The IWSC Mixer Awards were created to crown the world’s best Gin & Tonic, Vodka & Tonic, Rum & Tonic, Whisky Highball and Agave & Tonic.
In each of the categories, the spirits were judged based on how well they paired with the mixer and a total of 12 Gold Medals were awarded to outstanding spirits.
Here are the best spirits and mixers of the 2023 awards:
Gin And Tonic Mixer Awards – Gold Medal winners
- Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery (Australia) – 65 Miles Gin
- Hernö Gin (Sweden)
- Vánagandr Destilerías (Spain) – London Dry Gin
- Wild Distillery Bornholm (Denmark) – Ene Organic Navy Strength Gin
- Torbay Distilling Company (England) – Torbay Gin
- Black Pe&Ar GbR (Germany) – Black Forest Dry Gin
“The strength of a good gin and tonic lies in its simplicity,” said the IWSC judges. When judging this category, the IWSC experts tasted the drinks composed of one part gin to three parts tonic. The drinks were tasted blindly in Riedel glasses, no ice or garnishes were used.
Whisky Highball Mixer Awards – Gold Medal winners
- Bladnoch Distillery (Scotland) – Pure Scot Signature 106 Blended Scotch Whisky
- Wemyss Family Spirits (Scotland) – Peat Chimney Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
- Winepak Corporation (Malaysia) – Timah Double Peated Blended Whiskey
“Whiskey high balls are always a favourite of mine, and we ended up with some really outstanding finishers in the gold category,” said Shannon Tebay, IWSC Judging Committee member. The experts tasted whisky highballs made of one part whisky to three parts of soda water. The drinks were tasted blindly in Riedel glasses, no ice or garnish was used.
Rum And Tonic Mixer Awards – Gold Medal winners
- Saint James (Martinique) – VO Vieux Agricole Rhum
- Regent Global (India) – Tiger Eye Cafe Rhum
The marriage of rum and tonic might not be as well-known as some other classics, such as gin and tonic, but it’s a combination that promises a unique and enjoyable drinking experience, said IWSC judges. At the judging, the rum and tonics were mixed in the proportion of one part rum to three parts tonic. The drinks were tasted blindly in Riedel glasses, no ice or garnish was used.
Vodka And Tonic Mixer Awards – Gold Medal winners
- Turku distillery (Finland) – Kaiho Vodka
“Vodka and tonic is a simple, yet elegant cocktail and when done right, it can be enjoyable and incredibly versatile,” said the judges. The entries were tasted in the proportion of one part vodka to three parts tonic, in Riedel glasses, with no ice or garnish.
For more information on IWSC’s 2023 Mixer Awards, click here.
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