FIVS Competitors

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) is the national trade association representing the leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States. DISCUS guards the sector against higher taxes and works diligently to reduce trade barriers across the globe, while supporting policies that increase adult market access for spirits products, provide greater convenience and choices for adult consumers, and encourage responsible and moderate consumption. DISCUS is a go-to resource for sector data, changes in public policy, cultural acceptance programs, U.S. spirits exports to foreign markets, and alcohol and science.

Wine Instituteis the public policy advocacy group of 1,000 Californiawineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine.

Now in its 50th year, the International Wine & Spirit Competition remains as relevant today as it did when wine chemist Anton Massel founded Club Oenologique in 1969. Massel had the idea of creating a wine and spirit competition which was based not just on organoleptic judgement but where all entries also had to undergo chemical analysis. In 1978, the name was changed to the International Wine & Spirit Competition, and the disciplines were refined into what we know the competition to be today. Technical controls were tightened to ensure the highest quality standards were achieved and maintained to a consistent standard year after year. The original aim of the IWSC was to award excellence in wines and spirits worldwide, and this aim remains the same today, encouraging recognition for quality products. Entries are received from nearly 90 countries worldwide and each sample is judged according to its class and treated with the same care and consideration in the IWSC’s dedicated tasting premises. The IWSC is proud to set the international benchmark for quality remaining unique in the crowded world of drinks competitions with dedicated tasting premises, a permanent onsite cellar and over 400 global experts judging products for seven months of the year.