Stories
Latest updates
Find out what IWSC is up to and learn about top-rated producers via our news feed
Each week we publish stories about the best wines and spirits, our experts, upcoming events, and beverage industry news. And, don't miss our new IWSC Insights series, where we take an in-depth look into drinks businesses and markets around the world. Looking for recommendations? Visit our consumer website Club Oenologique to read our top 10s and reviews.
Spirit news
Announcing the winner of the 2025 IWSC Emerging Talent in Spirits Award
Today we are pleased to announce the winner of the IWSC Emerging Talent in Spirits Award. This year's winner is an entrepreneur who founded her business in 2018 who was commended by the judges for her energy, broad involvement in the business.
Read article
Spirit news
IWSC Emerging Talent Awards: A voice for change in the bartending world
This year's winner was selected for her passion, enthuiasm and work to help create inclusive working environments for people suffering from chronic illness and pain.
Read article
Spirit news
Announcing the 2025 IWSC Emerging Talent in Spirits Communications Trophy
We are pleased to reveal the 2025 winner of the IWSC Emerging Talent in Spirits Communications.
Read article
Spirit news
Ivan Dixon: The calibration process is almost always organic
With over 17 years of experience as an IWSC judge, Ivan Dixon shares insights into the crucial process of palate calibration and panel dynamics
Read article
Spirit news
IWSC Returns to Kentucky to Judge North American Whiskey and RTDs
Following a successful debut, the IWSC is returning to Kentucky to champion the finest North American Whiskeys and Ready-to-Drink (RTD) beverages.
Read article
Spirit news
Dr Emma Walker: The Value of Expert Judging in Whisky Excellence
As Master Blender for Johnnie Walker and member of IWSC's Spirits Judging Committee, Dr. Emma Walker shares how judging enriches whisky expertise and enhances industry understanding.
Read article
Spirit news
David T Smith: A good judge knows what the consumer is looking for
In this Spirits Edition of the IWSC Insider, David T Smith shares the five key characteristics that define excellence in spirits evaluation.
Read article
Spirit news
Olivier Ward on how to elevate a gin from good to gold
In this Spirits edition of the IWSC Insider Olivier Ward explains the objective and subjective factors of the Gin judging.
Read article
Spirit news
Richard Paterson OBE on how to win IWSC gold: It’s all about harmony
In this Spirits edition of the IWSC Insider, we speak to our Judging Committee member Richard Paterson OBE about Whisky trends, how to win an IWSC gold, and how the IWSC drives quality across the global spirits industry.
Read article
Spirit news
Melita Kiely - winner of IWSC 2025 Spirits Communicator Trophy
Following the shortlist announcement, the IWSC is excited to reveal the winner of its 2025 Spirits Communicator Trophy. Congratulations to Melita Kiely!
Read article