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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

East Meets West in Perfect Harmony with Sake and Rice Wine

At IWSC 2025, sake and rice wine entries achieved an impressive 91% medal rate, with three Gold medals (95 points each) spanning Japanese sake craftsmanship and Chinese huangjiu tradition.

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Spirit news

Baijiu: China's Complex Spirit Connects with Curious Drinkers

How this year's IWSC medal winners prove the world's most consumed liquor is ready for global appreciation

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Spirit news

Korea's Everyday Spirit Finds a Premium Voice

How the Korean Wave is transforming one of the world's best-selling spirits into a global premium

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Spirit news

Shochu's Silent Revolution: Japan's Best-Kept Secret Goes Global

How a 99-point Awamori and 97 medals prove this elegant spirit is ready for the world stage

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Alternative drinks

‘I’ll Have The Unusual’: High-Quality Alternatives in Bar Offerings

These days, when you walk into any progressive bar, you’ll find more than beer, wine and spirits on the menu. The IWSC 2025 Alternative Drinks results reveal an intriguing story.

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Wine news

IWSC Global Judging in South Africa: Producer Trophy Announced

Graham Beck, Cap Classique specialist, has been awarded the South African Producer Trophy.

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Alternative drinks

How Ready-To-Drink Cocktails Transcended Convenience To Become a Craft Category

The ready-to-drink (RTD) category is undergoing a fundamental transformation. What began as simple convenience products for commuters has evolved into a legitimate craft category, where producers are reimagining classic cocktails and creating entirely new drinking experiences.

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Alternative drinks

Serious About Zero: Celebrating No-Alcohol Innovation How the no-alcohol category is finding its stride

The no-alcohol drinks revolution has reached a turning point. What began over a decade ago as simple spirit substitutes has evolved into a sophisticated category that's confidently charting its own course

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