The Drinks Trust

Supporting the drinks and hospitality industry workforce. The UK drinks industry charity. Since 1886, The Drinks Trust has provided care and support to the people who work in the drinks and hospitality industry, both past and present.

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) specialises in wine education, wine courses, spirits courses and wine tastings at all levels for business and pleasure. www.wsetglobal.com

The British Distillers Alliance

A non-profit making body like the Gin Guild, which provides a professional service for independent and craft businesses in the spirits production industry and supply chain. The BDA represents distillers, rectifiers and compounders and those in related sectors. www.britishdistillersalliance.com

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) provides trade support for the industry including regular policy and public affairs updates and professional advice and guidance. www.wsta.co.uk

The Worshipful Company of Distillers

One of London’s traditional livery companies, established in 1638 and it’s Livery Status granted in 1672. Members being principally drawn from the spirits industry. www.distillers.org.uk

Trade publications

Other useful resources

Spirits Awards

  • International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) – London, UK
    One of the oldest and most respected international spirits competitions, with entries from around the world and rigorous blind judging by expert panels.
    iwsc.net
  • San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) – San Francisco, USA
    One of the most influential global spirits contests, known for its broad entry base and highly respected medal classifications including Double Gold and Best in Show.
    thetastingalliance.com
  • American Distilling Institute International Spirits Competition – USA
    One of the oldest US based spirits competition has been running since 2007, making it an established event in the spirits awards landscape
    distilling.com
  • International Spirits Challenge (ISC) – London, UK
    Often cited as the longest‑running dedicated spirits competition, judged blind by specialists, and a widely accepted standard of excellence.
    internationalspiritschallenge.com
  • SIP Awards – International Spirits Competition – Global/USA
    A unique fully blind consumer judging spirits competition that provides producers consumer‑based recognition alongside expert awards.
    sipawards.com
  • TAG Global Spirits Awards – Las Vegas, USA
    A growing competition celebrating spirits excellence across over 100 categories with a global judging panel.
    tagspiritsawards.com
  • China Wine and Spirits Awards (CWSA) – Hong Kong/China
    One of Asia’s most influential competitions for wine and spirits, particularly valuable for producers targeting the Chinese market.
    cwsa.org
  • International London Spirits Competition (ILSC) – London, UK
    Rapidly gaining influence with distinctive awards like “Spirit of the Year” and category‑leading medals judged on quality, value and packaging.
    londonspiritscompetition.com
  • Concours Mondial de Bruxelles – Spirits Division – Global/Rotating host
    Part of the internationally respected Brussels competition, this spirits segment attracts thousands of entries and awards coveted Grand Gold and Gold medals.
    spiritsselection.com
  • Distillers Challenge International Spirits Competition – San Diego, USA
    A dedicated spirits competition focused on blind judgement and industry recognition, offering Platinum, Gold, Silver and Best in Class awards.
    distillerschallenge.com