New Discoveries, Enduring Favourites

For more than ten years, HK IWSC judging has upheld high international standards for wine and spirits in Asia. Award winners represent Asia's tastes and advance the region's wine and spirits culture.

There are many competitions globally, but none are committed to delivering culturally appropriate guidance on wine, sake, spirits and beer to Asian drinkers like the Cathay Paci c HK IWSC.

Over the years, panels of Asian and international experts have evaluated hundreds of deserving wines and spirits for awards and trophies that speci cally acknowledge Asian tastes. This year, entries were received from neighbouring Ningxia, China and from as far away as Kenya and the Czech Republic.

Entries were judged rst on their own, and then many underwent further scrutiny by judges in the food and wine pairing category, which took place at Royal Garden Hotel where judging was conducted in-situ at several restaurants—Chinese, Japanese and pan-Asian—to match the cuisine of the dishes being paired; it was an immersive experience that enabled judges to consider the sights, smells and sounds that impact tasting outcomes.

As well as assessing top-class international beverages, it was also a year for showcasing iconic venues. Judging took place at Hong Kong's striking Maritime Museum, where huge glass windows ooded the space with natural light and harbour views. To add to the drama, a series of storms rolled in through the week making judges' deliberations more electric than usual. When seas were calm, judges enjoyed traditional junk boat sailings with an evening light show and views of the city's skyline.

Behind the scenes, the HK IWSC backroom team lead by David Li, carefully planned, organised and laid-out bottles, lled glasses and secured judges' scores. Also critical to the competition's success was the constant stream of fresh co ee supplied by Nespresso which kept judges alert. Nespresso also came to the party with co ee cocktails at o cial dinners.

Each year, Asia's top beverage professionals eagerly await HK IWSC's annual results to inform their drinks lists. In this booklet, you too can discover the trends that will drive this year's selections.

EXPERTS FROM NEAR AND FAR

This year HK IWSC welcomed 74 Asian judges from 10 cities, as well as International VIP Wine Judge Diego Pinilla, group director of winemaking at Spain's Raventós Codorníu. Wine judges were welcomed to Hong Kong at an o cial dinner at Spanish restaurant FoFo by El Willy.

VIP International Spirit Judge and baijiu expert Wu Yi, deputy chief distiller at JiangXiaoBai, Chongqing Jiangji Distillery, presented a fascinating SPIT masterclass on the world's most-consumed spirit to judges and members of the Hong Kong trade. Anty Fung and her professional team at AnOther Place hosted a consummate welcome dinner.