Guwahati, Oct. 31 -- A traditional rice wine associated with Assam's Mising community has received national recognition after winning the Grand Gold at the Spiritz Blind Tasting Awards 2026, marking a significant achievement for the state's indigenous beverage sector.

Ti Po Apong, a premium heritage rice wine developed in collaboration with women brewers from the Mising community, received the award at the 13th Spiritz Conclave & Achievers' Awards held in Gurugram on October 7.

The recognition is particularly notable as the beverage emerged as a winner in a blind tasting competition featuring entries from 502 brands across different beverage categories and price segments. During the evaluation, judges assessed the entries without access...