The International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) returns to Kentucky to judge the North American Whiskey and Ready-To-Drink (RTD) categories in June.
Considered the Olympics of the drinks industry, professionals within the industry will gather in Bardstown, Kentucky, June 4 – 7. Since its founding in 1969, this is only the second time the IWSC will judge the North American Whiskey and RTD categories in the United States. It is also the only IWSC event in North America this year.
Judges in the competition bring their expertise, international attention, and recognition. The panel of judges will be led by Dawn Davis, Master of Wine and head buyer for UK distribution company Specialty Drinks, and retailer The Whiskey Exchange.
Joining Davis will be:
- 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
- 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
“The IWSC is the oldest, largest, and most influential international wine and spirits competition and was the first to bring panels of international experts to judge in situ,” says IWSC Chief Executive Officer Christelle Guibert in a release. “We offer much more than medals, and pride ourselves on the support we provide to both categories and entrants during and after the competition. We are delighted to return to Kentucky in 2025.”
