Eloise Feilden, Asia editor at the drinks business, has been announced as the winner of the 2023 Alan Lodge Young International Drinks Writer of the Year award. Recognised for her sharp insight and range across the wine and spirits industries, Feilden stood out to judges for her strong journalistic instinct and ability to craft compelling stories on both people and policy.

The award, created in memory of Alan Lodge—the late deputy editor of the spirits business—celebrates emerging talent in drinks journalism. It is open to writers aged under 35 who are making a mark in beer, wine, and spirits coverage on a global level.

A versatile writer with a clear voice

Feilden’s win was based on two standout pieces of writing. The first was a profile interview with Olivier Krug, sixth-generation custodian of the iconic Krug Champagne house. The second explored the potential consequences of a free trade agreement between the UK and India, focusing on its implications for Indian spirits producers.

Judges praised the balance between the two submissions, highlighting both storytelling flair and industry insight. Laura Foster, one of the five industry judges, remarked: “The Krug piece really brought Olivier to life; it was a really accurate and fun portrayal, whereas the India-UK piece was pretty hard-hitting trade journalism, incredibly well written and well researched.”

The judging panel for the 2023 award included a range of leading drinks writers and editors: Becky Paskin, TV presenter and founder of OurWhisky; Millie Milliken, head of content at the OurWhisky Foundation; Kate Malczewski, freelance writer and editor; Laura Foster, freelance journalist; and Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes contributor and co-founder of The Rhythm and Booze Project.

Industry issues meet personality-driven storytelling

Millie Milliken added that Feilden’s deep dive into international trade was especially impressive for its clarity and nuance. “The India-UK piece could have been quite an intimidating and dry piece to write,” she said, “but she still managed to geek out points of interest, and I did find it really interesting. There was an underlying confidence in that writing, which is needed for the gravity of that kind of story.”

Feilden’s skill in blending human narratives with complex policy discussions made her entry stand out in a highly competitive field. With international drinks journalism growing in depth and diversity, her work demonstrated both strong editorial instincts and a future-facing approach to storytelling.

Honouring a legacy, encouraging new talent

Now in its annual iteration, the Alan Lodge Award continues to inspire and support emerging drinks writers around the world. It not only honours Lodge’s legacy as a talented journalist with a passion for the drinks trade, but also provides a vital platform for new voices in the industry.

With topics ranging from the Champagne vineyards of France to the emerging spirits landscape of India, Feilden’s win exemplifies the kind of global curiosity and professional integrity the award seeks to champion.

As the drinks industry continues to evolve in both its practices and its public perception, strong, thoughtful journalism is more crucial than ever. Feilden’s recognition marks a step forward for inclusive, cross-cultural coverage of a dynamic and ever-changing sector.