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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
IWSC 2026 Spirits results announced
Following the conclusion of the 2026 IWSC Spirits Judging in London, the IWSC is delighted to announce that results are now live. This year's results demonstrate that quality is not confined to any one region, with outstanding spirits being produced across the globe by both major producers and small craft distilleries.
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Spirit news
IWSC Spirits & RTD Judging in Kentucky 2026: Results
We are delighted to reveal the results of the IWSC 2026 North American Spirits & RTD Judging, held in Kentucky for the third consecutive year.
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Spirit news
IWSC Spirits & RTD Judging in Kentucky 2026: Insights
Last week, the IWSC returned to Kentucky for the third year in a row, bringing together an international panel of spirits experts to assess the very best of North American spirits and RTDs. While whiskey remains at the heart of the judging, this year’s competition spanned a much broader spectrum of categories, including gin, vodka, rum and RTDs.
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Spirit news
IWSC Spirits Judging 2026: week 1 highlights
Following two weeks of wine judging in London, the IWSC Spirits Judging has brought together leading spirits buyers, bartenders, distillers and communicators to assess entries from across the global spirits industry - from classic Scotch whisky and Caribbean rum to contemporary gin and premium vodka.
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Spirit news
Billy Abbott revealed as Winner of the 2026 Spirits Communicator trophy
Following the shortlist announcement, the IWSC is delighted to reveal the winner of its 2026 Spirits Communicator Award, sponsored by Chivas Brothers.
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Spirit news
Ardbeg wins IWSC 2025 Scotch Producer Trophy
The IWSC Scotch Whisky Producer Trophy, sponsored by Forsyths, celebrates producers who achieve this balance, marrying heritage with innovation to create whiskies that resonate around the world
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Spirit news
Château de Lacquy wins IWSC 2025 Grape Brandy Producer Trophy
Château de Lacquy has won the IWSC's 2025 Grape Brandy Producer Trophy, marking their second victory in this category, reflecting three centuries and eleven generations of dedication
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Spirit news
Chuko Awamori Distillery Co. wins IWSC's 2025 Shochu Producer Trophy
A 600-year tradition earns global acclaim as one small producer blends ancient clay pots, fermentation science, and coral reef conservation to elevate awamori, and keep its legacy alive.
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Spirit news
The Lost Explorer Mezcal Co. wins IWSC 2025 Agave Producer Trophy
A bold blend of tradition and innovation has earned one agave producer the IWSC’s 2025 Agave Trophy. With solar-powered distilling, regenerative farming, and a reverence for biodiversity, their spirits honour the land while captivating the world.
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Spirit news
Sober Spirits wins IWSC 2025 Low & No Cocktails & Spirits Producer Trophy
A Provençal pioneer wins the IWSC Low & No Cocktails & Spirits Producer Trophy with dealcoholised spirits crafted from real whisky, rum, and gin, delivering complexity, sustainability, and global momentum to the no-alc revolution.
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