Masters of Rum: The 2023 IWSC Gold Winners

The 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) marked a turning point in the rum industry, highlighting the importance and diversification of this category of spirits. With the participation of products from 48 countries, the event highlighted the growing global influence of rum and its acceptance in the high-end market.

This year, the gold winners in the rum category not only stood out for their exceptional quality, but also for being indicators of emerging trends that influence both producers and consumers. This in-depth analysis focuses on award-winning rums, their distinctive characteristics, and the implications of these trends for the future of the industry.

Competition Context

The IWSC is set as a standard of excellence in the spirits industry, applying a rigorous selection and evaluation process. In this competition, each rum sample is subjected to an exhaustive analysis by a panel of experts, who evaluate aspects such as aroma, flavor, and complexity. 

The diversity of rums presented in 2023 was remarkable, with participants from 48 different countries, thus reflecting the global expansion and cultural richness of this drink. This international reach not only highlights the popularity of rum, but also underscores the diversity of styles and flavor profiles the category can offer.

To provide a more detailed analysis of the gold winners in the IWSC 2023, I focused my research on identifying specific rums that have earned these distinctions, as well as highlighting their unique characteristics and the reason for their success in the competition.

The Gold Winners

At IWSC 2023, the Outstanding Gold medal winners in the rum category stood out for their exceptional quality and uniqueness. Among them were:

– desert diamond distillery gold miner 11 YO barrel reserve rum (Arizona, USA): This 11-year-old reserve barrel rum stands out for its balance between tradition and innovation, providing a unique flavor influenced by its origin in Arizona.

– Elixir Distillers Black Tot Master Blender’s Reserve Rum 2022 (Guyana): Hailing from Guyana, this rum is a testament to the skill and experience in blending rums. Its 2022 edition stands out for the complexity and depth of its flavors.

– Maison Ferrand Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry Rum (Jamaica): This Jamaican rum is characterized by its special dry profile, standing out in the tradition of Caribbean rum for its focus on intense and authentic flavors.

– Matugga Distillers 2022 Limited Edition Mavuno Rum (Lowland, Scotland): From the Scottish Lowlands, this 2022 limited edition demonstrates how innovation and craftsmanship can coexist, offering a distinctive and sophisticated flavor profile.

– Havana Club International Añejo 15 YO Gran Reserva Rum (Cuba): Representing Cuba, this 15-year-old rum is a modernized classic, combining the rich history of Cuban rum with contemporary aging and blending techniques.

– Distilleries Arehucas 12 I Family Selection rum (Canary Islands, Spain): This 12-year-old rum from the Canary Islands of Spain stands out for its family selection, offering a flavor experience that reflects both regional heritage and innovation in aging rum

Trends and Emerging Styles

The trends seen among IWSC 2023 winners reflect an ever-evolving rum industry. A notable innovation is in flavors, where an exploration beyond traditional profiles is evident, integrating complex and unique notes. Production methods have also evolved, with techniques that blend the artisanal with the modern, offering rums with distinctive characteristics.

In addition, aging techniques have diversified, using different types of barrels and conditions to create richer and more varied flavor profiles.

These trends not only highlight the creativity and skill of producers, but also reflect the current interests of consumers. 

There is a growing appetite for premium and super-premium rums, indicating a preference for quality and uniqueness over price. This change in consumer preferences suggests a maturing of the rum market, where sophistication and depth of flavor are increasingly valued.

Judges’ Comments on Winning Rums

The IWSC judges particularly highlighted Desert Diamond Distillery’s Gold Miner 11 YO Barrel Reserve Rum, praising it with a near-perfect score of 99/100 and describing it as’ heavenly ‘. This high rating indicates a remarkable recognition of the quality, complexity and balance of the rum.

In addition, rums supported by Scottish producers also received special attention, demonstrating the growing influence of innovation and technique of rum production in regions outside the traditional Caribbean. This includes the 2022 Mavuno distillery and expressions of Matugga’s Holyrood, which despite being originally from Guyana, were matured in Edinburgh. 

The Black Tot Master Blender’s Reserve Rum, winner of the category trophy, was praised for its complex fruity and chocolatey palate, reflecting a focus on the diversity of flavors and the ability to create a product that stands out in an increasingly competitive and sophisticated market.

Market and Consumer Impact

The results of the IWSC 2023 have a significant impact on consumption trends and the perception of rum globally. The distinction of rums on such a prestigious platform as the IWSC elevates the image of rum as a premium and sophisticated spirit. This, in turn, influences the purchasing decisions of consumers, who are increasingly inclined towards higher quality products with unique stories.

In the premium and super-premium rum market, IWSC awards act as a seal of quality and excellence. Consumers, now more informed and demanding, are looking for rums with complex flavor profiles and artisanal production methods. This change in preferences is reflected in the growth of the premium category, which continues to gain market share compared to cheaper options. The rums awarded at the IWSC, particularly those with Gold Outstanding medals, are positioned as benchmarks in this category, setting standards for other producers and offering consumers high quality options.

In addition, these awards also have an impact on the brands’ marketing and distribution strategy. An IWSC award-winning rum is more likely to receive point-of-sale attention, be included on beverage lists of high-end bars and restaurants, and be chosen by consumers looking for an exceptional consumption experience. In short, the IWSC Awards not only recognize quality, but also shape the trends and expectations of the global rum market.

Conclusion

The IWSC 2023 has highlighted not only the exceptional quality of award-winning rums, but also emerging trends and the evolution of the industry. This year’s winners, coming from a remarkable geographical diversity, demonstrate that innovation and quality have no borders in the world of rum. The preference for premium and super premium rums, evidenced by the awards, reflects a change in consumption habits towards higher quality products.

The judges’ comments on the winning rums provide valuable insight into the criteria for excellence in the industry and highlight the importance of innovation in flavors, production methods and aging techniques. These factors are crucial for a rum to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

Looking ahead, these awards indicate that the rum industry continues to evolve, with a focus on quality and uniqueness. Producers will continue to explore new techniques and flavors, while consumers will seek more sophisticated and educational tasting experiences. 

Sources:

1. The Spirits Business – World Spirits Report 

2. IWSC – International Wine and Spirits Competition

3. Club Oenologique – Best Rum 2023

Featured image: International Wine & Spirit Competition