The IWSC Returns to Kentucky for the 3^rd  Annual Spirited Judging

June 1-6, 2026

The “Olympics of the Drinks Industry” Accepting Entries until April 24

LONDON  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
• Tiffanie Barriere, The Drinking Coach
• Jack Beguedou, Spirits Industry Consultant
• Georgie Bell, Ambassador, Scotch Malt Whisky Society and co-founder of The Heart Cut
• Gary Gruver, Director of Global Beverage Strategy, Marriott International
• Molly Horn, Total Wine & More
• Brad Japhe, Spirits Journalist
• Reece Sims, SIP Spirits Consulting & The Flavor Report
• 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

How to Enter

Visit the IWSC North American Whiskey & RTD Judging page to submit entries.

Entry deadline: April 24^th

Winners will be announced June 12, 2026

About the IWSC

Since 1969, the IWSC has set the global standard for beverage excellence. Known as the “Olympics of the drinks industry,” the IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from 90-plus countries. Judges are key decision-makers in the industry, including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, Master Distillers and Senior Buyers. These experts assess wines, spirits and alternative drinks using a rigorous panel process that ensures fair evaluation. The IWSC stands out for its expert judging, consistent attention, comprehensive categories and global recognition. For producers, its offers benchmarking, recognition and business connections. For consumers, IWSC medals guide excellence in a wide selection of drinks.

About the IWSC Competition Global Judging
Since 2022, the IWSC has held in situ Global Judging events, an initiative introduced by
Strategy and Business Development Director Christelle Guibert. The IWSC is proud to be the first international drinks competition to institute a series such as this. Until today, wine and spirits have been judged in Italy, Austria, Georgia, Turkey, Italy, Argentina, Australia, the United States, South Africa and China. The competition is committed to the initiative due to the opportunities it gives all producers in a region to take part, no matter what their size is, and allows for the drinks entered to be judged in context by judges who are up to date with the region and its most recent developments.

Mac-Talla unveils Cognac cask expression to mark 40 years of Fèis Ile

Islay single malt brand Mac-Talla has launched a limited edition Cognac cask-finished whisky to commemorate the 40th edition of Fèis Ìle.

Owned by Perth-based Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, Mac-Talla draws on four generations of Islay heritage, sourcing single malts matured exclusively from various distilleries on the island.

Created to mark the milestone edition of Islay’s renowned festival, the new expression combines the brand’s signature coastal peat smoke with a rich, fruit-forward influence from Cognac cask finishing. The whisky began its maturation in first-fill Bourbon barrels before undergoing a further two years in Cognac casks.

The resulting liquid offers a balance of tropical sweetness and gentle smoke, reflecting both Islay tradition and a more experimental cask approach.

Now in its 40th year, Fèis Ìle is one of Scotland’s most prominent whisky festivals. The 2026 edition will run from 22–31 May, featuring an extended 10-day programme of distillery open days, tastings, music and cultural events across the island.

Graeme Mackeddie, Production Director at Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, said: “Fèis Ìle is a moment of real significance in the whisky calendar, and for its 40th anniversary, we wanted to create something that both honours Islay tradition and showcases a more progressive side of Mac-Talla. The Cognac cask finish brings a vibrant, fruit-led character that works beautifully alongside the whisky’s natural peat smoke and sweetness, resulting in a dram that is both distinctive and celebratory.”

Tasting notes: 

• Nose: sweet almond croissants with a hint of sweet orchard fruits
• Palate: Freshly baked pastries with poached pears, warm pineapples and toasted coconut. On the finish, there’s a hint of peat smoke and winter spices.
• Non-Chill Filtered, no added colour
• ABV: 52.4%
• RRP: £78

Mac-Talla Cognac Fèis Ile 2026 is exclusively available from May 14th across the UK and EU. https://mactallawhisky.com/stockists

ABOUT MSWD

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD) is an independent, family-owned company based in Perth, Scotland. Rebranded in 2020, MSWD represents five generations of Morrison whisky heritage under one name, with a focus on single-malt production, brand development, blending, and bottling. Its flagship brands include Aberargie, Old Perth, Mac-Talla, Càrn Mòr and Bruadar.

