Our experts

MEET THE JUDGES

Recruited for their unrivalled expertise, the IWSC judges are at the heart of our awards

Our judges assess every glass put in front of them methodically to ensure a fair and true result, tasting and discussing each entry alongside the rest of the panel. Our panels consist of experts and influencers from every sector of the drinks trade, from buyers, importers and distributors to the specialists making and serving the drinks. View our judges below.

Serdar Balkaya
Serdar Balkaya

Position: Head Sommelier

Company: Trivet Restaurant

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Lauren Ballantyne
Lauren Ballantyne

Position: Product Development Manager

Company: Tesco

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Suzana Barelli
Suzana Barelli

Position: Journalist

Company: Paladar Newspaper

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Charlotte Barker
Charlotte Barker

Position: Malt Whisky Ambassador

Company: Diageo

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Gerard  Barnes
Gerard Barnes

Position: Wine buyer

Company: Berkmann Wine Cellars

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Susie Barrie MW
Susie Barrie MW

Position: Wine writer, broadcaster and consultant

Company: Susie & Peter

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Tom Bartram
Tom Bartram

Position: North and Midlands Sales Manager

Company: Speciality Brands

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Leonardo Bassano
Leonardo Bassano

Position: Global Wine Buyer

Company: Direct wines

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Edward Bates
Edward Bates

Position: Consultant

Company: Distilled London (UK) Ltd

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Melania Battiston
Melania Battiston

Position: Wine Director

Company: Cornus

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Stephen Beal
Stephen Beal

Position: Managing Director

Company: SrWhiskyMaster.com

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Georgie Bell
Georgie Bell

Position: Global Head of Advocacy

Company: Bacardi

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Nick Bell
Nick Bell

Position: Senior Spirits and Beer Buyer

Company: Harvey Nicols

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Dan Belmont
Dan Belmont

Position: Director / Wine Buyer

Company: Good Wine Good People

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Sarah Benson
Sarah Benson

Position: Wine Buyer

Company: Co-operative

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Bruno Besa
Bruno Besa

Position: Managing Director

Company: Astrum Wines

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Jim Beveridge
Jim Beveridge

Position: Scotch Whisky Consultant

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