Fantastic results for the Appenzeller Säntis Malt Whisky

The whisky cream liqueur “Marwees” and the new “Alpstein” Distillery Edition were even rated as “Outstanding” on top of their silver medals, thus topping the list of the silver medal winners in their category. This is the most distinguished result in the German-speaking regions.

The IWSC was founded in 1969 and is based near London. With over 300 qualified and renowned judges who are active in the global wine and spirits industry, it is the oldest competition of its kind. As a rule, the ratings are determined through blind tastings. Only competition staff may enter a specially prepared room to serve the drinks from the original bottles, which remain hidden from the panel of judges at all times. The judges only receive numbered glasses with the drinks to be evaluated.

Brett Fleming, European Tigerfish Brands Ltd (UK) and chairman of the judging panel, explains:

“The IWSC judging panel is composed in such a way that they can never be compromised. It consists of people who are very knowledgeable in their fields. They adhere to the Olympic principle that medals are only awarded for the highest quality. No medals are awarded in categories where the products do not score enough points. Last year, for example, we had over 30% more participants, yet fewer gold medals were awarded than in previous years.”

After the blind tasting, the products that were found to be good and awarded medals by the judges undergo an additional technical examination in a laboratory. In the case of spirits and liqueurs, this analysis investigates whether, in addition to natural ingredients and additives permitted by law, other substances found their way into the bottle. In an extensive screening procedure using gas chromatography, it is determined whether the medals may really be awarded.

The four Swiss products have passed these tests with flying colours and were rewarded with four remarkable medals.