Simran Pusatkar

Flavor Development & Sensory Evaluation

• Inducted into the R&D sensory panel based on demonstrated sensory aptitude; conducted systematic sensory evaluations of raw materials and blends, utilizing triangle tests, hedonic ranking, and preference mapping to support blend optimization and product development.
• Executed flavor trials across whisky, rum, vodka, and gin portfolios, contributing to flavor matching for competitor benchmarking and global standard alignment.
• Participated in blend development activities: prepared lab-scale blends according to formulations provided by the master blender, working with raw materials such as flavors, CAB, ENA, and various food-grade colors.
• Conducted trials for filterability, solubility, and stability under different temperature and time conditions to ensure finished product consistency and shelf life.
• Assisted in onboarding and training new QC personnel in sensory evaluation methodologies and wet goods laboratory practices.

Quality Control & Compliance

• Performed comprehensive quality testing of raw materials and finished products to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and batch consistency.
• Operated Gas Chromatography for congener analysis; oversaw instrument calibration and adherence to SOPs and schedules.
• Updated quality specifications and release parameters; addressed deviations and market complaints with detailed reporting.
• Coordinated with NABL-accredited labs for mandatory product testing in compliance with FSSAI guidelines.

Operational & Technical Support

• Provided onsite support during commercial production runs to ensure operational efficiency.
• Managed import documentation for Scotch raw material; coordinated with CHAs for import clearance processes.
• Prepared and dispatched samples for market surveys, award submissions, and international shipments in coordination with Export and Marketing teams.
• Led videography of Quality Control processes; wrote scripts and assisted in editing to create internal training videos.

· Learnt & Performed quality checks on IMFL finished goods, raw materials (e.g., DM water, Extra Neutral Alcohol, Concentrated Alcoholic Beverages, Caramel), and packaging materials (e.g., mono-cartons, bottles, caps, labels) per SOP and standards.

· Learnt and Conducted instrument calibration, validation (instrumental, equipment, analytical method, and process), packing material analysis, and stability studies.

· Assist in daily operations, alike blending activities, sensory evaluation, routine quality analysis for blends as per SOPs

· Gained expertise in analytical instruments, including Spectrophotometer, Turbidity meter, pH meter, Refractometer, Densitometer and Gas Chromatography.