IWSC Returns to Bardstown for North American Judging
LONDON (May 28, 2025) — The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), often referred to as the “Olympics of the drinks industry,” is returning to Bardstown, Kentucky, from June 2–7, 2025, to host its prestigious North American Whiskey and Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Judging.
Media Opportunities with World-Class Judges
Judges will begin arriving on June 2 and are available for media interviews, offering a rare opportunity for local and regional outlets to speak directly with some of the world’s foremost spirits experts, see the setup in action, and have access to pre-judging photos and video. This is the second time the IWSC has brought this judging event to the United States, with Bardstown as the sole North American host city in 2025.
A Rigorous Judging Process
Spirits professionals from across the globe will evaluate entries in North American whiskey and RTD categories through a rigorous, blind-tasting process that upholds the IWSC’s internationally respected standards. Led by Dawn Davies, Master of Wine and head buyer with the United Kingdom distribution company Speciality Drinks and retailer The Whisky Exchange, the panel includes experts from America and the U.K. with in-depth knowledge of the North American whiskey and RTD markets, their innovations, and recent developments.
Meet the Expert Judges
The panel of judges for the North American juncture includes:
- Bridget Albert, Senior Director, External Communications and CSR, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
- Ryan Chetiyawardana, drinks industry veteran, creator and host of “Mr. Lyan’s Taste Trips” television show
- Frank Dobbins III, freelance writer, Uproxx and Drinkhacker
- Dr. Bill Lumsden, director of distilling, whisky creation, and whisky stocks, Glenmorangie Company
- Millie Milliken, freelance drinks and hospitality writer
- Ryan Mills, founder, Amber and Ash Consulting, @thatoneduderyan
- Reece Sims, owner, SIP Spirits Consulting, shortlisted for the 2025 IWSC’s Emerging Talent in Spirits Communications Award
Why Bardstown?
Bardstown is one of only ten cities worldwide selected to host official IWSC judging events. While the judging sessions are at the core of the competition, the week will also celebrate the region’s unique culture, people, and spirits through exclusive tours, tastings, and networking events.
Benefits for Entrants
Entrants gain more than just medal opportunities—they earn access to global visibility, strategic promotion, and influential feedback. Award-winning spirits are showcased at major international trade fairs and in global media. The top performers will be recognized at the IWSC Awards Celebration in London this November.
Last year’s inaugural North American judging in Kentucky triggered a surge in American whiskey entries, especially single malts. “We’re seeing a real appetite for American whiskies, especially as Scotch prices continue to rise,” says Davies. “This competition gives U.S. producers a global platform to shine.”
About the International Wine & Spirits Competition
Since 1969, the IWSC has set the global standard for beverage excellence. Known as the “Olympics of the drinks industry,” the IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from 90-plus countries. Judges are key decision-makers in the industry, including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, Master Distillers, and Senior Buyers. These experts assess wines, spirits, and alternative drinks using a rigorous panel process that ensures fair evaluation.
The IWSC stands out for its expert judging, consistent attention, comprehensive categories, and global recognition. For producers, it offers benchmarking, recognition, and business connections. For consumers, IWSC medals guide excellence in a wide selection of drinks. As part of The Conversion Group, the IWSC’s mission is to use competition as a catalyst for community and connection across all levels within the industry.
Global Judging Initiative
Since 2022, the IWSC has held in-situ Global Judging events, an initiative introduced by CEO Christelle Guibert. The IWSC is proud to be the first international drinks competition to institute a series such as this. Wine and spirits have been judged in Italy, Austria, Georgia, Turkey, Argentina, Australia, the United States, South Africa, and China. The competition is committed to this initiative due to the opportunities it gives all producers in a region to take part, no matter their size, and allows for drinks to be judged in context by experts up to date with the region and its most recent developments.
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