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. 

Simone Spagnoli
Simone Spagnoli

Position: Groups Bar Manager

Company: Inception Group

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Fabio Spinetti
Fabio Spinetti

Position: Director of Bars

Company: Rocco Forte Hotels

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Jeremy Stephens
Jeremy Stephens

Company: Cotswolds Distillery

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Emma Stokes
Emma Stokes

Position: Spirits writer and judge

Company: Gin Monkey Ltd

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Rachel Sutherland
Rachel Sutherland

Position: Liquid Subject Matter Expert

Company: Diageo

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Noel  Sweeney
Noel Sweeney

Position: Consultant and Co-Founder

Company: Next Level Distillers

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Charlie Thomas
Charlie Thomas

Position: Gin School FOH Manager

Company: 58 and CO.

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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: International Sake School & 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: Johnnie 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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