The results are in for the biggest spirits judging in the International Wine & Spirits Competition’s history which took place over eight days in the heart of Soho, New York.
More than 80 experts – including Master Distiller of Beefeater, Desmond Payne OBE; Head of Buying for Master of Malt, Guy Hodcroft; and the founder of the Gin Foundry, Olivier Ward – blind-tasted over 4,000 spirits.
The biggest category this year was gin, with more than 1,000 entries but the worldwide whiskey category achieved the highest scores, with 70 entries receiving 95 points or more.
Six entries were awarded 99 points – they were Chateau de Beaulon 1980 Cognac, Hermitage Cognac 50 YO Grande Champagne Cognac, Emeishan Longchi Baijiu Elong, Chengde Qianlongzui Industry Bancheng Heshun 1956, Zhangshu Ganjiang Brewery Ganjiang Tiancheng Laojiao Baijiu, and Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits Redemption Barrel Proof High Rye Bourbon Whiskey.
Around 60% of entries received a medal this year, from Bronze to the highest accolade of Gold Outstanding. There were 74 Gold Outstanding Medals awarded and 250 Gold Medals.
Of the New Zealand spirits entered, one received a Gold Medal – Broken Heart Spirits Navy Strength Gin with 95 Points.
Scapegrace Distilling took home four Silver Medals and one Bronze. In total, New Zealand spirits were awarded 28 Medals in this year’s awards.
“We’d like to congratulate all our worthy medal winners; our rigorous judging process means receiving accolades at the IWSC, the world’s largest and most influential international spirit award, is no mean feat,” says the IWSC.
The Spirits Judging Committee will now re-taste each Gold-winning spirit to select the best bottles across a range of categories. The trophy-winners will be revealed on 5 July 2021.
For a full list of winners, click here.
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