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

The history of absinthe and five examples to try

Since the 1990s, bartenders have started to tap into absinthe's daring image and show off the drink’s punchy notes of anise, pepper and herbs in new cocktail recipes. Here are five top examples to try

Read article

Spirit news

Shochu: what is it and which bottles should you try?

Asian spirits have a knack of being beautifully crafted liquids with a beguiling texture – and Shochu is no exception. Explore our pick of the best Shochus from the IWSC’s latest spirits tasting

Read article

Spirit news

Top 20 single malt whiskies from around the world

The past decade or so has been kind to the whisky drinker. Up until then, their choice of dram was generally limited to Scotland, Ireland and the USA – and little else. But now the options are vast – whisky is made all around the world, and the results are giving the traditional producers something to think about.

Read article

Spirit news

Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year 2020: William Grant & Sons

Covering both classic and modern, William Grant & Sons continues to be at the heart of everything in this dynamic industry – and that is the main reason why this family-owned company is the recipient of the 2020 IWSC Scotch Whisky Producer Trophy

Read article

Spirit news

Baijiu: Learn about China’s national drink and the best bottles to try

Ahead of Chinese New Year, we're talking about China's national drink - Baijiu - and sharing the top 20 bottles from the IWSC 2020 spirits tasting

Read article

Spirit news

Liqueur Producer of the Year, 2020: Mozart Distillerie

The IWSC Liqueur Producer of the Year goes to Mozart Distillerie, an Austrian producer that is the master of making luscious, rich chocolate liqueurs

Read article

Spirit news

Top six vermouths from around the world

Vermouth has been in and out of fashion for hundreds of years, but is currently enjoying something of a renaissance. Here are six top-rated vermouths from the 2020 IWSC, from a range of countries and styles.

Read article

Spirit news

Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year 2020: BBS (Bellonnie & Bourdillon Successeurs)

The recipient of the IWSC Outstanding Spirit Producer of the Year Trophy 2020 is Martinique-based BBS, which makes deliciously fresh, aromatic agricole rum

Read article

Spirit news

Rum Producer of the Year, 2020: BBS

The IWSC Rum Producer of the Year goes to BBS, a Martinique-based distiller that creates a very special type of rum: agricole, made from fresh sugar cane

Read article

Spirit news

Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the year, 2020: Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery

The world of whiskey has traditionally been dominated by Scotland, Ireland and the US, but change is afoot. Representing Worldwide Whiskey is Finland's Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery.

Read article