Extract of i.5 of Competition Regulations “Procedure of Expert Evaluation of Samples in KEY Categories of Vodkas and Special Vodkas Competition, Spirits Competition and Alcohols Competition”
The first stage of Vodkas and Special Vodkas Competition and Spirits Competition is the tasting of samples in key categories. The rating received in the key category is applied for the assessment and determination of the winners in special categories.
The expert evaluation of products is conducted by the Expert Panel. The Expert Panel assesses the quality of the samples submitted using the method of blind tasting in the presence of independent observers and mass media.
In order to ensure impartiality of the assessment, the experts are unaware of the names and manufacturers of alcoholic drinks under evaluation. The samples are encrypted by independent observers prior to tasting, and the presence of the Expert Panel members during the procedure is unacceptable.
Organoleptic parameters such as transparence, color, taste, aroma, appearance and texture are the criteria of consumer properties. The evaluation of the quality of vodkas, special vodkas and spirits, that are produced using the distillation method, is conducted by each taster individually on a scale from 1 to 10 based on the following criteria:
- color and transparence - 2 points max.
- aroma - 4 points max.
- taste - 4 points max.
The evaluation of the quality of liquors and distilled spirits is conducted by each taster individually on a scale from 1 to 25 based on the following criteria:
Appearance:
- transparence - 3 points max.
- color - 4 points max.
Aroma:
- purity - 3 points max.
- intensity - 2 points max.
- typical nature - 4 points max.
Taste:
- purity - 2 points max.
- intensity - 2 points max.
- persistence - 2 points max.
- typical nature - 2 points max.
A taster writes down the points scored by samples per each criterion in his tasting card and calculates the total rating. He signs his card and passes it to the Secretary of the tasting panel as soon as the tasting is finished.
Processing of the results of tasting evaluation is conducted by the Secretary in presence of independent observers as follows:
At first, the average value for all ratings of each sample is calculated and rounded to two decimal digits. After that, the ratings which differ from the calculated average value for more than 0.3 points (for vodkas, special vodkas and spirits produced using the distillation method, alcohols) and for more than 2.4 (for liquors, fruit liqueurs, nastoykas and balsams) are discarded. Then, the average value is recalculated from the remaining ratings, and the result is the final score of the sample.
The average score is an average value of the evaluation of Expert Panel members who take part in the tasting.
After the tasting is finalized and the tasters have submitted their tasting cards, the Chair (or the Secretary along with Expert Panel members) holds a discussion of the samples evaluated.
In case of serious divergencies between expert evaluations, the Chair has powers to persist on the second tasting of the sample. The results of the second tasting are considered final.
The decisions of the tasting panel are followed by the Minutes which is signed by the Chair and the Secretary.
The following points are incorporated in the Minutes:
- date of tasting
- all the attending tasting panel members (full name, position)
- purpose of tasting
- list of the samples evaluated detailed by the name of the product and the plant of origin
- scores and organoleptic characteristics of the sample
