The International Wine & Spirits Competition will return to Bardstown, Kentucky, in early June for its third North American judging event, expanding its categories beyond whiskey and ready-to-drink spirits to accept gin, vodka, rum, and liqueurs from across the United States.
The London-based competition, founded in 1969, has extended its entry deadline to May 8. Winners will be announced on June 12, 2026.
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The IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from over 90 countries. Kentucky is one of just seven global locations where the organization delivers its full London judging model through its Global Judging program.
Dawn Davies, Master of Wine and commercial buying director at Speciality Drinks and The Whisky Exchange, will lead the judging panel. Entries will be assessed using the same rigorous process as in the UK, including double-blind tasting, a limited number of entries judged per day to avoid palate fatigue, and panel discussions between judges.
The 2026 panel includes Richard Paterson OBE, master blender at Whyte & Mackay; Jack Beguedou, spirits industry consultant; Georgie Bell, ambassador for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and co-founder of The Heart Cut; Molly Horn of Total Wine & More; Brad Japhe, spirits journalist; Reece Sims of SIP Spirits Consulting and The Flavor Report; and Tristan Stephenson, bartender and co-founder of Black Rock in London.
The judging panel draws expertise from distilling, retail buying, hospitality, media, and global distribution. This breadth of perspectives ensures a comprehensive and balanced evaluation process.
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All medal winners benefit from the IWSC’s global results campaign, receiving the same level of recognition, promotion, and commercial opportunity as those judged in London. Medals awarded include Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Gold Outstanding. Top-scoring products advance to the Trophy Judging round. Winners will be celebrated at the IWSC Awards Celebration in November 2026 in London.
The Global Judging initiative was introduced by Christelle Guibert, strategy and business development director at the IWSC. Since 2022, the competition has held in-situ judging events in Italy, Austria, Georgia, Turkey, Argentina, Australia, the United States, South Africa, and China. The IWSC describes itself as the first international drinks competition to institute such a series.
Partners for the 2026 event include Heaven Hill, Angel’s Envy, Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, Total Wine & More, Kentucky Eagle, Glencairn, Buzick Construction, Mint Julep Experiences, and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
Entries can be submitted through the IWSC North American Whiskey & RTD Judging page ahead of the May 8 deadline.
