IWSC is going to Kentucky for its first Global Whiskey & RTD judging

In September 2024, the IWSC team of international judges will head to Kentucky to judge North American Whiskey & RTDs in situ.

As the world’s oldest and most respected drinks industry awards, the IWSC sees its mission in championing a diversity of drinks categories and supporting producers from across the world. To stay true to this mission, in addition to its main judging in London, in 2023 the IWSC introduced Global Judging events. Today, the IWSC is the only drinks competition to take its judges, all of them renowned industry experts, around the world, thus bringing the international spotlight to various regions and categories. After six successful Global Wine Judging events last year, in 2024 the IWSC has announced it first Global Spirits Judging in Kentucky.

The IWSC North American Whiskey & RTD Judging in Kentucky will offer a unique opportunity for North American producers to showcase their drinks to internationally renowned experts, the IWSC judges, and gain a global spotlight while taking advantage of convenient local delivery. 

“The USA has historically been the stalwart of our Worldwide Whiskey category. In 2023 alone, more than 150 medals were awarded to American whiskey, including 25 golds and 4 gold outstandings. Furthermore, our 2023 Worldwide Whiskey Producer Trophy winner hails from Kentucky: this prestigious accolade was awarded to Bardstown Bourbon Company which once again attests to the quality of American spirits. We are very excited that our first Global Spirits Judging will take place in the very heart of North American whiskey culture, Kentucky,” said Christelle Guibert, CEO of the IWSC.

In addition to whiskey, the IWSC is welcoming entries  entries from the Ready-To-Drink category. RTDs have been showing consistent growth year-on-year at the IWSC, with the quality constantly improving and producers experimenting with styles and ingredients.  The USA is at the forefront of innovation in the RTD category, and our judges are looking forward to tasting a broad spectrum of North American RTDs in Kentucky.

The judging team heading to Kentucky will include internationally renowned experts and members of the IWSC’s Judging Committee. Overseeing the judging will be Richard Paterson OBE - Master Blender at Whyte & Mackay and one of the most respected figures in the Scotch whisky industry. Joining Richard, will be Dawn Davies MW, Head Buyer at Speciality Drinks, UK; Guy Hodcroft, Spirits Buyer for Bordeaux Index, Shannon Tebay, Head Judge of the IWSC RTD Awards in London and  Beverage Director for Outernet Live Venues, London; Nate Gana,  Spirits Communicator and Founder of @NateGana on Instagram. US-based judges will also join the panel bringing their invaluable insights and expertise. Amongst US-based judges are renowned Communicators and Buyers from leading distributors.