Veronika Karlova - Spirits Judges' Top Picks

Tue 14 Jun 2022

Throughout judging, each of our experts will individually score every spirit they sample. This means after we’ve announced our results, we can share the spirits our judges rate the highest.

Today we hear from Veronika Karlova. Veronika is an experienced spirits consultant within the vodka industry with extensive knowledge of global vodka market. As well as her role as UK Brand Ambassador for Beluga Vodka, she works as a consultant, assisting brands to launch onto the UK market.

Veronika joined us again this year to judge our vodka entrants.

"This year was my fifth year judging with the IWSC, and I believe, particularly with the feedback for non-medal winners, the competition offers valuable feedback to producers” she comments. “Every entrant is discussed by the panel before the final score is agreed upon.

“As a judge, over the years, we have really seen the vodka category evolve as it adapts to new trends. It really comes down to the ingredients used to create the vodka’s base spirit, as this is what will deliver the different characteristics.

“Having reviewed my highest scoring spirits from this year’s judging, amongst my top expressions are contemporary vodkas distilled from fruit, the traditional, so called ‘neutral vodka category’ is quite prominent, and there are some some delicious and well-balanced products made mostly from grain. A good mix.”