IWSC Returns to Kentucky to Judge North American Whiskey and RTDs
Following a successful debut, the IWSC is returning to Kentucky to champion the finest North American Whiskeys and Ready-to-Drink (RTD) beverages.
This event is a vital part of our prestigious Global Judging event, designed to highlight specific categories and regions while celebrating the breadth and diversity of the international drinks industry. With judging sessions taking place annually across Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, and Africa, alongside our main competition in the United Kingdom, the IWSC continues to set the global benchmark for excellence.
Why enter IWSC?
For North American Whiskey producers and RTD makers, entering the IWSC offers a unique opportunity to gain international recognition through a competition renowned for its integrity, credibility, and meticulous judging process. The IWSC operates a truly unbiased and rigorous evaluation system, ensuring that every entry is assessed fairly and on merit alone.
At the heart of the IWSC’s reputation is our unparalleled judging process. Every sample is evaluated double-blind, with no judge assessing more than 65 products per day, ensuring fresh and focused decision-making. Judging is conducted in a controlled environment, with discussions among panel members helping to refine and validate the final scores.
Dawn Davies MW, IWSC spirits judging committee member, emphasises the importance of this meticulous approach:
“The IWSC judging process is really strict, and it needs to be because you’ve got real experts within the industry here. From distillers to retailers to bartenders, everyone looks at the product from a slightly different angle. It’s about collaboration and having the best of the business judging the drinks.”
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As Christelle Guibert, CEO of the IWSC, notes:
“The IWSC is the oldest international wine and spirits competition in the world and was the first to bring panels of international experts to judge in situ. We offer much more than medals, and pride ourselves on the support we provide to both categories and entrants during and after the competition. We are delighted to return to Kentucky in 2025.”
Entrants in our North American Whiskey and RTD judging session will be eligible for Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Outstanding medals, with top-scoring products advancing to our prestigious Trophy Judging, where the best of the best are recognised. The best performing producers will be shortlisted for our highly coveted producer trophies and will be invited to complete a short questionnaire for our Judging Committee to review, with the winners revealed at the IWSC Awards Celebration.
For producers seeking to cement their reputation and gain unparalleled industry recognition, entering the IWSC in Kentucky is an unmissable opportunity. Submit your products and let the world’s most rigorous, respected, and influential competition showcase your excellence.
ENTER NOW
This event is a vital part of our prestigious Global Judging event, designed to highlight specific categories and regions while celebrating the breadth and diversity of the international drinks industry. With judging sessions taking place annually across Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, and Africa, alongside our main competition in the United Kingdom, the IWSC continues to set the global benchmark for excellence.
Why enter IWSC?
For North American Whiskey producers and RTD makers, entering the IWSC offers a unique opportunity to gain international recognition through a competition renowned for its integrity, credibility, and meticulous judging process. The IWSC operates a truly unbiased and rigorous evaluation system, ensuring that every entry is assessed fairly and on merit alone.
At the heart of the IWSC’s reputation is our unparalleled judging process. Every sample is evaluated double-blind, with no judge assessing more than 65 products per day, ensuring fresh and focused decision-making. Judging is conducted in a controlled environment, with discussions among panel members helping to refine and validate the final scores.
Dawn Davies MW, IWSC spirits judging committee member, emphasises the importance of this meticulous approach:
“The IWSC judging process is really strict, and it needs to be because you’ve got real experts within the industry here. From distillers to retailers to bartenders, everyone looks at the product from a slightly different angle. It’s about collaboration and having the best of the business judging the drinks.”
ENTER NOW
A Panel of Industry-Leading Experts
This year’s judging panel in Kentucky will feature internationally renowned figures, including:
- Dawn Davies MW – Head Buyer at Specialty Drinks & IWSC Spirits Judging Committee
- Dr Bill Lumsden – Master Distiller at Glenmorangie
- Ryan Chetiyawardana (Mr Lyan) – Acclaimed bartender and consultant
- Millie Milliken – Award-winning journalist specialising in spirits, cocktails, and bars
These international judges will work alongside top North American experts from across the drinks industry. Our panels are formed exclusively from influential professionals with real commercial experience, ensuring that all assessments are informed, relevant, and insightful.
Elevate Your Brand with the IWSC
Winning an IWSC award is more than just a medal, it’s an internationally recognised mark of quality and excellence. Our awards help brands stand out in a competitive marketplace, offering valuable credibility that can drive sales and consumer trust.As Christelle Guibert, CEO of the IWSC, notes:
“The IWSC is the oldest international wine and spirits competition in the world and was the first to bring panels of international experts to judge in situ. We offer much more than medals, and pride ourselves on the support we provide to both categories and entrants during and after the competition. We are delighted to return to Kentucky in 2025.”
Entrants in our North American Whiskey and RTD judging session will be eligible for Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Outstanding medals, with top-scoring products advancing to our prestigious Trophy Judging, where the best of the best are recognised. The best performing producers will be shortlisted for our highly coveted producer trophies and will be invited to complete a short questionnaire for our Judging Committee to review, with the winners revealed at the IWSC Awards Celebration.
For producers seeking to cement their reputation and gain unparalleled industry recognition, entering the IWSC in Kentucky is an unmissable opportunity. Submit your products and let the world’s most rigorous, respected, and influential competition showcase your excellence.
ENTER NOW
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