Overview

The India International Spirits Competition (IISC) 2026 is a trade-focused, professionally conducted blind tasting competition created to connect domestic and international spirits producers with India's beverage trade.

Designed for brands seeking to enter or expand within the Indian market, IISC brings together importers, distributors, retailers, duty-free buyers, hospitality professionals, bar managers, and spirits experts to evaluate products through an independent blind tasting process.

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📅 Competition Date: 23 October 2026
🏆 Results Announcement: 10 November 2026
📍 Location: Gurugram, Delhi NCR, India

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The competition is conducted as a closed-door industry event. Participating brands submit their samples in advance, and there is no public attendance. The controlled tasting environment ensures complete impartiality, consistency, and confidentiality throughout the judging process.

 

​Format

Every entry is evaluated through a rigorous blind tasting process designed to assess both technical quality and commercial appeal.

• All bottles are anonymized before judging.

• Judges evaluate each spirit independently before panel discussion.

• Moderators oversee every panel to maintain scoring consistency.

• Medals are awarded solely on achieved scores—not predetermined quotas.

• Entries are assessed on quality, aroma, taste, balance, character, overall excellence, and commercial relevance.

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Entry Deadlines

To accommodate both domestic and international producers, IISC follows a structured registration schedule.

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International Participants

Registration Deadline: 31 July 2026

This allows sufficient time for export documentation, customs clearance, and international shipping.

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Domestic Participants

Registration Deadline: 31 August 2026

Entries are confirmed only upon receipt of the completed registration, payment, and all required documentation.

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Sample Submission

All samples must be delivered to the designated warehouse before the official submission deadline, which will be communicated upon registration.

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International participants are encouraged to begin shipping arrangements well in advance to avoid customs or logistics delays. Detailed shipping instructions will be provided after registration is confirmed.

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Who Should Enter?

• International and Indian distilleries

• Global spirits brands and brand owners

• Craft distilleries

• Importers and distributors

• Independent bottlers

• Premium and boutique spirits producers

• Companies seeking distribution, retail listings, and hospitality exposure in the Indian market

 

IISC provides producers with more than independent recognition—it offers direct exposure to the professionals who influence purchasing decisions across one of the world's largest and fastest-growing spirits markets.