IWSC Spirits Awards 2025 Announced

Congratulations to all the brands awarded an IWSC medal today, Monday 2 June. With our expert judges, rigorous assessment, and high thresholds, Gold (95–97 points) and Gold Outstanding (98–100), an IWSC medal remains a trusted mark of quality.

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.

Below are some of the medal highlights. Further insights from our judges will follow on our blog and social media channels.

Gin
Gin entries are assessed as Classic, Contemporary or Flavoured. This year’s top-scoring gins came from 20 countries, reflecting the strength of the category. Alongside strong showings from the UK, entries from Australia stood out.

The highest score, 99 points, went to Black Fox Farm and Distillery’s Haskap Gin from Canada. Judges praised its “deep ruby hue, rich woody aroma and complex blend of red fruit and botanicals.” Seven Gold Outstanding medals (98 points) were awarded to contemporary or flavoured gins from Australia (four), France, Japan and Singapore.

Hawkridge Distillers' The Store Gin, a Classic London Dry from England, earned 97 points and a Gold medal. Judges described “vibrant juniper, peppery spice and a refreshing citrus finish.”

Vodka
This year’s vodka entries highlighted the category’s diversity, showcasing a wide range of styles, flavours and base ingredients. It was a strong showing, with 10 Gold Outstanding and 33 Gold medals awarded. The Gold Outstandings included both flavoured and neutral vodkas from Sweden, Finland, Iceland, England, Germany and Poland. Notably, Hawkridge Distillers — also awarded for their gin — received a Gold Outstanding for their Sexy Fish Vodka. Judges described it as offering “a delicate blend of floral and fruity notes, lifted by peppery spice and sweet icing sugar. The palate is deep and creamy, with smooth vanilla and crisp citrus on the finish.”

Scotch Whisky
A leading IWSC category, Scotch whisky attracted a broad range of entries. Thirteen whiskies received 98-point Gold Outstanding medals, including both blends and single malts from Speyside, Islay, the Lowlands and the Highlands. Notably, Loch Lomond, Glenfiddich and Double Dutch each earned two Gold Outstanding medals.

At the 97-point Gold level, all top awards went to single malts — five from Speyside and two from Islay. Among them, Ardbeg’s Eureka! stood out for its “rich nose of black tea and spice, a palate of barbecued banana, walnuts and smoky depth, with lingering umami complexity.”

Worldwide Whiskey
Worldwide Whiskey delivered standout entries this year, with judges praising the top whiskies for pushing quality to new levels. Australia led the field, winning eight Gold medals across rye and single malts. East Asia remained strong. Kavalan earned a Gold Outstanding (98 points) for its Solist Pedro Ximenez Sherry Cask, plus three further Golds. South Korea, Japan and Taiwan collected seven Golds between them. Irish producers also impressed, with 17 medals awarded across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Redbreast 18 Year Old Single Pot Still was the highest scorer, receiving 98 points.

In total, 18 countries secured Gold or Gold Outstanding medals.

Rum
Rum entries were strong this year, with six Gold Outstanding and eight Gold medals awarded. Winners represented both molasses and cane sugar styles, with five of the six Gold Outstandings going to cane sugar rums. While the Caribbean remains central to rum production, this year’s top medals also went to producers in Australia, Taiwan, Cyprus, the United Kingdom and the USA.

A standout was Hong Shing Winery Co’s Nine To One Red Sugar Cane Rum from Taiwan, awarded Gold Outstanding. Judges described it as having “a vibrant nose revealing green apples with a hint of sugary banana juice. On the palate, a warm, smooth texture that balances beautifully with its off-dry character. The finish is clean and well-structured, exhibiting a delightful lingering warmth.”

Tequila and Mezcal
The IWSC Agave category continues to gain traction, with 11 Gold Outstanding and 25 Gold medals awarded. Judges praised the diversity and depth in this year’s entries. Mezcal stood out for its complexity, particularly Espiritu Montaraz’s Ancestral Pechuga Mole, described as “bursting with herbaceous and meaty spices... with a delightful umami richness.”

Tequila also impressed. Blancos from Tanteo, Cascahuin and Sierra Unidas were commended for purity and balance. Three Reposados from Campo Azul, Pancho Datos and Lagrimas were among the top performers. Judges noted that quality across Reposados has clearly improved this year and described them as among the highlights of the tequila sessions.

Liqueurs and Fruit Spirits
Liqueurs delivered a strong showing, with 18 Gold Outstandings awarded, many of them citrus-led. David T. Smith highlighted this trend, noting that the most successful examples showed freshness and clarity. Japan’s Morikawaraten Yuzocello was simply described as “astounding.” Aldi’s Specially Selected Irish Cream also earned Gold, praised for its “luscious palate of hazelnut cream and Belgian waffle, finishing with chocolate and praline.”

Fruit spirits performed equally well. Pear-based examples stood out, with Williams Simic’s Williams Pear Brandy from Croatia receiving a Gold Outstanding and described as “explosively flavoursome and authentic.”

Asian Spirits
Shochu from Japan led the Asian Spirits category and received all the Gold Outstandings. Judge Barry McCaughley commented that this was the best Shochu showing the IWSC has seen to date. He praised the Imo styles for demonstrating an exceptional range from rustic and earthy to modern and fruity. Baijiu entries were fewer but still impressive, with four Gold medals awarded. Kinmen Kaoliang’s Black Label Golden Dragon Kaoliang was commended for its “ripe pear and banana aroma, candied peel, and a vibrant sandalwood finish.”

Grape Brandy, Cognac, Armagnac and Calvados
Spain led the grape brandy category, with Emilio Lustau taking two Golds. Italy’s Distilleria Sibona Grappa Riserva was noted for its “bright nose of elderflower and white grapes, with a long, clean finish.” France’s Château Montifaud earned Gold for its Pineau des Charentes.

In Cognac, just one Gold Outstanding was awarded. Judge Antony Moss MW observed that many entries lacked expression of the base spirit and were dominated by dried-out wood. Hermitage 1995 stood apart, described as “elegant, with baked nectarine and a layered, complex finish.”

Armagnac showed strength, earning two Gold Outstandings for Marquis de Montesquiou XO and Château de Lacquy 2007. Judges praised the balance of wood and fruit. In Calvados, XO entries performed particularly well. Antony Moss MW remarked that the best examples expressed their base character with sensitive use of oak. Golds went to Calvados Lecompte (two awards), Calvados Boulard, Domaine Familial Louis Dupont and Calvados Père Magloire.

More to Come
The full IWSC 2025 results, covering spirits, wine and alternative drinks, are available on our website. Over the coming weeks, we will share deeper insights from our judging panel across the blog, email and social media.