IWSC expands US activity

The IWSC Group has bolstered its recent acquisition of two US spirits events with the launch of a new competition, Spirits of the Americas.

Targeting all spirits produced across North, Central and South American countries and the Caribbean, the inaugural competition will take place in Florida this November.

The launch marks an expanded focus for the group, which in 2011 bought both the San Francisco-based Whiskies of the World show and the Spirits of Mexico event, which hosts festivals in San Diego and New York.

Highlighting the broad range of products currently being produced across the Americas, Dori Bryant, IWSC group event director and founder of Spirits of Mexico, observed: “The Americas have always had traditionally strong regional spirits whether it is the rums of the Caribbean, the Tequilas of Mexico or the bourbons of Kentucky.

“However recent years have seen spirits being produced in the most surprising of places such as vodka from Maine and Argentina, gin from San Francisco and absinthe from Philadelphia.”

Spirits of the Americas will assess entries by appearance, aromatics, flavour, mouth feel and finish, with a panel of experience judges tasting products blind. Entries will be divided by region, style and age.

IWSC group managing director, Allen Gibbons commented: “We believe launching Spirits of the Americas will highlight the huge variety and quality of products produced across the Americas. We are excited to have an event that highlights the excitement and diversity of the region.”

In addition to this expanding US arm, the IWSC Group also owns the International Wine & Spirits Competition, Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition and “What Food, What Wine?”