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers is solely owned and operated by one of Scotland’s oldest and most prominent whisky families, Jamie and Brian Morrison. There have been over five generations of the Morrison family involved in the whisky business, including grocers, brokers, blenders, bottlers and distillers, making them one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families.

Their heritage gives them access to a wide variety of unique casks from pedigree distilleries across Scotland. Their family’s values run through everything they do, and they proudly showcase them beneath each of their bottles, reiterating their commitment to Patience, Intuition and Integrity.

In every whisky they release, they are committed to continue to impart the knowledge that has been passed down from generations of family whisky makers. Our chairman’s great-grandfather, William Walker, one of the pre-eminent whisky brokers of his era, worked closely with various distilleries on the island, even advocating on behalf of the Islay whisky trade to American businesses on the repeal of US prohibition in 1933.

Walker grew very fond of Islay, where he eventually purchased a home, and played an integral part in developing transport, trade and marketing of the Island’s produce.  His philanthropic nature was deeply appreciated by Islay residents – with the Glasgow Islay Association (of which he was a life member and chairman) noting in 1934 “In the Island itself, he has closely identified himself with every cause worthy of support”.

In 1963 a chance lunchtime encounter at a Glasgow restaurant led to Stanley P Morrison, the son-in-law of William Walker, purchasing Islay’s oldest distillery — Bowmore (established in 1779) — that evening. Morrison Bowmore Distillers was created and emerged as a globally recognised brand of quality Single Malt Scotch

Whisky, producing a characterful spirit with some legendary bottlings. Morrison Bowmore Distillers was acquired by Suntory in 1994.

To find out more about Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers visit www.morrisondistillers.com or for MacTalla visit www.mactallawhisky.com

Gavin D Smith on Coleburn & Dallas Dhu

These two long-silent Speyside distilleries were the topic of a blog post written for us a little while ago now by Gavin D Smith. Born in the whisky boom of the 1890s and shuttered during the 1980s’ supply glut, both Coleburn and Dallas Dhu are now being carefully restored. From Victorian pot stills to plans for innovative visitor centres, these revivals are ones to watch.

📖 Read the Post

The masterclass schedule for this year’s Spirit of Toronto is now online.

Behold no less than seven sessions, guaranteed to leave you with greater insight into the craft, process and thought that goes into the making of great whisky. Click below to explore this year’s offerings:

VIEW MASTERCLASSES

With tickets going on sale Tuesday April 7 at 10am, you now have a couple of days to mull over the schedule, though rest assured that there are no wrong choices here. In fact, I envy all of you and the stellar drams you’ll be tasting next month, while I get to look on with baleful eyes… #noregrets

Happy April,
Johanna

Johanna Ngoh
Founder, Spirit of Toronto and Whisky Social

PS: A reminder that a quarter of tickets to this year’s show have been pre-sold; the rest go on sale Tuesday April 7 at 10am through Roy Thomson Hall’s Box Office.

Looking for something a little different this Spirit of Speyside?

Join us for a truly unique experience — our Lunchtime Whisky Picnic at Findhorn Beach Huts — where great whisky meets fresh sea air and stunning coastal views.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Moray Firth, you’ll enjoy a relaxed afternoon with the Murray McDavid Team, featuring:

🥃 Three outstanding whiskies

🥪 Delicious sandwiches and light bites

☕ Tea & coffee to round things off

As you sip and savour, keep an eye on the water — you might just spot dolphins, seals or seabirds adding to the experience.

This is whisky at its most relaxed — great drams, good company, and a view you won’t forget.

🥃 Lunchtime Whisky Picnic at Murray McDavid’s Findhorn Beach Huts 🏖️

Friday 1 May | 12:00pm-2:00pm
Sunday 3 May | 12:00pm-2:00pm – SOLD OUT!

