Storytellers of the Spirit World: IWSC Spirits Communicator Trophy 2026 Shortlist

The IWSC, in partnership with Chivas Brothers, is proud to announce the shortlist for the IWSC Spirits Communicator Trophy 2026.

This global accolade celebrates individuals who have elevated the spirits industry through creativity, clarity, and professionalism. Open to writers, broadcasters, educators, and digital innovators, the award recognises those who inspire audiences while building understanding and appreciation of spirits worldwide.

The winner will be revealed at the IWSC Awards Celebration on 12 November 2025, and will go on to collaborate with the IWSC throughout 2026, including editorial features in Club Oenologique.

The Shortlist

• Billy Abbott
• Joel Harrison
• Aaron Goldfarb
• Felipe Schrieberg
• Tristan Stephenson
• Kristiane Westray

Meet the candidates

Billy Abbott
Billy is a whisky and spirits writer, educator, and ambassador with more than a decade of experience. A long-time figure at The Whisky Exchange, he has hosted tastings, masterclasses, and educational sessions for both trade and consumers. He is the author of The Philosophy of Whisky, contributes widely to spirits publications, and regularly appears on podcasts and panels. Billy is also a certified WSET Spirits Educator, an Armagnac Educator, and a Shochu Adviser, reflecting the breadth of his expertise. His work extends into industry leadership as a member of the Circle of Wine Writers and the Worshipful Company of Distillers.

Joel Harrison
Joel is one of the most respected voices in spirits communication, with a career spanning writing, broadcasting, and education. He is the author of seven books, including the bestselling Distilled and, most recently, The Whisky World Tour. His writing features in titles such as The Times, The Telegraph, WIRED, and Club Oenologique. Joel is also a regular presenter on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, where he has brought whisky and cocktails to mainstream audiences for over a decade. A Keeper of the Quaich and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, Joel continues to champion clarity and connection in the world of spirits.

Aaron Goldfarb
Aaron is a Brooklyn-based journalist and author who has spent nearly two decades writing about spirits, cocktails, and drinking culture. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Punch, and VinePair, among many others. He has written 12 books, including Hacking Whiskey, Brand Mysticism (co-authored with Steven Grasse), and Dusty Booze, which was named one of Amazon’s Best Books of 2024 and a finalist at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. In addition to his books and articles, Aaron co-created the show Sipping Point for Spirits Network, and frequently hosts tastings, talks, and events across the U.S.

Felipe Schrieberg
Felipe is a whisky writer, author, musician, and tasting host. He is a senior contributor to Forbes and has written extensively across whisky publications, with his first whisky book, The World of Whisky: The New Traditions, published by HarperCollins in 2025. As one half of The Rhythm and Booze Project, he has combined live music with whisky tastings, including sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe. Felipe is also co-founder of ProtectYourCask.com, an educational site raising awareness around whisky cask investment scams, and has become a leading advocate for transparency in the industry. A Keeper of the Quaich and multiple award-winner, he continues to shape conversations around whisky with creativity and integrity.

Tristan Stephenson
Tristan is a drinks entrepreneur, bestselling author, and podcaster with a career defined by innovation. He has founded acclaimed bars including Purl, Worship Street Whistling Shop, and Black Rock, and co-founded the whisky subscription service Whisky-Me. His Curious Bartender book series has sold more than half a million copies worldwide and been translated into 10 languages. In 2024 he launched the Curious Bartender Podcast, which quickly became one of the most listened-to drinks podcasts across Europe and beyond. Tristan’s ability to blend entrepreneurship, writing, and broadcasting has made him one of the most influential communicators in contemporary spirits.

Kristiane Westray
Kristiane is a whisky communicator, writer, and presenter, formerly known by her byline Kristiane Sherry. Her work spans publications such as Whisky Magazine, The Malt Whisky Yearbook, Club Oenologique, and The Times. In October 2025, she will publish her first book, Savour: A guide to tasting and exploring whiskies of the world (Bloomsbury). Kristiane has served as editor at The Spirits Business and led content at Master of Malt, alongside working as a WSET Spirits Educator. Her work often explores whisky through cultural and political lenses, with a strong focus on inclusivity and accessibility. She is also the founder of Safe Space Whisky, advocating for equity within the whisky industry.

The IWSC Spirits Communicator Trophy celebrates those who use their voice to bring the world of spirits to life. This year’s shortlist highlights a diverse group of writers, presenters, and innovators whose work reflects the vibrancy and variety of the global spirits industry. The winner will be revealed on 12 November 2025 at the IWSC Awards Celebration.