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.

For more information about becoming an IWSC judge and to apply, please click here. 

DavidT Smith
DavidT Smith

Position: Member of the Spirits Judging Committee

Company: Summer Fruit Cup

View profile
Simone Spagnoli
Simone Spagnoli

Position: Groups Bar Manager

Company: Inception Group

View profile
Fabio Spinetti
Fabio Spinetti

Position: Director of Bars

Company: Rocco Forte Hotels

View profile
Emma Stokes
Emma Stokes

Position: Spirits writer and judge

Company: Gin Monkey Ltd

View profile
Rachel Sutherland
Rachel Sutherland

Position: Liquid Subject Matter Expert

Company: Diageo

View profile
Noel Sweeney
Noel Sweeney

Position: Consultant and Co-Founder

Company: Next Level Distillers

View profile
Toshio Ueno
Toshio Ueno

Position: Executive Instructor & Vice President

Company: International Sake School & Sake School of America

View profile
Adamo Varbaro
Adamo Varbaro

Position: Operations & Logistics Director

Company: Mvp.internazionale Ltd

View profile
Emma Walker
Emma Walker

Position: Master Blender

Company: Johnnie Walker (Diageo)

View profile
Olivier Ward
Olivier Ward

Position: Member of the Spirits Judging Committee

Company: Journalist & Consultant, Everglow Spirits

View profile
Kristiane Westray
Kristiane Westray

Position: Whisky writer, author, communicator and educator

Company: Freelance

View profile
Melody Wong
Melody Wong

Position: Director of Wine

Company: The Peninsula Hotels

View profile
Michael Yeoman
Michael Yeoman

Position: CEO and Founder, Spirit of the Downs Distillery

View profile
Tony Yip
Tony Yip

Position: Marketing Director

Company: VSF Wine Education

View profile