Now in it’s seventh year, the competition is said to have had more entries than ever before.
Waterworth who is the news and web editor at Drinks International impressed judges with his great sense of storytelling, colourful style and in-depth knowledge. He said: “It’s fantastic to win this award, not only for myself but the whole team at Drinks International. I think it’s great that this award exists because it’s encouraging the next generation of young writers and hopefully it will continue to leave a lasting legacy for the Lodge family.”
The award was launched in memory of the late deputy editor of The Spirits Business, Alan Lodge. Writers under the age of 35 in international spirits, wine, beer and cocktails submit three pieces of writing to be assessed by a panel of judges.
Judges this year were Becky Paskin, editor of scotchwhisky.com; Emily Harris, director of May Fox Communications; and Neil Ridley, drinks writer and presenter.
Paskin said: “Shay has a natural affinity for storytelling. His confident yet humble tone and journalistic nose for thoroughly exploring a subject add an authoritative weight to his writing, while his ability to create intrigue and suspense elicits a hungry curiosity. This is a writer that the judges have seen grow year after year. A worthy winner, with a very promising career in drinks writing ahead of him.”
Ridley said: “Congratulations to all the entrants and particularly Shay, whose work really stood out as being highly entertaining and insightful. He is certainly destined to have a great career in the drinks business.”
Hamish Smith, bars editor of Drinks International said: "The Alan Lodge Young Spirit Writer Award is a great springboard for success in the drinks industry and here at Drinks International it comes as little surprise Shay won the award this year. Just two years into his drinks writing career, Shay has natural journalistic tendencies, an ability to write stellar copy at short notice and shows tremendous promise for the future."
The award was presented to Waterworth at a ceremony during the London Wine Fair yesterday hosted by The Drinks Business, sister publication of The Spirits Business.
