IWSC Group (www.iwscgroup.com), which includes the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition, the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition, and the UK-based What Food What Wine? Competition, announced today that it has acquired a controlling interest in Whiskies of the World Expo (www.whiskiesoftheworld.com)

Now in its 13th year, The Whiskies of the World Expo and Artisanal Spirits Fest attracts over 1,000 visitors and hundreds of spirit brands to its annual celebration of the ‘water of life’ in downtown San Francisco. The next event returns to the ever-popular SF BELLE, Hornblower Yacht on the 31st of March 2012

“Whiskies of the World Expo is a great event”, said Allen Gibbons, Managing Director of the IWSC Group. “Consumers get to taste a wide range of whisk(e)y and other spirits in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. There are educational seminars and master classes, of course, including whisk(e)y and cigar matching, but also food and live music, creating an enjoyable night out.”

“With our recent acquisition of The Polished Palate and now Whiskies of the World, we are developing a significant portfolio of consumer spirit events which we look forward to expanding across the United States and beyond”, added Mr. Gibbons.

“I am very excited to be joining the IWSC Group”, commented Whiskies of the World President Douglas Smith. “They bring with them vast knowledge of the international spirits industry, and their support means that the Whiskies of the World Expo and Artisanal Spirits Fest can only get bigger and better”. 
         
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About IWSC Group 

The IWSC Group is the world leader in organising wine and spirit competitions around the globe. Along with the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), which is considered to be the world’s premier competition of its kind, the company also runs the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition, the largest wine and spirit competition in Asia and the recently launched What Food What Wine?, the UK’s first competition to match wine with the nations favourite dishes. The aim of the business is to recognise and promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. 
        
For more information contact; Allen Gibbons, Position: Managing Director
Email: Allen.gibbons@iwscgroup.com

      
About Whiskies of the World Expo

Whiskies of the World Expo was started in 2000 and has firmly established itself on the San Francisco event scene.

Hundreds of Scotch, Bourbons, Rye and other whiskeys from Scotland, United States, Canada, Ireland, Japan and other countries are poured in tasting measures by distillery representatives, often the Master Distillers themselves.

Along with educational master classes and seminars, a buffet dinner and live music creates an enjoyable and festive atmosphere that complement guest’s learning experience. 
        
For more information contact Douglas Smith, President
Email: doug@whiskiesoftheworld.com