The News
The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) will return to Bardstown, Kentucky, for its third annual Spirited Judging from June 1–6, 2026. This year’s event will include gin, vodka, rum, and liqueurs from across the U.S., in addition to whiskey and ready-to-drink spirits. The competition is led by Dawn Davies, Master of Wine, Commercial Buying Director at The Whisky Exchange, and features judges with expertise in distilling, retail buying, hospitality, media, and global distribution.
The Takeaway
Global Recognition Boost: The IWSC’s return to Kentucky highlights how the state is becoming a key player on the global spirits stage. With judges from distilling, retail, hospitality, and media, this event offers North American producers a rare chance to gain international acclaim—especially for smaller brands that might not have had such exposure before.
Product Expansion: This year’s competition isn’t just about whiskey anymore—it now includes gin, vodka, rum, and liqueurs from the U.S., signaling a broader recognition of the diversity within American spirits. The inclusion of these categories could help lesser-known producers gain visibility in a market that's traditionally focused on bourbon.
Kentucky as Spirits Hub: Bardstown’s reputation as the “Bourbon Capital of the World” is being reinforced by events like this, which bring global attention to the region. With over 12,000 entries annually from 90 countries, the IWSC is a major platform for American spirits to compete on an international scale—especially with its North American-only event now expanding into new categories.
Original Press Release
FOR HIGH RES IMAGES AND B-ROLL FROM 2025 CLICK HERE.
The IWSC Returns to Kentucky for the 3rd Annual Spirited Judging
June 1-6, 2026
The “Olympics of the Drinks Industry” Accepting Entries until April 24
LONDON (March 23, 2026) — Spirits industry professionals from around the world will once again gather in Bardstown, Kentucky — the “Bourbon Capital of the World” — for the 3rd IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Competition) in early June. This year, in addition to judging North American Whiskey and Ready-to-Drink (RTD) spirits, the categories are expanding to accept gin, vodka, rum, and liqueurs from across the United States.
Founded in 1969, the London-based IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from over 90 countries. The North American Spirits Judging marks the competition’s exclusive North American event, reinforcing Kentucky’s role as a global hub for whiskey and other spirits excellence.
The judges — representing the worldwide standard of beverage expertise — provide North American whiskey and other spirit producers a unique opportunity for international recognition from the competition, widely regarded and recognized as one of the most prestigious in the world. The 2026 Judging Panel of experts brings perspectives from distilling, retail buying, hospitality, media, and global distribution, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced evaluation process.
Led by Dawn Davies, Master of Wine, Commercial Buying Director, Speciality Drinks and The Whisky Exchange, the panel of judges will evaluate the entries using the same rigorous judging process as in the UK, which includes double-blind tasting, a limited number of entries judged per day to avoid palate fatigue, and panel discussions between the judges.
In addition to Davies, the other judges for the North American competition are:
Richard Paterson OBE, Master Blender, Whyte & Mackay
Richard Paterson OBE, Master Blender, Whyte & Mackay
Tiffanie Barriere, The Drinking Coach
Tiffanie Barriere, The Drinking Coach
Jack Beguedou, Spirits Industry Consultant
Jack Beguedou, Spirits Industry Consultant
Georgie Bell, Ambassador, Scotch Malt Whisky Society and co-founder of The Heart Cut
Georgie Bell, Ambassador, Scotch Malt Whisky Society and co-founder of The Heart Cut
Gary Gruver, Director of Global Beverage Strategy, Marriott International
Gary Gruver, Director of Global Beverage Strategy, Marriott International
Molly Horn, Total Wine & More
Molly Horn, Total Wine & More
Brad Japhe, Spirits Journalist
Brad Japhe, Spirits Journalist
Reece Sims, SIP Spirits Consulting & The Flavor Report
Reece Sims, SIP Spirits Consulting & The Flavor Report
Tristan Stephenson, bartender and co-founder of Black Rock, London
Tristan Stephenson, bartender and co-founder of Black Rock, London
“Over the years, the quality of submissions has changed dramatically. We're working in a highly competitive area, and it's up to international competitions like IWSC to reveal where these changes are happening,” said Richard Paterson OBE, Master Blender, Whyte & Mackay. “It's an exciting time, an innovative time, and thanks to the IWSC, we can show the world what gold medal winners are all about.”
Kentucky is one of just seven global locations where the IWSC replicates its London judging model through its Global Judging initiatives. As in London, the Kentucky event pairs rigorous tasting sessions with programming that celebrates the people, places, and spirits that define America’s whiskey culture.
Medals awarded include Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Gold Outstanding. Top-scoring products advance to the prestigious Trophy Judging round. Winners are revealed at the IWSC Awards Celebration in November 2026 in London.
We are grateful for our 2026 partners: Heaven Hill, Angel's Envy, Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, Total Wine & More, Kentucky Eagle, Glencairn, Buzick Construction, Mint Julep Experiences, and Kentucky Distillers' Association.
How to Enter
Visit the IWSC North American Whiskey & RTD Judging page to submit entries.
Entry deadline: April 24th
Winners will be announced June 12, 2026
Source: BevNET
