154 categories of spirits tasted
16-17 March 2026
The Concours International de Lyon has 154 categories for tasting spirits. Categories include: Whiskeys, Bourbon, Brandies, Soju, Shochu, Baijiu, Gin, Vodka, Rums, Cachaça, punches, cocktails, liquorice-flavoured drinks, creams, liqueurs and sherries.
The competition follows strict rules concerning its organisation, optimal storage conditions, classification of spirits based on numerous criteria, blind tasting, verification of the tasters selected, a 100-point marking scale, etc.
This diversity means consumers can rely on the Concours International de Lyon, its tasting and medals, to guide them in their choices of spirits.
Famous honorary Presidents
Each year the selection of an honorary president draws the attention of the press and puts the competition in the limelight.
2026 : Olivier Canal
Head chef at La Meunière restaurant and president of the Bouchons Lyonnais association
Olivier Canal is an avid chef and a dedicated figure in Lyon's gastronomic scene. Trained in top French establishments alongside renowned chefs such as Guy Savoy and Mathieu Viannay, he has been running La Meunière restaurant, a symbol of traditional Lyon cuisine, since 2014. He is committed to using local and seasonal produce and masterfully revamps great classics — pâté en croûte, œufs meurette and oreiller de la Belle Meunière — combining respect for the terroir with creativity. He has been president of the Bouchons Lyonnais since 2023 and strives daily to keep Lyon's culinary heritage alive thanks to a deep passion for sharing and connecting with his guests.
The Competition’s commitments
Jurors’ expertise
Communication on all fronts
Influential, committed partners
Famous honorary Presidents
Official validation and verifications
Communication tools
Professionals in the field guarantee conformity of the sample,
while enlightened amateurs represent consumer tastes.
Concours International de Lyon 2026 - Wine, Beer and Spirits
1 000 tasters from all over the world gathered at the Cité Internationale for the 17th Concours International de Lyon for Wines, Beers and Spirits on the 16th and 17th of March 2026. Under the watchful eye of the Commissioner General and the supervision of an independent inspector, more than 7,370 samples were judged by our professional tasters and connoisseurs. All samples were tasted in conformity with strict hygiene measures, competition regulations and our ISO9001 certification. At the end of the tasting, 68 trophies and around 2377 Gold and Silver medals were awarded to producers in all categories.
Testimonials
Each year it’s a real pleasure to taste the selections of the Concours International de Lyon. I’m a wine taster, and for me the competition really provides a great opportunity to compare domains within a single vintage and thus get to know our vineyard better. Tasting brandies and spirits is more technical and requires greater concentration, but tasters are rewarded with the many discoveries they make and the olfactory voyages this fascinating exercise takes them on.
Laurent DERHÉ
MOF Sommelier
I participate in the Concours International de Lyon as a sommelier because it’s a great opportunity to taste a lot of samples, and also to compare my own opinion with consumers’ assessments. The Competition is increasingly popular: I see more and more people marking the date on their calendars. Besides, the tasting is very enjoyable and I find it well organised.
Fabrice SOMMIER
Meilleur Ouvrier de France Sommellerie 2007, Master of Port 2010, Maître Sommelier de l’UDSF
The Lyon International Competition is a high-level competition so it was an exceptional opportunity to showcase our products to the world. Comparing yourself to international professionals and convincing the entire jury about the quality of our product is unprecedented recognition for all the effort we have made and a fantastic incentive to improve!Receiving the highest distinction for our Visciola Liqueur, among all the participants, was a real honour and made us very proud. These are important distinctions that enhance the value of the product and get our customers very excited.News of our victory was reported in regional newspapers, both online and in mainstream publications, and has significantly boosted our visibility. Significant promotional campaigns were also launched on social networks. All this has expanded and consolidated our national and European clientele.
Ballarini Vini
Receiving the title of ‘World's Best Spirit 2025’ is a source of immense pride for us. For our small family distillery in the heart of the Black Forest, this distinction rewards our passion and craftsmanship. For over five generations, we have been distilling with respect for nature and a love of a job well done. Without a large marketing budget, this success is based solely on quality and authenticity. Our orchard of over a hundred trees and fifty varieties is at the heart of our approach. It illustrates our commitment to natural and responsible production. Through our spirits, visitors discover the richness of the terroir and the warmth of our tradition. The trophy occupies a place of honour and symbolises recognition of the work accomplished. Despite market challenges, we remain true to our regional values. This distinction encourages us to continue our mission: to offer a concentration of the soul and tradition of the Black Forest in every bottle.
Brennerei Breig