSC Spirits Results announced with entries up nearly 20%
The International Wine and Spirit Competitions’ 2011 Spirits results have been released with some surprising results this year following an increase in submissions across the board.
With products tasted completely blind, the Competition saw grape brandies entered by a total of 19 countries- a real justification of how international the Competition is.
Countries as diverse as England and China were awarded Silver medals, as well as some countries with a long but unheralded tradition of brandy distillation, such as Armenia and Bulgaria. Along with Italy, Australia and Canada picked up awards for Grappa.
The Gin category also saw some impressive results, with Aldi’s own label Oliver Cromwell 1599 winning Gold Best in Class for the second year running and Welsh winner, Brecon Special Reserve Gin, also scooping Gold Best in Class.
A wonderful range of Liqueurs were also entered, from liquorice to Vietnamese speciality sticky rice.
Worldwide whisky also lived up to its title, with eight countries gaining Gold: Scotland, Ireland, USA, Japan, Canada, South Africa, Sweden and Taiwan.
Overall, there were 14 countries in total that picked up whisky medals including Australia, France, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, India and Wales.
David Kelly, IWSC marketing manager commented: “The growth in this year’s entry numbers and the international breadth of products has been impressive.
“It’s now important to make sure that we equip all the winners with the marketing toolkits that they need to help them promote their award”.
Nielsen figures show that for 12 months to 1 July 2011 in the off-trade, overall spirits category sales remained flat but on a category level volume figures show flavoured vodkas were up 47%, Golden Rum up 39%, Liqueurs up 11%, blended Scotch was down 2% but imported whiskies up 6% and malt whisky up 9%.
Medal winners and product Trophy winners were announced on 27 July 2011 alongside a trade and press tasting. The event featured 200 of the top products entered into the 2011 competition.
Held in conjunction with the Worshipful Company of Distillers, the tasting saw the announcement of the shortlists for the International Spirits Trophies which go forward for the coveted Distiller of the Year award sponsored by Suntory.
If you require further information, interviews or photos please contact:
David Kelly IWSC Marketing Manager Tel: +44 (0) 1483 548 963 E: david.kelly@iwscgroup.com | Shirley Kumar Red Chilli PR Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 7817 696084 E: Shirley.kumar@redchillipr.com |
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