History
The International Whisky Competition was established in 2010 to provide a structured judging environment for whisky producers worldwide. [3] In 2016 the results began being used to produce an International Whisky Guide. [4]
Initially based in Chicago, [5] the competition later became a traveling event. It has been hosted in various U.S. and international locations, including Las Vegas (2017-2019), Estes Park, Colorado (2020-2022); Bardstown, Kentucky (2023); the Isle of Raasay, Scotland (2024), and Louisville, Kentucky (2024 and 2025). [6]
In 2014, Michael Petrucci stepped down from the competition, and in 2015 Sebastien Gavillet took over as head of the tasting panel, restructuring the competition and implemented a new tasting methodology. Starting in 2016, entry samples began being archived for referencing. [7]
Scope and Participation
The competition judges a range of whisky styles, including single malt, blended whisky, bourbon, and cask-strength expressions.Award-winning entries have come from countries such as Taiwan, Malaysia, and India, [8] with producers from, among others, Australia, Canada, Japan, and Scotland also participating. [9] [10] [11] [12]
Judges
The IWC's panel of judges evaluate whiskies using a double-blind tasting format. Judges do not know the brand, country of origin, whisky style, or alcohol content of the samples they evaluate. [13]
Each whisky is assessed individually—not in direct comparison to others as is the case in other competitions—and scored across four weighted categories: appearance, aroma, taste/mouth-feel, and finish. [14] Judges have up to eight minutes to evaluate each sample. Each whisky is then scored using a 100-point system based on 15 criteria, and gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded to the top entries in each category. [15] This system was developed by Sébastien Gavillet and was implemented in 2015. [16] Judges have included Stephen Beal and Francesco Lafranconi. [14] [17]
Awards
The International Whisky Competition presents a range of honors each year. The "Whisky of the Year" award recognizes the highest-scoring whisky across all categories. [18] Other awards include "Distillery of the Year" and "Master Distiller of the Year". [18]
In addition, the IWC presents Best in Class awards for specific categories such as Best Bourbon, Best Rye, Best Single Malt, and Best Blended Scotch. [19] The competition follows an Olympic-style medal system, awarding only one Gold, one Silver, and one Bronze medal per category. [19] This limited-medal approach is a defining characteristic of the IWC’s judging format. [20] [19]
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