Behind the scenes: Judging at the International Olive Oil Competitions

If you're a fellow olive oil enthusiast, you probably already know the critical role that competitions play in showcasing and celebrating the finest olive oils from around the world. As a judge at the London International Olive Oil Competition, I had the privilege of being part of an incredible team of experts, tasting over 800 oils from various corners of the globe to determine the best of the best.

Today, I'm excited to give you a glimpse into the fascinating world of olive oil judging and what it takes to select the most outstanding oils.

The Judging Panel

Our judging panel consisted of over 12 seasoned professionals, each with a deep passion for olive oil and a keen understanding of the complex factors that influence its quality. We came together from different parts of the world, bringing a diverse range of palates and expertise to the table.

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Tasting Over 800 Oils

Tasting over 800 olive oils is no small feat. It's a multi-day, sensory adventure that takes us through an array of flavors, aromas, and textures. Each oil is sampled blind, without any knowledge of its origin or brand, ensuring a fair and unbiased evaluation. The oils come from every olive-producing region you can imagine, from Mediterranean countries to emerging producers around the world.

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The Judging Criteria

The London International Olive Oil Competition employs a rigorous set of criteria to evaluate each olive oil. The oils are ranked into three categories: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

1. Silver: This designation is awarded to oils of good quality with no defects. They must meet specific standards for purity, flavor, and aroma. A Silver medal signifies that the oil is a fine, high-quality product.
2. Gold: Oils that earn a Gold medal are of very good quality, and they stand out with exceptional flavor notes. These oils exhibit superior characteristics in terms of aroma and taste, making them a true delight for the senses.
3. Platinum: Platinum is the most prestigious recognition, and it is reserved for oils that are very unique and distinguished. These oils are the crème de la crème of the competition, representing the top 1% of submissions. They exhibit not only exceptional quality but also exceptional character, setting them apart as the best of the best.

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The Importance of These Rankings

Ranking olive oils in this manner serves several crucial purposes. It provides consumers with guidance in selecting high-quality olive oils for their culinary creations. It also recognizes and rewards the hard work and dedication of olive oil producers around the world, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence.

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In Conclusion

Being a judge at the London International Olive Oil Competition is a thrilling and enlightening experience. It allows us to celebrate the diverse and exceptional olive oils produced worldwide while setting a standard for quality and excellence in the industry.

As olive oil enthusiasts, we understand the immense value of this liquid gold, and our role as judges is to ensure that only the finest oils receive the recognition they deserve. So the next time you pick up a bottle of award-winning olive oil, you'll know that it has passed the discerning palate of a dedicated panel of experts who have painstakingly evaluated hundreds of oils to bring you the best of the best. Cheers to the world of olive oil and the exciting journey of discovering its exceptional flavors!