Important Sample Shipping Update
We have now started accepting samples through both shipping options — our UK Consolidation Centre and direct shipment to India.
🇬🇧 UK Consolidation Centre
Participants shipping samples to the UK Consolidation Centre may dispatch them between 21 August and 4 September 2026.
🇮🇳 Direct Shipment to India
Participants shipping samples directly to India must ensure that their samples arrive in India between 1 and 15 September 2026.
Important: Please send the required shipping documents to our team for a quick review before dispatching your samples. This will help ensure that all documentation is in order and minimise potential delays during shipment and customs clearance.
Please follow the applicable shipping timeline based on your chosen shipping option.
India International Spirits Competition (IISC)
The India International Spirits Competition (IISC) is a trade-focused, professionally judged blind tasting competition created to help domestic and international spirits producers connect with India's beverage trade.
Held on 23 October 2026 in Delhi NCR (Gurugram, Haryana), IISC provides brands with an opportunity to present their products directly to the professionals who influence purchasing decisions across India's rapidly evolving spirits market.
Every spirit is evaluated through a rigorous blind tasting process, ensuring awards are based solely on quality, aroma, taste, balance, character, and overall excellence.
What sets IISC apart is its judging panel, which combines respected spirits experts with active trade buyers. The panel includes importers, distributors, retail buyers, duty-free buyers, hospitality professionals, bar managers, leading bartenders, spirits educators, and industry writers. This makes IISC more than a medal competition—it is a platform that introduces participating brands to the people responsible for listings, distribution, menu placements, and purchasing decisions.
For producers looking to establish or expand their presence in India, IISC offers a practical and cost-effective opportunity to gain independent recognition while showcasing their products to key decision-makers in one of the world's largest and fastest-growing spirits markets.
Why Enter?
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Present your spirits directly to India's leading trade buyers and decision-makers
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Gain independent recognition through a professionally conducted blind tastingIncrease visibility among importers, distributors, retailers, duty-free buyers, and hospitality professionals
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Support sales, distribution, and marketing with credible third-party awards
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Benchmark your products against leading domestic and international brands
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Build awareness in one of the world's most dynamic and fastest-growing spirits markets
📅 Competition Date: 23 October 2026
🏆 Results Announcement: 10 November 2026
📍 Location: Delhi NCR (Gurugram, Haryana), India
Meet our Judges
We are proud to present an elite panel of experts for the India International Spirits Competition (IISC). Our judges bring decades of industry experience, technical expertise, and a deep passion for the art and science of distillation. From master distillers and spirits educators to importers, retailers, mixologists, and beverage professionals, this distinguished panel represents the very best of the global spirits industry.
Fay Antoin Barretto
Mixologist | Social Entrepreneur & Beverage Consultant | Head of Beverage Programme – Scarlett House | Founder, Mr. Bartender & The Crew
Ms. Krity Malhotra
India’s First Female Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers, UK) | Sommelier, Spirits & Wine Educator | Head of Business – Education, Tulleeho
Ms. Rojita Tiwari
Global Wine & Spirits Consultant | Writer|Educator | Sommelier | Founder of Drinks & Destinations | Brand Advisor – Indian Agave Spirits | International Judge | WSET Certified
Mr. Amit Goel
Entrepreneur & Director, Rad Elan Distributors | International Juror | 18+ Years Industry Veteran | Premium Beverage Specialist
Ms Tanvi Garg
Whisky & Gin Production Specialist | M.Sc. Brewing & Distilling | John Distilleries Pvt. Ltd.
Ms. Rasna Dudeja
Founder, Rasna Wines | WSET Level 3 (Spirits) | Brand & Portfolio Strategist | Retail & Brand Advocacy
Mr. Aditya Khot
India’s 1st WSET Certified Beer Educator | WSET Certified Spirits Educator | Beverage Consultant | Beer & Spirits Trainer, Tulleeho | Craft Beer & Beverage Expert
Mr. Sharad Agarwal
Category Head - Liquor at April Moon Retail | Specialist in Indian Travel Retail & Luxury Spirits | 20+ Years Driving Revenue for Global Brands
Mr. Ajoy Shaw
First Indian to complete Diploma WSET in Wines and Spirits | Consultant Winemaker & Wine Professional | Former Chief Winemaker & Vice President, Sula Vineyards | Director, Plateaux Vintners
Mr. Kunal Kaul
DipWSET, MSS, CSW | India’s First Master Sake Sommelier | Founder & Educator, Grape Xpectations | Vice President – India, International Tequila Academy | WSET Certified Educator & Spirits Specialist
Mr. Dhun Thacker
Chairman, Shanishvara Alcobev Asia Pvt Ltd & Shanico Breweries | Importer and Distributer