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
FEB
24
Gin & Liqueurs 24 February
MAR
23
Vodka, Tequila & White Spirits 23 March
APR
20
Whiskies 20 April
APR
20
Rum20 April
MAY
18
Brandies 18 May
JUN
08
Design & Packaging 08 June
JUN
08
Marketing 08 June
Judging Process
The ISC judging process is a highly controlled operation held over seven days of intense blind tastings by panels of more than 50 respected and experienced industry professionals.
Samples are delivered to the judging area in flights of numbered tasting glasses to ensure the accuracy of the blind tasting. Each judge assesses products according to their age, region and variety.
Each product is blind tasted and awarded a score out of 100 for its aroma, appearance and taste. Scores are collated and recorded by the
category chairman before Trophy, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are awarded.
The ISC takes great care in ensuring that all products are blind tasted equally and fairly in the correct conditions set by the ISC rules. The chairman will monitor each product ensuring that all samples are consistent and authentic.
This concise judging process is the basis of the reputation the ISC has established for rewarding quality and celebrating excellence.
| The Scoring System |
|---|
| 90 - 100 |
 |
Outstanding product, exceptional quality |
| 80 - 89.9 |
 |
Excellent product, superb standard |
| 70 – 79.9 |
 |
Fine product, above average |
| 60 – 69.9 |
 |
Good product, meets the quality standard set by the ISC |
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