A total of 85, predominantly UK based, judges evaluated over 4,000 entrants across a dozen major categories for the 2022 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC). The results have just been announced.
In the gin category, historically one of the competition’s largest segments, a total of 22 gins were awarded the coveted Gold Outstanding medal. The winners ranged from all over the world.
The IWSC is an annual wine and spirits competition. Founded in 1969, by Anton Massel, it has grown to become one of the largest such competitions in the world. Spirits are evaluated on a 100-point scale and awards are given out for Gold Outstanding (98-100 points), Gold (95-97 points), Silver (90-94 points) and Bronze (85-89 points).
Four gins were awarded scores of 99 points. Seppeltsfield Road Distillers Barossa Shiraz 2021 Gin and Botanic Australis Navy Strength Gin are both Australian gins. The Barossa Shiraz gin is a gin that is made by macerating Shiraz grapes from each vintage in the house gin. Once the grapes have been macerated, they are crushed, filtered and bottled at 38.5% ABV. The gin is produced by Seppeltsfield Road Distillers. The judging panel described the gins:
A gorgeous grape aroma with dried fruits, pine and chocolate notes. The wine blends well as part of the gin and the flavour is sensational. Great silky texture with well-integrated alcoholic warmth and a finish that pleasantly lingers.
Seppeltsfield Road Distillers also took a Gold Outstanding medal for its Musician’s Cut Gin. The Judging panel described the gin as:
Punchy pine on the nose, with beautiful vibrant citrus. Complex aromas of grapefruit peel, sherbet and delicate florals add to the flavour profile. Spices arrive on the palate and grip the taste buds along with rich spice.
