IWSC Insider
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Our Insider series takes you behind the scenes of the IWSC, offering exclusive insights straight from the judges.
The IWSC judges are the industry's most influential voices, shaping global markets and driving brand success. From Master Distillers to Senior Buyers, from Head Sommeliers to Bar Directors, these leaders guide the world's top drinks establishments. Through our new Insider series, discover why their judgement is so trusted and gain exclusive insights from the experts themselves.
Dirceu Vianna Junior MW: IWSC elevates industry standards
In this Wine edition of the IWSC Insider, our Judging Committee member Dirceu Vianna Junior MW, shares how the IWSC contributes to industry standards and reveals how medals are awarded.
“As well as demonstrating experience and confidence, our judges are unbiased and have a positive attitude. One of the roles of the Wine Judging Committee is to ensure fairness, consistency and encourage healthy discussions. It is precisely these high-level discussions that are always carried out unhurried and with a focus to reach the correct decision for every single wine that help to reinforce the knowledge of our judges," says Junior.
Richard Paterson OBE on how to win IWSC gold: It’s all about harmony
In this Spirits edition of IWSC Insider, Richard Paterson OBE, one of Scotch Whisky's most respected figures, talks about Whisky trends, how to win an IWSC gold, and how the IWSC judging standards drive quality across the global spirits industry.
"We're looking for harmony and tranquillity in gold medal winners. What I mean by that, everything has to be working together. The spirit has to have the body, the character, and it has to show not just the individual nuances and flavours, it has to be working in harmony. This standard pushes producers to ensure every element of their spirit works in perfect concert," shares Richard.
Millie Gooch: Low & No drinks have to do more than just skip the booze
In this Alternative Drinks edition of the IWSC Insider, Millie Gooch, writer, Low & No advocate and IWSC judge, talks about how the IWSC helps shape the emerging Low & No category.
"The Low & No category is still relatively new and evolving, which means it's full of potential but also needs clear direction to grow in the right way. By having trained judges rigorously tasting and evaluating these drinks, the IWSC helps set a bar for quality in a space where standards are still being defined," says Millie.