Our experts

MEET THE JUDGES

Recruited for their unrivalled expertise, the IWSC judges are at the heart of our awards

Our judges assess every glass put in front of them methodically to ensure a fair and true result, tasting and discussing each entry alongside the rest of the panel. Our panels consist of experts and influencers from every sector of the drinks trade, from buyers, importers and distributors to the specialists making and serving the drinks. View our judges below.

For more information about becoming an IWSC judge and to apply, please click here. 

Oliver Hilton-Johnson
Oliver Hilton-Johnson

Position: Director and Japanese Alcohol Specialist

Company: Tengu Sake

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Guy Hodcroft
Guy Hodcroft

Position: Buyer

Company: Bordeaux Index Fine Wines & Spirits

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Peter Holland
Peter Holland

Position: Sugarcane Spirits Educator

Company: Team Holland Limited a.k.a. TheFloatingRumShack

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Sandy Hyslop
Sandy Hyslop

Position: Director of Blending & Inventory

Company: Chivas Brothers Limited

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Anne Jones
Anne Jones

Position: Consultant

Company: Limestone & Jones

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Veronika Karlova
Veronika Karlova

Position: UK On-Trade Manager

Company: Noblewood Group

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Maia Katsitaadze
Maia Katsitaadze

Position: Member of the Board of Higher Education of Viticulture and Winemaking

Company: National Center for Education Quality Development

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Nick Larsson-Bell
Nick Larsson-Bell

Position: Buyer

Company: Harvey Nicholls

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Nick Larsson-Bell
Nick Larsson-Bell

Position: Senior Wine and Spirits

Company: Harvey Nicols

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Billy Leighton
Billy Leighton

Position: Master Blender Emeritus

Company: Irish Distillers

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William Lowe MW
William Lowe MW

Position: Master Distiller

Company: Cambridge Distillery

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Matias Luciani
Matias Luciani

Position: Head of Whiskey

Company: Celtic Whiskey Shop Ltd

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