Judging Process
The India International Spirits Competition (IISC) 2026 follows a rigorous 100% blind tasting process, ensuring every spirit is evaluated purely on quality. The judging process is designed to uphold the highest standards of fairness, independence, transparency, and consistency.
Expert Judging Panel
IISC brings together a distinguished panel of Indian trade buyers and spirits experts representing every major sector of the beverage industry.
The judging panel includes:
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Importers
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Distributors
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Retail Buyers
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Hospitality Buyers
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Travel Retail (Duty-Free) Buyers
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Bartenders & Mixologists
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Distillers
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Spirits Educators
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Beverage Consultants
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Leading Spirits Writers & Industry Media
Together, the panel combines technical expertise with extensive knowledge of India's spirits industry, ensuring every entry is assessed to the highest professional standards.
The Judging Process
Step 1 – Sample Verification
All entries are verified against the official registration details before the judging process begins. Samples are checked to ensure they comply with the competition's submission requirements.
Step 2 – Anonymous Coding
Each spirit is assigned a unique identification code. All identifying information—including the brand, producer, bottle design, packaging, and price—is concealed before tasting to ensure complete anonymity.
Step 3 – 100% Blind Tasting
All spirits are evaluated independently through a 100% blind tasting process, with judges assessing each entry purely on quality.
Judges evaluate:
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Appearance (where applicable)
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Aroma
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Balance
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Complexity
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Mouthfeel
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Flavour Profile
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Finish
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Overall Quality
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Category Expression
Every spirit is assessed impartially, without influence from brand identity, producer, packaging, origin, or price.
Step 4 – Medal Determination
Following the blind tasting, judges' scores are reviewed in accordance with the competition's medal criteria.
Outstanding spirits are recognised with:
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Double Gold
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Gold
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Silver
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Bronze
Every medal awarded by the India International Spirits Competition represents excellence achieved through an independent, professionally judged 100% blind tasting process.