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.

Emma Stokes
Emma Stokes

Position: Spirits writer and judge

Company: Gin Monkey Ltd

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Rachel Sutherland
Rachel Sutherland

Position: Liquid & Innovation Manager

Company: Warners distillery

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Noel  Sweeney
Noel Sweeney

Position: Master Distiller

Company: Next Level Distillers

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Meme Toor
Meme Toor

Company: Meme Loves Gin

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Toshio Ueno
Toshio Ueno

Position: Executive Instructor & Vice-President

Company: Sake School of America

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Michael Vachon
Michael Vachon

Position: Co-Founder

Company: Maverick Drinks

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Leah van Deventer
Leah van Deventer

Position: Writer & Educator

Company: Leah Van Deventer

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Adamo Varbaro
Adamo Varbaro

Position: Events and Project Manager UKBG

Company: FastForward Bartending

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Emma Walker
Emma Walker

Position: Master Blender

Company: Johnny Walker

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Ian Warborn-Jones
Ian Warborn-Jones

Position: Director / Co-founder

Company: Outliner Distilling

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Olivier Ward
Olivier Ward

Position: Member of the Spirits Judging Committee

Company: Journalist & Spirits Consultant

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Howard Winn
Howard Winn

Position: Alcoholic Beverage Consultant

Company: Howard Winn Drinks Solution

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Ian  Wisniewski
Ian Wisniewski

Position: Spirits Writer

Company: Freelance

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Klaus Wurm
Klaus Wurm

Company: Märkische Spezialitätenbrennerei KG

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Eric Zandona
Eric Zandona

Company: The American Distilling Institute

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Eric Zwiebel MS
Eric Zwiebel MS

Position: Wine Director

Company: The Samling Hotel

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