In every industry, competitions or awards serve as a vital measure of excellence and innovation. They spotlight the best of the best, driving progress and setting benchmarks for quality and the industry itself. From culinary delights and technological advancements to cinema & music, the recognition garnered from these competitions can propel any individual or organization to new heights, influencing consumer perceptions and industry trends alike. The liquor and spirits industry is no exception in the trend of awards and competitions. Just as chefs strive for Michelin stars and filmmakers vie for Oscars, the distilleries and spirit producers seek recognition on the global stage. Around the world, there exist a plethora of spirits competitions, each aiming to honor the best of the best craftsmanship and flavor mastery on their platforms. But the question is, which spirits competitions are the Oscars and Grammys of the liquor industry?
Well, to know the answer to this question, all you need to do is read this blog post. This guide by Royal Batch unravels the nine of the most prestigious and influential spirits competitions that command the attention of every enthusiast.
1. San Francisco World Spirits Competition (USA)
The San Fransico World Spirits Competition is one of the most influential, oldest, and respected spirits competitions in the world. Founded in 2000 by Anthony Dias Blue (a reputable personality in the liquor industry), The San Fransico World Sprits Competition became the biggest spirits competition in the world within a few years. In SFWSC 2023, around 5,500 to 6,000 entries were recorded, making the largest number of entries ever in its history. If we talk about the types of medals SFWSC offers, it includes- Double Gold, Double Platinum, Gold, Silver, & Bronze Awards.
2. World Whiskies Awards (UK)
The World Whiskies Awards (WWA) has a storied history that traces back to its inception in 2007. Founded by TheDrinksReport.com (a leading drinking resource), the awards were established to recognize and celebrate the finest whiskies from around the world. The best thing about the World Whiskies Awards is the diversity and excellence of whiskies across different regions and styles. Also, WWA considers entries all around the globe.
In the 2024 World Whiskies Awards, over 1,600 entries in 22 different categories were recorded. The expert judge had to taste more than 1500 whiskies from around 40 countries. Ballantine’s 30 Years Old, English Sherry Casks & Bucanas Pineapple were big winners of the award night.In the last few years, WWA has also gained a lot of popularity in Asia. Many Asian news reporters showcase the announcement of WWA in a grand way. That’s why the result of the 2024 World Whiskies Awards was featured on various websites of Easter countries.
3. International Wine and Spirit Competition (UK)
The International Wine and Spirit Competition is like an ‘Oscars’ of the liquor industry. Founded by Anton Massel in 1969, the International Wine & Spirit Competition has a legacy, reputation, and relevancy. Around entries from 90 countries are recorded each year in this competition. IWSC awards different wines and spirits with bronze, silver & gold medals. For class-winning wines, special awards with the name of ‘Best in Class’ are also being presented.
The renowned spirits competition also presents the ‘Communicator of the Year’ award, which aims to honor an influential person who made several efforts to change the liquor industry. Jancis Robinson MW was the first recipient of this award in 1996. From the 2010s to the present, the International Wine and Spirit Competition stands tall as one of the world’s biggest spirits competitions.
4. International Spirits Challenge (UK)
The International Spirits Challenge is one of the most authoritative liquor and spirits competitions in the world, if not the most authoritative. With a rich history dating back to its inception in 1995, the ISC quickly became one of the main spirits competitions in the world. This premier event is in its 29th year. Moreover, it is counted among the largest spirit competitions in the world, as it receives entries from over 70 countries each year. The key awards of International Spirits Challenge (ISC) include:
> Distiller of the Year
> Supreme Champion Spirit
> Producer of the Year (In Over 15 Different Categories)
> Design & Packaging Supreme Champion
> Design Agency of the Year
5. Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USA)
Under the parent body of Ultimate Beverage Challenge, F. Pual Pacult, David Talbot, and Sue Woodley founded the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2010. Within a few years of its inception, this competition quickly gained recognition as one of the premier spirits competitions in the United States. However, in early 2024, the company announced that it would no longer conduct any further competitions.
Yes, you heard it right. Ultimate Beverage Challenge will no longer conduct any competitions, including the Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC). After 14 years of successful competition, this shocking announcement made big headlines across the liquor industry.
Let’s clear one more point: We know this guide unravels nine of the prestigious spirits competitions. Since Ultimate Spirits Challenge will no longer conduct any such competitions, you might be asking why it is even included in this list. Well, the reason is its legacy. For the last 14 years, it has been counted among the premier spirits competitions. Therefore, to honor its popularity and relevancy, it is included here.
