International Wine and Spirit Competition

File:IWSC official logo.jpg

The International Wine & Spirit Competition is an annual wine and spirit competition founded in 1969 by the German/British oenologist Anton Massel.{{cite web|url=http://www.thewinecompetition.com/ |title=The First 19 Years of the International Wine & Spirit Competition |publisher=Thewinecompetition.com |access-date=24 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719034221/http://thewinecompetition.com/ |archive-date=19 July 2013 }} Each year the competition receives entries from over 90 countries worldwide. The awards given by the competition are considered as high honours in the industry.{{cite web |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411415/1435397 |title=NZ wines shine overseas |date=7 November 2007 |work=One News |access-date=5 October 2011}}{{cite news | url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/epicure/aussie-named-worlds-best-winemaker/2007/11/07/1194329277910.html | title=Aussie named world's best winemaker | newspaper=The Age | date=7 November 2007 | access-date=24 July 2013}}{{cite web | url=http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2010/02/iwsc-introduces-us-tasting-round/ | title=IWSC Introduces US Tasting Round | publisher=The Drinks Business | date=15 February 2010 | access-date=24 July 2013}} The judging occurs annually, in London. Only brands that pay the entry fee are judged, and two or four bottles of each entry must be supplied, depending on the category entered.{{cite web|url=https://www.iwsc.net/entry-zone/how-to-enter|title=Prices & how to enter|last=Swatman|first=Rachel|date=25 March 2020|website=International Wine & Spirit Competition|access-date=25 March 2020}}

Depending on the points out of 100 awarded, submitted drinks can receive gold outstanding (for spirits only), gold, silver, or bronze awards, and there are no limitations on how many of each which can be awarded.{{Cite web|url=https://www.iwsc.net/judges/judging-process|title=Judging process|website=IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition}} There is also an extensive range of trophies each year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.iwsc.net/winners/trophy-winners|title=IWSC 2019 trophy winners | IWSC|website=IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition}}

Judging

The judging process consists of blind tasting and panel discussion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.iwsc.net/judges/judging-process|title=Judging process|website=IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition|language=en|access-date=2020-04-29}} Entries are judged by panels drawn from 250 specialists from around the world.

=Judging processes=

In 2019, IWSC wine judging moved to London for the first time.{{Cite web|url=https://www.iwsc.net/news/iwsc/iwsc-wine-judging-begins|title=IWSC wine judging begins|website=IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition|language=en|access-date=2020-04-29}}

The competition makes use of over 250 specialist judges from all over the world. Many are Masters of Wine, Master Sommelier, some are winemakers or distillers, others are trade specialists, each judging in their special field.

IWSC's Annual Award Ceremony

The competition culminates in London in Autumn with the annual awards presentation and dinner, at the Roundhouse (previously the annual banquet was held at the City of London Guildhall).[http://www.iwsc.net/events/banquet/IWSC] {{dead link|date=July 2013}}

Presidents/Industry Champion

A President/Industry Champion is selected annually from influential individuals in the wines and spirits industry. After their term, they serve on the competition’s Advisory Board.