What do you think distinguishes DistiSuisse in particular?
Sonia Petignat-Keller: Continuity, objectivity, quality and this year an even more refined tasting principle. For me, DistiSuisse represents a successful interplay of large, medium and small producers, consumers and interested people from politics, business and academia. The participants, jurors and helpers are all intrinsically motivated and therefore enjoy their work. We started small ten years ago and through passionate work have grown into the largest award in Switzerland. I am not only pleased with the trust that has been placed in us, but also with the daily inspiring contact with the industry.
At DistiSuisse, you are in charge of the tasting. What are the challenges?
The planning in advance and the logistical effort are the biggest challenges. With 568 products submitted, more than 1 700 bottles and more than 3 000 glasses have to be correctly coded and served to the right tables. During the tasting itself, my focus is on ensuring that everything runs smoothly and as planned and that the samples are tasted under optimal conditions.
6th Spirits Award
DistiSuisse Magazine 2021/2022
Order the DistiSuisse magazine now free of charge in the BAR NEWS shop. The magazine is available in German and French.
How is the quality of the judging ensured?
The credibility of the results and thus the quality of the judging is essential for us. That's why we go to great lengths to ensure an objective evaluation of the samples. On the tasting days, we only use people who have completed a specific training course with us beforehand. This two-day training course teaches the basics of sensory analysis and, in particular, the evaluation of spirits, as well as some of the technical aspects of distilling.
Are there any other methods for quality assurance?
Yes. In addition to the zero samples at the beginning of each tasting, about 10 per cent of the products submitted are served as double samples. This means that the same sample is served at different tasters' tables to ensure that there are no big variations from table to table, but a sample can also be served twice at the same table with different coding to check the competence of the judges.
The biggest award for Swiss spirits has come to an end. What is your conclusion?
Swiss spirits are quality products! - A real pleasure, or better, a real delight! DistiSuisse is now in its sixth edition. Interest and participation have grown steadily despite difficult circumstances, and this year again an enormous number of samples were submitted and judged excellently. The Swiss distillers have once again proven that they know their craft and are among the best in the world. On behalf of DistiSuisse and the whole team: congratulations to the passionate producers!
DistiSuisse 2021/22
Those who succeed at DistiSuisse are undoubtedly among the best distillers in the universe. Because the DistiSuisse award is one of the most demanding in the world. Only the most outstanding products receive awards. This is guaranteed by professional training of the jury with a wide variety of professional backgrounds from gastronomy, distilling, the trade press and trade - women and men. In addition, all samples are subjected to a thorough chemical analysis, something no other award can afford. The producers receive a data sheet with the tasting and analysis results listed for each product submitted. This year was the 6th edition of DistiSuisse.