6. London Spirits Competition
The London Spirits Competition was founded in 2018, making it a relatively new addition to the spirits competition scene. Despite its recent inception, the London Spirits Competition quickly gained a lot of popularity and a loyal following of liquor enthusiasts. On top of that, this competition has a great social media presence and popularity, making it resonate more with younger audiences.
That’s a reason why, in the 2024 London Spirits Competition, they recorded a record-breaking number of entries from over 80 countries. Over 2,000 liquor and spirit brands competed for prestigious medals. The results of the London Spirits Competition 2024 (which was out in March 2024) clearly indicate its rising cultural significance in the liquor industry.
7. Berlin International Spirits Competition (Germany)
The Berlin International Spirits Competition (BISC) debuted in 2014 as a part of the International Beverage Competition Series. By seeking inspiration from the establishment of the New York International Spirits Competition in 2010, BISC was established to cater to the requirements of European trade buyers. This annual event is the first unique major European spirits competition. Moreover, the judges for the BISC are trade experts who are selected from various countries across Europe, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and expertise.
Another reason behind BISC’s popularity and relevancy is its entry fees. Since its establishment, the association has not raised any entry fees, which allows every big and small brand to participate in the Berlin International Spirits Competition (BISC).
8. SIP Awards
SIP Awards, or Spirits International Prestige Awards, were founded in 2008 by Pouya Hashemi to honor the quality and craftsmanship of superior-quality spirits. What makes the SIP Awards unique is their consumer-centric judging model.
Yes, you heard, right? A CONSUMER-CENTRIC JUDGING MODEL.
According to this, it employs consumer judges rather than industry professionals to evaluate the entries. Thus, the SIP Awards are regarded as the people’s awards in the liquor and spirits industry since they represent the diverse preferences of the general public.
Over the years, the SIP Awards has grown in stature and reputation,
cementing its position as one of the world’s premier spirits competitions. According to the May 2023 Press Release from SIP Awards, 1,382 spirit brands entered the competition, marking the highest number of entries recorded in its history.
9. The American Distilling Institute Judging of Craft Spirits (USA)
The American Distilling Institute (ADI) Judging of Craft Spirits has a notable history that began with the founding of the American Distilling Institute itself.
[Established in 2003, the ADI is a leading association of small or independently owned craft distilleries. Bill Owens founded it to support and promote the craft distilling industry in the US]
This renowned association held its first spirits competition in 2007, where it presented 12 medals. Fast-forwarded to 2023, 872 entries (850 from the US + 22 International Countries) across 134 categories were recorded at ADI. The special class awards were presented to 36 spirits.
Royal Batch, A Premier Liquor Online Store: Keeping You Up-to-Date with Spirits Competitions’ News!
The world of spirits competitions is a vibrant and dynamic arena where,
‘Excellence is Celebrated, Innovation is Honored, & Standards are Set’
Every spirit competition mentioned in this blog post plays a vital role in shaping the spirits industry and elevating the craft to new heights. In this fast-paced world, it is challenging to keep yourself up-to-date with spirits competitions’ news. However, by having Royal Batch on your side, you can do so. As a leading online liquor store, we also showcase a wide range of varieties. From whiskeys like Howler Head whiskey to wines such as Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec, our collection promises superior quality and master craftsmanship. Visit our website to place an order for your favorite spirit. Explore now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q-1. How many spirit competitions in 2024 are yet to be conducted?
Ans: Significant spirits competitions, such as the London Spirits Competition, the World Whiskies Awards, and more, have already conducted their 2024 editions, and the results are out. However, numerous leading spirits competitions have yet to conduct their 2024 editions.
Q-2. What is spirit competition?
Ans: A spirit competition is a contest where distilled alcoholic beverages such as Whiskey, Vodka, Gin, Rum, and others are judged against one another based on various parameters to find the best ones. A spirit competition includes various categories, and beverages that win in their nominated categories compete for Class awards (aka the main awards).
Q-3. Are there any prestigious spirits competitions where scotch whiskies are also recognized?
Ans: There are several prestigious spirits competitions where Scotch whiskies are recognized and celebrated for their quality. Some of the most notable ones include the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), The Scotch Whisky Masters, the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), and more.
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