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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
Lessons from this year's rum silver medal winners
This year’s Silver medal-winning rums offer a revealing snapshot of quality, innovation and style. With over 120 Silver medals awarded, the judging panels encountered a vibrant range of rums that reflected both tradition and the category’s evolving direction.
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Spirit news
Raising a Glass to Rum: IWSC Bronze Medal Winners 2025
An IWSC Bronze medal is not easily won. It is a clear marker of excellence, signifying a product that delivers consistent quality along with an enjoyable, approachable drinking experience. For consumers, it serves as a reliable indicator of authenticity and care in production.
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Spirit news
From Islay to Orkney: Island single malt whiskies impress at the IWSC
Across Scotland’s whisky-producing islands, from the windswept shores of Islay to the rugged terrain of Orkney and the emerging spirit of Raasay, distillers are using terroir and stylistic flair to craft compelling single malts
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Spirit news
Highland and Speyside Single Malts: Classic regions, contemporary statements
Scotland’s best-known whisky regions delivered standout performances at the IWSC 2025, with Highland and Speyside distilleries earning some of the highest scores across the single malt category
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Spirit news
Why Scottish single grain whisky Is gaining momentum in global markets
Scottish single grain whisky is stepping into the spotlight, with distillers embracing innovation and global demand rising for both mixable expressions and rare aged releases.
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Spirit news
Blended Scotch Whisky: Trends and innovation in premiumisation
The Blended and Blended Malt Whisky categories attracted a diverse range of entries this year, and our judges unearthed the very best from brands of all sizes.
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Spirit news
The results are out! North American Whiskey and RTD Global Judging in Kentucky
Congratulations to all the Whiskey and RTD brands who have been awarded IWSC medals in this year's North American Whiskey and RTD in-stu judging in Kentucky.
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Spirit news
Judges’ deliberations: IWSC judging in Kentucky comes to a close
As the second year of IWSC judging in Kentucky concludes, we look back on the week and speak with our judges to explore the trends that emerged and how they felt about the whiskies and RTDs they assessed.
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Spirit news
IWSC Spirits Awards 2025 Announced
This year’s entries showcased global excellence across four continents, with standout spirits in categories including whisk(e)y, gin, brandy, agave, vodka, liqueurs, aperitifs and digestifs. Just 3% achieved Gold Outstanding, while 12% were awarded Gold.
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Spirit news
Dawn Davies MW: The Art of Objective Spirits Evaluation
As Head Buyer at Speciality Drinks and member of IWSC's Spirits Judging Committee, Dawn Davies MW shares insights into maintaining objectivity in spirits evaluation.
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