Stories
Latest updates
Find out what IWSC is up to and learn about top-rated producers via our news feed
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.
Read article
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
Read article
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
Read article
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
Read article
Spirit news
Is flavoured gin still relevant in 2025?
How IWSC 2025 reveals a category in transition - fewer products, but better ones
Read article
Spirit news
Contemporary Gin: Creative Spirits Leading Innovation in 2025
Contemporary gin is now at the forefront of innovation in the spirits world. At the IWSC 2025, it became the largest gin category, with almost 300 entries - surpassing the 261 for Classic gin
Read article
Spirit news
Redefining Classic: How Japan Came Out on Top
The IWSC's Gin Awards is the world's biggest and most diverse gin competition, with thousands of entries from around the globe. This year's classic gin results showcase how the category is reaching new highs across the globe.
Read article
Spirit news
From South Korea to France: The 7 Worldwide Whiskeys That Stunned the Judges
Each year, just a small handful of spirits manage to cross the threshold from technical excellence to true drinks brilliance These are the whiskies that stop the judges in their tracks, bottles that prompt discussion, delight, and ultimately, unanimous agreement that they deserve the very highest honour
Read article
Spirit news
A Golden Era for Global Whiskey
The worldwide whiskey category is one of the most interesting, diverse and competitive at the IWSC, representing everything power rye’s from the Nordics to emerging spirits from China and Korea. This year’s gold medal winners showcase the category at it’s best, with some intriguing shifts in where - and how - quality whiskey is made
Read article
Spirit news
Raising the Bar: Why Silver Medal Worldwide Whiskeys Deserve Your Attention
At the IWSC, a Silver medal isn’t just a step on the podium. It’s a mark of true distinction. In the world of whiskey, where nuance and balance separate the good from the great, achieving Silver signals a product that stands out for its character, craft, and complexity
Read article