Close to 3500 medals were awarded across established and emerging categories at this year’s International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Four Pillars was the only Australian producer to be awarded a trophy, with gin still leading the spirits market.
This year’s awards had tougher judging standards, with organisers emphasising every medal – from Bronze to Gold Outstanding – was a significant achievement.
Four Pillars was the only Australian producer to be awarded a trophy – it received the Contemporary Gin Trophy for its Navy Strength Gin. Only three gin trophies and 21 trophies in total were awarded.
Gin leads by volume
Gin dominated the field with more than 440 medals, far ahead of any other category. Flavoured gins were a highlight, with 66 medals reflecting more focused, higher-quality entries. Judge Olivier Ward noted producers were showing “more clarity of intent” in flavoured gins, resulting in stronger products.
Scotch whisky still the benchmark
Scotch whisky reinforced its global prestige with unpeated single malt earned 197 medals, while peated single malt achieved one of the highest conversion rates across any style – 25 per cent of entries secured Gold or Gold Outstanding. Islay stood out with 21 top medals, affirming regional strength.
Standout quality in mezcal, vodka and bourbon
Artisanal mezcal impressed judges and had a 41 per cent Gold/Gold Outstanding rate, while vodka surprised with high conversion rates for wheat (29 per cent) and mixed-base styles (40 per cent). Judge David T. Smith said consumers were, “embracing the character that can come through from the base material”.
Bourbon also performed strongly, earning 53 medals, a quarter of them Gold or Gold Outstanding.
Rising emerging categories
Liqueurs delivered standout results, particularly citrus and orchard fruit styles. Shochu gained recognition for its quality, with judge Marie Cheong-Thong saying it, “deserves to be seen as a premium, world-class spirit”.
Column still rums also saw a rise in entries, reflecting renewed interest.
Global excellence
While Scotland again led by volume with 649 medals, Spain, Mexico, Italy and Japan all delivered high proportions of Golds. Taiwan entered the Top 10 producing countries for the first time, underscoring the expanding geography of spirits excellence.
With awards spanning 90 plus countries, the IWSC showcased the diversity and vitality of the spirits sector.
