The IWSC shares its 2023 spirits medal results

Following another strong year for spirits entries, the IWSC has announced the medal winners for its 2023 spirits awards.

During the first two weeks of March, 120 of the world’s leading spirit experts gathered in London to assess over 4,100 entries from 98 countries.

Every spirit from every category was tasted and awarded a score, translating for many entries into a Gold Outstanding, Gold, Silver, or Bronze medal.  All spirits were tasted by the IWSC’s specially selected panel of industry experts, led by members of its Spirits Judging Committee: Ian Burrell, Marie Cheong Thong, Dawn Davies MW, Joel Harrison, Deano Moncrieffe, Richard Paterson OBE, David T. Smith, Shannon Tebay and Olivier Ward.

This year 99 entries were awarded a coveted Gold Outstanding medal. In addition, 379 Gold medals were awarded, 1417 Silver and 1,512 Bronze medals.

While Scotch Whisky was once again an incredibly successful category for awards, receiving 24 of the Gold Outstanding medals and 104 Golds, both the Rum and Tequila & Mezcal categories put in a strong performance this year. Rum entries took home 8 of this year’s Gold Outstanding medals (plus 29 Gold, 84 Silver and 164 Bronze medals) and 10 entries were awarded a Gold Outstanding from the Tequila & Mezcal categories (as well as 21 Gold, 56 Silver and 57 Bronze medals.)

Vodka was another category that put in an impressive performance. 7 of this year’s Gold Outstanding awards went to Vodka entries, as well as 19 Gold medals, 86 Silver and 64 Bronze.

To receive the IWSC’s highest accolade of a Gold Outstanding medal, drinks need to be awarded an overall score of 98 points. Of the 99 spirits which were awarded 98+ points, 9 entries received the highest score 99 points. This year’s top scorers included an Aquavit, Grape Brandy, Rum, Baijiu, Irish Whisky, Scotch Whisky, Armagnac and two Vodkas.

The results for all spirits categories are available now on the IWSC website.

The IWSC will be retasting all the highest scoring medal winners for the IWSC’s 2023 Spirit Trophies. These results will be announced on 17 April, following the announcement of the results from the Cognac category judging, which is scheduled for 12 April.