Choshu Sake Brewery in Yamaguchi Prefecture wins Champion Sake for the first time in the sake category IWC2026 results announced
Quick Look
- On the 8th, the International Wine Challenge (IWC), one of the world's largest wine fairs held in London, announced the results for 2026, and Choshu Sake Brewery's Tenmi Junmai Ginjo Hotaten from Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture was selected as the top prize in the sake category, Champion Sake.
- This is the first time that Yamaguchi Prefecture has received the award.
- In addition, Nagano Prefecture's Endo Sake Brewery Keiryu Ginjo was selected as Great Value Champion Sake, and Miyagi Prefecture's Niizawa Brewery was selected as Sake Brewer of the Year for the fifth consecutive year.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The International Wine Challenge is one of the world's largest wine competitions, and also includes a sake section. Choshu Sake Brewery is a sake brewing company located in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and this is the first time they have received the award from Yamaguchi Prefecture.
[London Current Affairs] The International Wine Challenge (IWC), one of the world's largest wine competitions, announced its 2026 judging results at an awards ceremony held in London on the 8th. Choshu Sake Brewery (Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture)'s ``Tenbi Junmai Ginjo Hotaten'' was selected for the top prize in the sake category, ``Champion Sake.'' This is the first time he has been selected from Yamaguchi Prefecture.
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``Kouten'' uses sake rice from the local Shimonoseki City and Yamada Nishiki from Yamaguchi Prefecture. It has a gorgeous green apple-like aroma and a mellow sweetness. It was praised by the judges as ``a powerful, multi-layered, rich flavor that spreads in your mouth.'' The president of the brewery, Susumu Okamoto (55), expressed his joy, saying, ``I'm grateful for the opportunity to go out into the world.''
In addition, ``Keiryu Ginjo'' by Endo Sake Brewery in Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture was selected as the ``Great Value Champion Sake'', which is awarded to high-quality sake at an affordable price. For the fifth consecutive year, Niizawa Jozoten (Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture) was selected for the ``Sake Brewer of the Year'' award, which honors breweries that receive high praise for all of the sake they submit.
Open Questions
- What impact will this award have on Choshu Sake Brewery's sales domestically and overseas?
- Are there any moves by other Japanese sake brewing companies to aim for awards at IWC in the future?
