International Spirits Challenge 2013

Rewarding quality, celebrating excellence

Marks and Spencer's was delighted to be involved with the International Spirits Challenge this year. To have our products endorsed by this recognised competition reaffirms the hard work we have put in, to expand and diversify our range. By participating in these awards we have increased awareness of the quality of our spirits range both within the trade and also to consumers.
Emma Dawson, Wine & Spirits Buyer, Marks & Spencer Group plc

We are delighted to receive recognition from such a respected and independent industry body as the International Spirits Challenge. The quality of the panel means that this award is of great significance to us, and we are honoured to have received it for a third consecutive year, reflecting our commitment to our range, our products, our suppliers and to our customers...
Anne Jones Wines, Beers and Spirits Buying Team Waitrose Ltd

Quality is our No. 1 priority and we are delighted with the Sierra results from the ISC. Not only does this endorse our own views but it also provides an independent reference point for our customers and consumers which we can use beneficially in our Brand communications strategy...
Bill Oddy Managing Director of Sierra Tequila UK Distributor, The Drinks Company Ltd

The Whisky Exchange is delighted to have won the ISC's Independent Spirits Retailer of the Year– although we have been honoured with several awards in recent years we are particularly proud of this one as we were nominated and voted for independently by the industry rather than entering ourselves. To win this coveted title twice in three years is very special...
Tim Forbes The Whisky Exchange

Winning an ISC award for our whisky has great value because it's the only authentic "Spirits" competition. The judges are real specialists...
Kazuyuki Takayama, European Brand Manager, Suntory

KWV has participated in the International Spirits Challenge for many years, as our company believes that it offers an objective, credible and highly competitive platform by which KWV benchmarks its products, and is recognised for its quality...
Hymli Krige, Communications Director, KWV South Africa Ltd

We were very honoured to pick up two Trophies this year and received numerous new business references as a direct result, as well as congratulations from clients...
Kevin Shaw, Managing Director, Stranger & Stranger

I am proud to have worked with the International Spirits Challenge for many years, particularly when I am judging alongside the most dedicated "Master Blenders" of the World. Therefore I know that every spirit sample evaluated receives the highest scrutiny possible which not only reflects the success of the competition but more importantly benefits the consumer...
Richard Paterson, Master Blender, Whyte & Mackay Ltd

Entry Deadlines

JAN 25 Gin & Genever, Liqueurs

FEB 22 Vodka, White Spirits, Tequila & Mezcal, Anise Spirits

MAR 22 Scotch Whisky, World Whiskies

APR 19 Rum, Cachaça, Brandy & Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, Pisco, Grappa

MAY10 Design & Packaging, Marketing

Entry Deadlines

Entry Deadlines & Diary Dates

Diary Dates 2013

Category Entry Deadlines Bottle Delivery Dates
Gin & Genever 25th January 4th February
Liqueurs 25th January 4th February
Anise Spirits 22nd February 4th February
Vodka 22nd February 1st March
White Spirits 22nd February 1st March
Tequila & Mezcal 22nd February 1st March
Scotch Whisky 22nd March 1st April
World Whiskies 22nd March 1st April
Rum, Cachaça, Brandy, Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, Pisco, Grappa 19th April 29th April
Design & Packaging 10th May 20th May
Marketing 10th May 20th May

Results Timetable

Full results will be released at various points in the year through the ISC website and in Drinks International Magazine. Full results will be posted as follows:

Results coverage on the ISC Website
White Spirits 15th April
Brown Spirits 10th June
Design & Packaging 10th June
Marketing Awards 17th July
Trophies and Special Awards 17th July
Results Coverage in Drinks International Magazine
May White Spirits Results
June Brown Spirits Results
July Design & Packaging Results
August ISC full results brochure including Marketing Awards.
September ISC Awards Dinner review and trophy coverage.