REWARDING EXCELLENCE SINCE 1969 iwsc.net @theIWSC
About The IWSC The International Wine & Spirit Competition exists to recognise and reward the very best in the wine and spirits industry leading consumers to better drinks experiences. With 47 years’ heritage, an IWSC Award is recognised internationally as a badge of quality. The Competition is proud to set the international benchmark for quality, remaining unique in the crowded world of drinks competitions with a dedicated tasting premises, a permanent onsite cellar and nearly 400 global experts judging products for 7 months of the year. What sets the IWSC apart from other competitions is the rigour of the judging process, the credibility of the results and the respect key influencers in the world of wines and spirits have for the winners.
Our President 2016 President, Matteo Lunelli, CEO of Ferrari Trento & of the Lunelli Group
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Matteo is part of the third generation of the Lunelli family; his grandfather, Bruno, acquired the company in 1952 from the founder, Giulio Ferrari. Matteo’s goal is to continuously innovate whilst respecting the century old tradition of the winery and he is a passionate ambassador of the Italian Art of Living on the global stage.
The IWSC has one of the most rigorous judging processes and some of the most professional tasters in the world on its judging panels so it meant a lot to our company that our industry peers held our product in such high regard.
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Simon Ford Co-founder, The 86 Co
The IWSC is delighted to welcome Matteo as president for 2016 and we look forward to a great year ahead.
IWSC Benefits The IWSC is truly international in its reach and recognition with entrants, sponsors and supporters in over 90 countries worldwide:
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Trusted Seal of Approval • With 47 years’ experience, the IWSC is widely recognised as the most respected wine & spirit competition in the world • Global consumers trust and actively seek the IWSC medal when making purchasing decisions • A two stage judging process ensures the industry’s most credible results
Raise your profile • Competition winners receive a free marketing toolkit • Dedicated social media campaigns ensure winners are promoted year round with consumer friendly campaigns
With our Napue Rye Gin winning the IWSC Gin & Tonic competition and our Koskue CaskAged Rye Gin winning Gold in the same series, we have seen a large jump in both domestic and international sales for our products.”
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Miika Lipiäinen CEO, Kyrö Distillery
Worldwide PR Coverage
• International agents & media partners work in global markets to drive awareness of the competition • The Competition hosts and attends multiple events to promote competition winners’ year round
Increase Sales • Winners are published in the drinks business distributed to over 10,000 international subscribers showcasing winning products to buyers worldwide • Medal winning wines & spirits are highlighted on Amazon.co.uk and Winesdirect.co.uk • Official IWSC medal stickers ensure differentiation on a crowded retail shelf
A dedicated PR agency promotes winners’ successes to the global media.
What makes an IWSC Judge? IWSC judges must be qualified to a WSET Diploma level or equivalent to be considered for a place on the prestigious IWSC judging panel. They must also submit 2 current tasting references to support their tasting skills to ensure they are of the correct ability to taste on an IWSC panel. Once accepted onto the IWSC judging programme, judges must attend an introduction and briefing to assess their tasting skills. For judging enquiries please contact: judges@iwscgroup.com
Judging 7 reasons why we are different… 1. Dedicated judging premises at IWSC HQ 2. Custom built cellar to store submitted wines & spirits 3. Judging schedule over 7 months of the year 4. Samples served in numbered glasses 5. At least 7 judges per panel 6. Nearly 400 judges from over 30 countries 7. Second round chemical analysis of winners Winning a coveted IWSC award isn’t easy but that’s what makes the medal so well respected amongst trade and consumers alike. Our panels of handpicked industry experts judge entries over 7 months of the year to ensure a considered approach to tasting is adhered to for each and every product.
Marking System Gold Outstanding 93 & above Quality of the highest order
The Competition runs a structured and rigorous two-stage judging process;
Gold 90 - 92
Superior example; setting the standard
• Samples are tasted in pre-poured numbered glasses so judges never see a bottle (double-blind). Each product is judged by a whole panel in sync, initially individually, and then panel chairs facilitate group discussions.
Silver Outstanding 86 - 89
Outstanding example; excellent quality
Silver 80 - 85
• Detailed chemical and microbiological analysis which is undertaken by an independent third party to identify ‘show products’ that may not be the true representation of the product that consumers would buy from the shelf.
Fine example; excellent quality
Bronze 75 - 79
Good example; well above average
Nearly 400 judges including;
Rachel Barrie Master Blender, Morrison Bowmore
Olivier Paultes Head of Distilleries, Hennessy
Stephen Beal Senior Master of Whisky, Diageo North America
David T Smith Drinks Writer & Gin Consultant, Summer Fruit Cup
Ian MacMillan Master Blender, Burn Stewart Distillers
Joel Harrison Drinks Writer, Commentator & Consultant
Visit iwsc.net
We consistently see growth in our brands because of the IWSC honors awarded to them.
Click on the ENTER NOW button
Register and complete the online product form
Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller, Buffalo Trace
Send your products to the Competition cellars Please note, online entries are exempt from admin fees. If necessary, entry forms are available to download from our website.
Entry Deadline
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How to Enter
Following on from the success of the inaugural Gin & Tonic and Bloody Mary mixer categories, we’ve added more for 2016! Find out more at iwsc.net/mixers
All Spirits 16th May
Shipping Information To find out more about consolidated shipping options, visit iwsc.net/shipping For a full list of terms & conditions, visit iwsc.net/termsandconditions
Save the Date Annual Awards Banquet Wednesday 16th November 2016 Guildhall, City of London
With thanks to our sponsors
With thanks to our supporters
With thanks to our media partners
The International Wine and Spirit Competition Ltd Building 17, Dunsfold Park, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh Surrey, GU6 8TB UK Tel: +44 (0)1483 548 963 Fax: +44 (0)1483 548 826 Email: info@iwscgroup.com theIWSC @theIWSC
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