Launching the First Edition of India International Spirits Competition (IISC) 2026
- IISC 2026
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
The global spirits industry continues to evolve with an increasing focus on craftsmanship, innovation, and premium quality. Recognizing this shift, the India International Spirits Competition (IISC) is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural edition, set to take place on 20 October 2026 in Mumbai.
Designed as a professionally conducted blind tasting competition, the India International Spirits Competition aims to recognize excellence in spirits from both domestic and international producers.
The competition has been developed to provide a credible platform where spirits are evaluated purely on quality, technical merit, and their overall appeal within the evolving global and Indian spirits landscape.
A Professionally Structured Blind Tasting Competition
At the heart of the India International Spirits Competition is a rigorous judging framework designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and technical accuracy.
All entries are evaluated through a structured blind tasting process where bottles are anonymized before evaluation. Judges assess each spirit independently before engaging in moderated panel discussions to maintain scoring consistency.
Medals are awarded based strictly on score thresholds rather than quotas, ensuring that recognition is granted purely on merit.
The competition is conducted as a closed-door industry event, allowing judges to focus entirely on the technical evaluation of the spirits without external influence.
Judged by India’s Leading Industry Professionals
The judging panel brings together respected professionals representing the full spectrum of the spirits industry.
The panel includes:
Trade buyers from retail and hospitality
Importers and distributors
Master distillers and producers
Spirits educators and journalists
Influential industry voices and consumer representatives
This diverse expertise ensures that each entry is assessed not only for its technical quality but also for its relevance within the modern spirits market.
A Platform for Domestic and International Brands
The India International Spirits Competition welcomes entries from:
International spirits producers
Indian distilleries and brands
Craft distillers
Importers and brand owners
Premium and boutique producers
The competition provides brands with an opportunity to benchmark their products alongside other leading spirits while gaining recognition from a professional industry panel.
Competition Details
Competition Date: 20 October 2026 Location: Mumbai, India
All samples must be submitted in advance and evaluated during the official judging session under controlled conditions designed to maintain the integrity of the blind tasting process.
Registration Timeline
To accommodate both domestic and international participants, the competition follows a structured registration schedule:
Super Early Bird Deadline: 28 February 2026
Early Bird Deadline: 28 May 2026
International Registration Deadline: 31 July 2026
Domestic Registration Deadline: 31 August 2026
Participants are encouraged to register early to allow sufficient time for documentation and logistics.
Participate in the Competition
Producers and brand owners interested in participating in the India International Spirits Competition 2026 can visit:
or submit their details through the Interest Form on the website.
For enquiries, please contact:info@indiainternationalspiritscompetition.com
As preparations continue for the inaugural edition in Mumbai, the India International Spirits Competition looks forward to welcoming outstanding spirits from around the world for a celebration of quality, craftsmanship, and professional excellence. 🥃
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