BOOK NOW

Lord-Lieutenant of Lanarkshire presents Glencairn Crystal with

Kings Award for Enterprise for Innovation

The Lord-Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Lady Haughey (Susan) CBE visited Glencairn Crystal Studio Ltd in East Kilbride (on 20 February 2026) to formally present the company with its trophy for the King’s Award for Enterprise.

One of only a select number of organisations across the UK to receive the honour, Glencairn Crystal was recognised for excellence in Innovation. This marks the fourth time the family-owned business has received this prestigious accolade.

Founded in 1981 and employing more than 70 people, Glencairn Crystal is a family-owned business specialising in premium crystal and glassware for both business and consumer markets, with unrivalled expertise in the spirits industry. The company is renowned internationally for pioneering design, exceptional craftsmanship and advanced production techniques, successfully scaling artisan processes for commercial manufacture.

For more than 20 years, Glencairn has also produced the iconic Glencairn Glass, the first glass designed specifically for whisky and now recognised worldwide as the industry’s official whisky glass.

The company previously received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation in 2006, and for International Trade in 2012 and 2017.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Lady Haughey (Susan) CBE said: “As the King’s personal representative in Lanarkshire, I was delighted to present the King’s Award for Enterprise – in the Innovation category – to Glencairn Crystal. To receive this prestigious award for the fourth time is a phenomenal achievement, highlighting consistent excellence in design, craftsmanship, and manufacturing, and reflecting the passion, creativity, and dedication of everyone at Glencairn Crystal.”

Scott Davidson, New Product Development Director at Glencairn Crystal, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this trophy for the King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation. As a family-run business for over 40 years, innovation has been at the heart of everything we do and this award reflects the dedication and talent of our entire team. To be honoured once again is a proud moment for us all.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious awards for businesses, recognising and encouraging outstanding achievements in four categories: innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity through social mobility. The awards are given out annually and are a highly regarded mark of excellence for British businesses.

The Award programme, now in its 59th year and previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses.

For more information about Glencairn Crystal, visit www.glencairn.com

For more information about The Kings Award for Enterprise, visit www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise

* 197 organisations nationally were recognised with a King’s Award for Enterprise and a total of 199 Awards were made with two companies being recognised with two Awards.

The 8th Annual Scottish Whisky Awards Are Now Open

Scotland’s national celebration of its greatest global export has returned.

Entries are now open for the 2026 Scottish Whisky Awards, recognising excellence across Scotland’s whisky industry and celebrating the producers, retailers and businesses that continue to drive the success of Scotch whisky around the world.

At the heart of the awards is a highly respected blind tasting competition, ensuring that every whisky is judged purely on its quality, character and craftsmanship by an expert panel of judges. Branding and distillery information are hidden during judging to guarantee a fair and impartial process.

Finalists will be announced in September 2026, with the winners revealed at a prestigious black-tie awards ceremony on Thursday 26 November 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow Central.

Check out our entry guide.

BEAR BURNING 2026
Saturday 9th May | 4pm – 9pm

Join us for an activity-filled evening of relaxed fun with friends, family and whisky lovers alike. Enjoy an arrival drink, live music from a variety of artists, a food truck, Orchard Talks with our local farmer and cider producer, Distillery Tours running every half an hour, and Highland Games in the Abbey Ruins.

This year we are also offering two additional ticketed activities – Warehouse Tastings and Whisky Creation Masterclasses – for those who want to make even more of the day. You can find full details on both below. As always, the evening will conclude with a Lindores dram and the lighting of the bear.

A few things to keep in mind before you join us:

Please prepare for a ‘Scottish Summer’ event; the weather can be wonderfully unpredictable, so come dressed for the occasion. The event is both indoors and outdoors, so appropriate footwear is a must if the ground is damp.

Unfortunately, we are unable to welcome dogs to this event, as much as we adore them. We simply don’t feel a busy evening like this would be enjoyable for our four-legged friends. Please also note this is a strictly over-18s event.

Book Your Tickets