CHAIR

Ian Wisniewski

Jan Wisniewski is a food, drink, and travel writer and broadcaster who specialises in spirits. Known primarily for his expertise in whisky, he also has significant experience with other spirits, including vodka. He is the author of two books about vodka, Classic Vodka, and Vodka: Discovering, Exploring, Enjoying, which covers the history of vodka, leading distilleries, and tasting notes.

He is fascinated by the production process of all spirits and visits distilleries on a regular basis in order to learn more. He has been involved in the International Spirits Challenge since 1997 and has been chairman of the white spirits judges for many years.

JUDGES FROM 2026

LEFT TO RIGHT: Markku Raittenen, Finlandia Vodka Ltd; Johanna Jalonen, Finlandia Vodka Ltd; Ian Wisniewski, Writer and Broadcaster; Dima Deinega, Dimas Vodkas;  Bex Almqvist, Distiller