International Spirits Challenge (ISC) is a spirits competition organized by Drinks International, a UK-based drinks industry publisher.
The competition features multiple categories, including shochu, gin, vodka, and tequila, which are judged through blind tastings by renowned spirits industry experts. The ISC is recognized as one of the world's most prestigious competitions.

San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), held in the United States, is the country's largest spirits competition dedicated to alcoholic beverages.
Known as one of the world's most prestigious competitions, it selects entries through blind tastings by a panel of judges comprising U.S. hotel and restaurant professionals, distribution buyers, journalists, and others. The competition features multiple categories within each division.

The South Kyushu Sake & Shochu Awards are held annually to advance brewing techniques, improve the quality of commercially available alcoholic beverages, and promote the liquor industry through quality assessments.
It surveys "Sake" and "Honkaku shochu" produced in the region to guide future manufacturing. The committee also recognizes exceptional achievements with awards.

Kagoshima Honkakushochu Competition aims to improve the quality of honkaku shochu, a specialty product of Kagoshima Prefecture.
Experts, including Kumamoto Regional Taxation Bureau appraisers, conduct blind tastings to evaluate flavor, aroma, and other characteristics. Superior prizes are awarded to outstanding entries in each category: imo, kokuto, kome, and mugi shochu.