The International Wine & Spirits Competition will host its third North American Spirits Judging in Bardstown, Kentucky, from June 1-6, 2026, expanding its categories beyond whiskey and RTD to include gin, vodka, rum, and liqueurs from across the United States. The London-based competition, often called the “Olympics of the drinks industry,” is accepting entries through April 24.
Founded in 1969, the IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from over 90 countries. Kentucky is one of just seven global locations where the organization replicates its London judging model.
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The 2026 panel will be led by Dawn Davies, Master of Wine and Commercial Buying Director at Speciality Drinks and The Whisky Exchange. Judges will use the same rigorous process employed in the UK, including double-blind tasting, a limited number of entries per day to avoid palate fatigue, and structured panel discussions.
The judging roster includes Richard Paterson OBE, Master Blender at Whyte & Mackay; Tiffanie Barriere, The Drinking Coach; Jack Beguedou, spirits industry consultant; Georgie Bell, Ambassador at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and co-founder of The Heart Cut; Gary Gruver, Director of Global Beverage Strategy at Marriott International; Molly Horn of Total Wine & More; Brad Japhe, spirits journalist; Reece Sims of SIP Spirits Consulting & The Flavor Report; and Tristan Stephenson, bartender and co-founder of Black Rock in 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 at 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.”
The expanded category lineup reflects growing global interest in the breadth of American spirits production beyond bourbon and rye. Bardstown, widely known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” reinforces Kentucky’s position as a hub for spirits excellence.
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Medals awarded include Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Gold Outstanding. Top-scoring products advance to Trophy Judging. Winners will be announced on June 12, 2026, with the formal IWSC Awards Celebration taking place in London in November 2026.
Producers can submit entries through the IWSC North American judging page before the April 24 deadline.
