The IWSC Spirits Awards 2025 unveiled this year’s medal winners on Monday, June 2, recognizing the world’s finest spirits with the industry’s most trusted stamp of quality. With expert judges, stringent evaluations, and high scoring thresholds, these awards continue to honor exceptional craftsmanship across a broad range of categories.
This year’s competition brought in top-tier entries from across four continents. Judges evaluated a wide spectrum of categories, including gin, whisk(e)y, brandy, agave spirits, vodka, liqueurs, aperitifs, and digestifs. Out of all submissions, only 3% secured Gold Outstanding (98–100 points), and 12% earned Gold (95–97 points), confirming the elite status of the winners.
At the IWSC Spirits Awards 2025, gin entries impressed with vibrant diversity. Judges divided the category into Classic, Contemporary, and Flavored. This year’s highest-scoring gin, Black Fox Farm and Distillery’s Haskap Gin from Canada, earned an outstanding 99 points. Judges praised its “deep ruby hue, rich woody aroma, and complex blend of red fruit and botanicals” (source: IWSC).
Australia made a notable impact with four Gold Outstanding medals, while gins from France, Japan, and Singapore also stood out. England’s Hawkridge Distillers impressed again with The Store Gin, receiving 97 points for its “vibrant juniper, peppery spice, and citrus finish.”
Vodka entries at the IWSC Spirits Awards 2025 revealed impressive range in style, base ingredients, and flavor. The panel awarded 10 Gold Outstandings and 33 Golds. Among the winners, Sexy Fish Vodka from Hawkridge Distillers stood out with its floral-fruity complexity and smooth vanilla finish.
Producers from Sweden, Iceland, Germany, Poland, and the UK showcased both neutral and flavored vodkas, expanding the boundaries of this often-underestimated category.
Scotch whisky maintained its stronghold at the IWSC Spirits Awards 2025. Thirteen entries received Gold Outstanding medals, covering blends and single malts from Speyside, Islay, the Highlands, and Lowlands. Top producers like Loch Lomond, Glenfiddich, and Double Dutch earned multiple medals.
Outside Scotland, worldwide whiskey flourished. Australian distilleries captured eight Golds across rye and single malt, while East Asian brands like Kavalan dominated with a Gold Outstanding for its Solist Pedro Ximenez Sherry Cask. Irish producers also performed well—Redbreast 18 Year Old led the region with 98 points.
Rum entries at the IWSC Spirits Awards 2025 earned recognition for quality and regional diversity. Six rums achieved Gold Outstanding, and eight more secured Gold. Cane sugar rums dominated the top tier, with winning bottles from Australia, Taiwan, Cyprus, the UK, and the US.
A standout was Taiwan’s Nine To One Red Sugar Cane Rum by Hong Shing Winery Co. Judges noted its “vibrant green apple and banana nose,” smooth palate, and clean, lingering finish.
The agave category continues to rise in prominence. At the IWSC Spirits Awards 2025, 11 Gold Outstanding and 25 Gold medals went to diverse expressions of tequila and mezcal. Judges highlighted Espiritu Montaraz’s Ancestral Pechuga Mole, applauding its “herbaceous spice and umami richness.”
Reposados from Campo Azul, Pancho Datos, and Lágrimas led a strong tequila field. According to judges, this year’s Reposados elevated the category with improved depth and balance.
Liqueurs dazzled with 18 Gold Outstandings, especially citrus-forward options. David T. Smith emphasized that freshness and clarity defined the best entries. Japan’s Morikawaraten Yuzocello earned top praise as “astounding.”
Fruit spirits, especially pear-based ones, stood out with Croatia’s Williams Pear Brandy described as “explosively flavorful and authentic.”
In Asian spirits, Shochu from Japan led the charge. Judge Barry McCaughley called this “the best Shochu showing” the IWSC has ever seen. Meanwhile, Kinmen Kaoliang’s Black Label brought attention to Baijiu with its “ripe pear and banana aroma.”
Spain dominated the grape brandy category, with Emilio Lustau capturing two Golds. Italy’s Distilleria Sibona and France’s Château Montifaud also took home Gold.
In Cognac, only Hermitage 1995 received Gold Outstanding. Judge Antony Moss MW said most entries lacked base spirit character, but this one impressed with its “baked nectarine and layered complexity.”
Armagnac and Calvados showed strength, with XO expressions earning multiple Golds. According to Moss, these stood out for “sensitive oak usage and base expression.”
Explore the full list of medalists and deeper category insights on the IWSC official website. The organization will continue sharing judge perspectives through blogs, newsletters, and social media updates throughout the coming weeks.
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IWSC Article — IWSC Spirits Awards 2025 Announced, written by Rebecca Fraser
The image of the article is courtesy of © digidreamgrafix via Canva.com
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