The Palate Has It

e Palate Has It!

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The Cathay Paci c HK IWSC is Asia's only double-blind tasting competition, which makes it 'Asia's choice, Asia's voice,' but what does double-blind mean?

Despite the best of intentions, even professionals nd it challenging to be completely impartial. Double-blind tasting removes prejudice, favourable or unfavourable, making it the most honest form of tasting. If, for example, a wine was identi ed as a Bordeaux rst growth, or served from a clearly de ned bottle shape, even the most practised judge might be swayed. HK IWSC prevents bias by pouring wines in the back room, which is o limits to judges during judging. The only identifying feature on the glass is a number. The wine is what it is—nothing more, nothing less—judges do not know its name or brand, just its context (region, grape, and vintage). This context is important, so judges are comparing like with like and not a French burgundy against Californian zinfandel. With judges left using only their palates as a guide, HK IWSC entries receive a fair critique. This creates opportunities for amazing wines, sakes, spirits and beers to shine, and for some surprising award winners to emerge.