Ibaraki Prefecture Sakaimachi's 'Sakai Kashi Brewery' Barrel Aged United Stout Ties for Top Score of 98 Points Among 843 Entries, Wins 'Beer of the Year International'

Yasui Shoten Co., Ltd.

Sakai Kashi Brewery

'Barrel Aged United Stout' from 'Sakai Kashi Brewery,' operated by Yasui Shoten Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Sakaimachi, Sashima District, Ibaraki Prefecture; President: Masahiro Yasui), has won 'Beer of the Year International' at the international beer competition 'Finest Beer Selection 2026' held in Germany, and tied for the highest evaluation (98 points) among 843 entries. This award is also a first for a Japanese craft brewery.

About Finest Beer Selection

Finest Beer Selection is an international beer evaluation event organized by Meininger Verlag and Doemens Academy in Germany.

In addition to competing for rankings like general contests, it adopts an absolute evaluation system with a perfect score of 100 points. The 2026 competition was judged by an international panel including three world champion beer sommeliers.

Award-Winning Beer

Barrel Aged United Stout

This barrel-aged beer is based on a stout aged in bourbon barrels, with a rich aroma of roasted malt and layered vanilla and woody flavors derived from the barrels, harmonizing into a rich and complex taste.

Its rich aroma of chocolate and roasted malt, barrel aroma reminiscent of vanilla, and profound taste were highly praised.

Thoughts on the Award

Sakai Kashi Brewery is a small craft brewery founded in Sakaimachi, Ibaraki Prefecture in 2018.

Despite our small-scale facilities with an annual production of approximately 23 kL and 200 L per batch, we are deeply honored to have received the highest evaluation on the world stage as a result of our continuous dedication to quality with each brew.

We sincerely thank our customers, business partners, and the local community for their daily support, which has made this award possible.

Future Developments

Encouraged by this award, we will continue to challenge ourselves in creating craft beer from Sakaimachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, for the world.

Furthermore, we will continue our challenge to the global market by collaborating with the whisky business of our related venture, STORK VALLEY DISTILLERY.

【Company Profile】

Yasui Shoten Co., Ltd.

Location: Sakaimachi, Sashima District, Ibaraki Prefecture

Representative: Masahiro Yasui, President

Sakai Kashi Brewery

Established: 2018

Annual Production: Approx. 23 kL

【Contact】

Yasui Shoten Co., Ltd.

Public Relations: Ken Yasui

TEL: 0280-87-0022

E-mail: kenyasui1022@gmail.com