Thu 6 Oct 2022

Cathy HK IWSC 2022 Judges Accomplished Judging in Hong Kong

The 2022 Cathy Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition (HK IWSC) kicked off its judging week from 20th to 23rd September, with 56 fully experienced and qualified industry judges gathering in Hong Kong to determine the finest global drinks for the burgeoning Asian market.

Debra Meiburg MW, the Founding Director of HK IWSC, expressed, “the quantity of this year’s entries proved to us that the wine world is still very engaged with Hong Kong and believes in our future. We were particularly thrilled by the number of Amber wine entries. We’re observing increased interest in these unique “skin-contact” wines as edgy, au courant Hong Kongers return to our city after seeing these wines on top lists in London, New York, and Sydney. How timely that Hong Kong’s foremost professionals were able to award the best wines for our markets just as we open the city again.”

This year, HK IWSC has remarkably broadened its expertise; all panelists are experts in their specific fields, incorporating Master of Wine, Master Sommelier, 17 sommeliers, and a variety of renowned importers, wine and spirit critics, journalists, and educators. The judges examined over 70 groups of wines, spirits, and beer, which were all presented “double-blind” to ensure result quality and consistency.

Keehong 'Johann' Kwon, the Executive Head Sommelier at Black Sheep Restaurants, said, “one of the best parts of HK IWSC is doing the double-blind tasting without knowing the producers, considering that it could make us truly evaluate and feel the quality of the wine by itself rather than the winery's reputations, our expectations to the certain producers, etc.”

The 2022 Judging Week took place at the Arca, a recently opened hotel nestled in the heart of the southern district of Hong Kong. An abundance of human resources was involved in the logistics and management of this year’s judging week, intending to shape this world-renowned competition into a success.

Held in conjunction with the Judging Week, Test Your Palate offered an excellent opportunity for drinks enthusiasts and professionals to uncover the behind-the-scenes of HK IWSC and discover 100+ competition-quality wines and spirits worldwide. Wine and spirit lovers descended upon the Acra in the evenings of 20th and 21st September to excite their taste buds and discuss the competition entrants with the HK IWSC’s eminent judges.

The 2022 HKIWSC’s full results will be announced to participants in mid-October, and subsequently to the public on 10th November via the competition website, hkiwsc.com

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“Winning a silver medal in the HKIWSC has truly helped my product to achieve international credibility regarding its taste. This has positively affected decision making of several new merchants who now carry my product.”Kaustav BagchiOwner, Lamai Thai Spirits
“Louis Royer Cognac has been entering the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition for many years. This competition is regarded as the most respected in Asian countries. Winning an award is a high honour for our brand and a further seal of quality for our multi-award winning Cognac.”Carol FrugierMarketing and Communications Manager, Louis Royer Cognac
“Adding to our success over the past few years at the HKIWSC, winning a trophy means so much to us as we have just recently entered the Chinese market with our brandies. The Chinese market is unique, which makes it even more exciting to know that Oude Molen VOV Brandy is well accepted.”Kobus GelderblomBrandy Master, Oude Molen Distillery
“It is a great honour for us to receive this award and we are very thankful about the reputation from wine enthusiasts in China. This award is a testament to the fact that our white wines not only match the traditional Austrian food but also matches perfectly with the Asian cuisine.”Katja PflogschWinemaker, Domäne Wachau
“To get recognition from such a prestigious panel is vey rewarding indeed, and proves that our wines are made in a style that is truly food friendly. The HKIWSC has become one of the year’s most well-respected wine competitions globally. For us, the food match component is a fantastic chance to demonstrate how well our wines compliment so many different flavours. Moreover, it is a competition known and valued by our customers so a trophy can be hugely influential.””Susanna MayerWinemaker, Yealings
“Awards and medals at the HKIWSC have been like a stamp of approval to the quality of our wines. Because it is an Asian-focused competition, I know that my wines are being judged and measured by the same yardstick as all the other wines, given our viticultural conditions are quite unique compared with the rest of the world. These medals give me and, more importantly, my consumers the confidence that my wines stand apart from the competition.”Kalash GurnaniWinemaker, York Winery
“We are very proud of our results. One of our key focuses is the Asian market, so we really want to make our wines special and desirable for this market. That’s why we want to enter this competition and be evaluated by the expert judging panel.”Sofia Cajewski Winemaker, Cremaschi Furlotti
“We at Yealands Estate Wines are proud to be recognized by the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition. The organization is held in the highest regard and our success in the competitions has become a strong voice for our quality around the globe.”Avram DeitchGlobal Marketing Manager, Yealands Wine Group
“Winning awards in reputable international wine shows such as the Cathay Pacific HKIWSC is one of the many ways of educating our consumers and giving them confidence in purchasing the Saint Clair brand. This enhances brand perception an in turn increases sales across our entire portfolio of wines.”Maria EastonWinemaker, Saint Clair Family Estate

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Cathy HK IWSC 2022 Judges Accomplished Judging in Hong Kong