At the 2022 International Wine and Spirit Competition, gold medals were adorned on Corby’s Lot No. 40 Dark Oak Rye Whisky — called “outstanding” by the judges — Lot No. 40 Rye Whisky and Polar Ice Vodka. Corby was also awarded two silver medals and three bronzes at the annual awards that set the international benchmark for quality.
“We take great pride in crafting premium whiskies across our family of brands, and these IWSC medals are reflective of the hard work and innovation that goes into each and every batch we create,” says Dr. Don Livermore, Master Blender at the Hiram Walker and Sons distillery in Windsor, where Corby’s spirits are produced. “That we have also placed two Polar Ice Vodka products on the podium is a testament to the quality and diversity from the Corby Spirit and Wine roster. All of our medal winners have secured scores that can only be considered as excellent. We are extremely proud of that.”
The IWSC is the beverage alcohol industry’s most innovative awards program, consistently pioneering new categories that are emerging onto the drinks scene. It is also the most commercially conscious drinks competition, able to leverage is international reach on behalf of its winners.
The 2022 competition was the largest in the IWSC’s history, with more than 4,000 submissions in 21 categories, representing more than 90 countries. All spirits were tasted by the IWSC’s carefully curated panels of industry experts, led by members of its Spirits Judging Committee.
CORBY GOLD MEDALLISTS
Lot No. 40 Dark Oak Rye Whisky
Category: Worldwide rye whisky, unpeated
Score: 96
Judges’ Tasting Notes: Expressive aromas of caramel and raw cocoa. Palate carries sweetness of fudge, butter toffee with a hint of bittersweet cherry in a very elegant manner. Creaminess of rye allows smooth dry finish with a long aftertaste. Outstanding.
Lot No. 40 Rye Whisky
Category: Worldwide rye whisky, unpeated
Score: 95
Judges’ Tasting Notes: Faint aromas with a gentle hint of caramel develop a complex palate bursting with layers of confected sugar and jammy purple fruits, developing into notes of cinnamon and cherry. Well balanced with richness and elegance allowing a spiced dry finish.
Polar Ice Vodka
Category: Vodka, neutral, corn, traditional
Score: 95
Judges’ Tasting Notes: Mineral notes on the nose with a touch of toffee, vanilla and caramel. Herbaceous on the palate with tangy citrus-driven mouthfeel of apple and pear. Slight hint of black pepper on the finish.