Blog
Women’s Day: Celebrating The Female Experts On IWS Award Spirits Jury
The spirits industry in India is thriving like never before, with premium whisky, gin, vodka, tequila, and rum gaining immense popularity among consumers. This growth is driven not just by increasing demand but also by the changing landscape of the industry. Indian women are playing a pivotal role as consumers, entrepreneurs, distillers, brand ambassadors, and industry leaders in this changing landscape. The notion that spirits are a male-dominated space is rapidly evolving, as women across the country embrace fine spirits, develop their expertise, and shape the industry’s future.
Women today are major influencers in the spirits market, making informed choices, appreciating craftsmanship, and driving conversations around quality, innovation, and experience. As master distillers they are contributing to crafting of exceptional spirits; as entrepreneurs they are redefining brand narratives; as spirits educators and sommeliers they are guiding consumers to making better choices- their impact is undeniable. As more women step into key roles in the spirits industry, it becomes essential to recognise and celebrate their contributions. Their expertise is not only reshaping how spirits are perceived but also creating a more inclusive and diverse industry that welcomes talent regardless of gender.
At the India Wines and Spirits Award (IWSA) Tasting Competition, we take pride in championing inclusivity by ensuring that women experts are well-represented on our esteemed jury panel. The competition brings together leading spirits professionals, including distillers, bartenders, sommeliers, and brand ambassadors, to blind-taste and evaluate the finest spirits in-market spirits from across the world.
Also Read: Celebrating Women Panelists On IWS Award Wine Jury
By featuring talented women spirits professionals on our jury, we celebrate the skill, knowledge, and passion they bring to the table. Their presence not only ensures balanced and insightful evaluations but also serves as a symbol of progress in an industry that is increasingly acknowledging and valuing women’s expertise. As we continue to promote diversity and excellence in spirits, it is essential to amplify the voices of women professionals who are paving the way for future generations. Through the India Wines and Spirits Award, we honour their dedication, knowledge, and contributions—helping create a more dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking industry.
Shatbhi Basu: Trailblazer in the Beverage Industry
As India’s first female bartender, Shatbhi Basu has been a cornerstone in the nation’s bartending scene for over four decades. She is the founder of India’s first bartending academy, STIR. Known as a trailblazer in the beverage industry, Shatbhi is a celebrated consultant and author, known for her innovative beverage books and mixology shows. Her contributions to the Indian beverage industry have been recognised by the President of India and the Ministry of Women and Child Development. She has been inducted as a “Keeper of the Quaich” for her outstanding work with Scotch whisky.
Rojita Tiwari: The Voice of Wine and Spirits
An award-winning beverage professional with a career spanning 18 years, Rojita is an acclaimed beverage writer, educator, sommelier and consultant, Rojita has been a part of the jury at several international and Indian wine and spirits competitions. She has received accolades such as the 2023 Wine Travel Awards (Best Wine & Food Influencer), Ambassador of The Industry Award 2023 by Spiritz Magazine, Most Influential Food & Beverage Industry Professional Award 2020, and Indian Achievers “Top 40 under 40” Award 2020. She is the founder of Drinks & Destinations, a leading content and consulting firm for drinks brands in India.
Also Read: Best Flavoured Gins In India
Feruzan Bilimoria: Innovating Behind the Bar
Feruzan Bilimoria is a professional freelancing consultant with over nine years of experience in the Indian bartending industry. She has made her mark through her roles as chef, educator, bartender, assistant manager, brand ambassador and Global Head of Advocacy Education, showcasing her unique approach to cocktail creation, particularly her pickling prowess and mastery of the Gibson.
Karina Aggarwal: A Connoisseur of Fine Spirits
Karina Aggarwal, Founder-Director of Gigglewater Beverage Concepts, is a certified beverage professional with over a decade of experience. She consults on strategy, brand development, and consumer engagement, and has served as a jury member at the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Former VP of India Craft Spirit Co., Karina champions equality with her AQUA initiative, driving representation for women and minority genders in bars.
These remarkable women brought unparalleled expertise and passion to the India Wines And Spirits Award 2024 jury, embodying the spirit of innovation and excellence in the beverage industry. This Women’s Day we are raising a toast to their achievements and contributions to the Indian spirits industry. Cheers!
Click here to download the Ultimate Drinking Guide to discover award-winning wines and spirits.
