Low & No is one of the fastest growing categories in the IWSC, with more entries and improved quality year on year. We checked in with a member of the IWSC Judging Committee Claire Warnerwho oversaw the review and jury to get their thoughts on how the category is shaping up and what stood out to them.
Claire was impressed with the quality of entries in each category, “It’s been great to see the number of entries continue to grow and the quality to improve by leaps and bounds across the board“.
Low & No Aperitif
“Aperitifs had some really complex botanical styles, reflecting the consumer trend towards more bitter styles of drinks,” Claire shared, “There has been an increase in entries and medals awarded which shows that the category is improving year on year.”
Our judges were very impressed with the aperitifs, even going so far as to comment “While we I loved how the apperitivo bloomed and sparkled when mixed, some of the group even enjoyed it on the rocks when it was strong!”. Almost every entry was awarded a silver or gold medal, highlighting the quality of the entries.
A high quality entry was awarded a gold medal. The judges were quick to praise the “attractive orange color, bitter orange and high-intensity herbaceous nose.”
Wine with low and no alcohol
The non-alcoholic wine category is one of the IWSC’s fastest growing categories, with Claire Warner noting that “the two days were it’s really dominated by wine and the developments that we’re seeing in technology and that real distinction between de-alcoholized wines and non-fermented wines and some of the differences in the real kind of flavor profile that come from those two quite distinct techniques. There were some really good results for both with some good solid silver medals and a few golds too!”
The judges were impressed with several of the alcohol-free wines, awarding gold medals to two separate sparkling entries. “The sparkling dry wines were quite good across the board with some good silvers and consistent quality. The sparkling Shiraz was a show stopper, showing varietal typicality, fine mouthfeel and excellent drinkability. This is the standard and as the rest of the class evolves to this level, it will be very interesting indeed. The future is bright!”
Claire echoed these statements saying “We’ve seen some really great sparkling wines, which always look really good at judging. The producers seem to do a great job of showcasing the complexity of the wines due to the effervescence. We see much more elegant and sophisticated flavors coming.”
De-alcohol red wine was a standout on our panel, with the category having been awarded multiple bronze medals and a highly rated silver medal won by Merlot which our judges praised for its “well-balanced acidity and clean palate.”
The non-alcoholic wine blends also performed exceptionally well, with the judges awarding 3 bronze medals, 3 silver medals and one gold medal. The gold medal was awarded to a Bellini entry that had “big peach notes with good foam and excellent balance of sweet and sour undertones.”
Low & Free Unfermented Wine
The second category of Low & No wine includes wine that has not gone through any fermentation. The judges praised this new category, “We found that separating wine into non-alcoholic and non-alcoholic has helped distinguish between the two.”
Unfermented wines were awarded a large amount of bronze medals and quite a few silvers for those that impressed the judges. Two silvers were awarded to a sparkling white that the judges found they liked with “sweet and floral palate with pleasant light foam.’ While the other silver was awarded to a Prosecco alternative that the judges noted was “light, bright and fruity”.
Low & No Beer
The Low & No beer category was consistent this year, with judges praising many fine examples of different styles, with each entry winning a medal. “The beers have been pretty consistent this year, with some pretty good examples of the style. I’m glad to see the category create a more consistent product across the board. No ‘no medals’ in the whole category is a great result!“.
Claire highlighted how far the category has come in a relatively short time. “Beer continues to be a huge category, but again, there has been more improvement in that area as well. We saw some medals for things that wouldn’t even be in the running last time. I think there’s just more nuance to these styles and there’s a lot more choice for the beer drinker, which is great to see!”.
The judges awarded silver medals to specific players. These include a Lemon Lager that reminded judges of a shady-style beer and a Helles Lager that had a “excellent presentation with a sweeter Helles style and controlled bitterness, followed by a nice balance of hops and grain, round typical Helles finish and excellent balance.”
Low & No ETA
Our panels were impressed with the quality of Low and No RTDs this year, with more entries and a greater focus on agave alternatives, reflecting the popularity of agave spirits in the trade.
“We have seen more creativity in the way the entries are produced and a lot of use of techniques to produce flavors. Year on year, it is clear that there is improvement. It is clear that we have moved beyond the artificial only and the flavors on offer are either authentic, or at least closer to the true representation of what is”, the judges shared.
One of the highlights for the judges was an RTD Paloma that was awarded gold. The judges were particularly impressed with the “Nice, bright citrus nose with a strong tequila note.”
Low & No Dark Spirit Alternatives
We have seen an increase in Low and No dark spirit alternative entries this year which Claire was happy to see.
“We’ve seen a lot more low/no dark spirits alternatives, producers are getting more creative and making rum, tequila and bourbon alternatives, expanding consumers’ choice of scotch/rum/tequila cocktails.Claire shared.
Indeed, alternative Scotch whiskeys performed well this year, winning several bronze medals. The judges highlighted the “gorgeous genuine authentic whiskey nose, fresh malt grass, bread, caramel” in one of the entries, also noting “has been great to see the range of entries widening year on year and the quality of the baseline rising with it.”
Low & No Mixer
Mixers are a popular part of the Low and No category, which is reflected in the quality of the entries. Our judges noted how bold and innovative the pattern was this year.
“Producers are very playful in this space, using flavors that you wouldn’t expect to see in a mixer, but have been used to great effect and will add another layer of choice for consumers at home or in bars, whether to use them with -alcoholic spirits or to prolong full protection spirits, the judges were divided.
Claire Warner agreed, stating “I was very happy to see so much innovation in mixers and strings. Lots of new world flavors in this category which were fun for the panel and while some of them were challenging, they sparked a great discussion.”
A golden mixer surprised the judges with a “very tempting fresh juicy pineapple on the nose followed by lovely notes of caramelized pineapple on the palate. Well balanced and fresh taste.”
Another gold medal-winning mixer was a Bloody Mary spice mix that the judges praised for how well balanced it was. “Excellent level of spice on the palate that opens well to a warm finish, powerful flavor with a balanced, spicy kick!” the judges were divided.
With our Alternative Drinks complete, stay tuned for the full results announcement on May 29.