Sake Brand 'HENGE', Founded by 27-Year-Old Former Trader, Wins Gold Medal at IWC 2026
Sake brand 'HENGE,' operated by Cypher Inc., has won a Gold Medal at the prestigious IWC 2026 for its 'HENGE CLEAR Muroka Nama Genshu.' CEO Yusuke Noriya achieved this feat within a year of the brand's launch by reviving the traditional 'one-stage brewing' method.
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## HENGE Wins Gold at IWC 2026
Japanese sake brand 'HENGE' (operated by Cypher Inc.; CEO: Yusuke Noriya, 27) announced that its signature product, 'HENGE CLEAR Muroka Nama Genshu,' was awarded a Gold Medal at the IWC 2026, held in Hiroshima on May 18, 2026, which is recognized as one of the world's most prestigious sake competitions.
### A Remarkable Feat in Its First Year
HENGE is an emerging brand that debuted in April 2025. CEO Noriya, a former trader at Marubeni, became independent at 25 to manifest his conviction that Japanese sake is a culture the world should take pride in. This award marks the first global validation of his vision.
### Pursuing Tradition and Originality
HENGE aims to explore the 'shape-shifting' possibilities of sake. By utilizing the 'one-stage brewing' technique inherited from the Nara and Edo periods, the brand has established a brewing method that fuses tradition with innovation. Its unique flavor profile, unconstrained by conventional norms, is highly regarded by Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels.
### About 'HENGE CLEAR Muroka Nama Genshu'
Released in November 2025, it is one of the brand's main products, consistently selling out monthly.
- Volume: 720ml
- Rice: 100% Hyogo-grown Yamada Nishiki
- Alcohol content: 13%
- Brewing location: Niigata Prefecture
- Price: 14,800 JPY (tax included)
IWC judges praised it, stating: 'Fresh cherry and vibrant aromas rise from the glass. The zesty, funky palate, combined with creamy muscat and gooseberry, provides a refreshing, unique, and deep taste, rounded off with balanced sweetness.'
Japanese sake brand 'HENGE' (operated by Cypher Inc.; CEO: Yusuke Noriya, 27) announced that its signature product, 'HENGE CLEAR Muroka Nama Genshu,' was awarded a Gold Medal at the IWC 2026, held in Hiroshima on May 18, 2026, which is recognized as one of the world's most prestigious sake competitions.
### A Remarkable Feat in Its First Year
HENGE is an emerging brand that debuted in April 2025. CEO Noriya, a former trader at Marubeni, became independent at 25 to manifest his conviction that Japanese sake is a culture the world should take pride in. This award marks the first global validation of his vision.
### Pursuing Tradition and Originality
HENGE aims to explore the 'shape-shifting' possibilities of sake. By utilizing the 'one-stage brewing' technique inherited from the Nara and Edo periods, the brand has established a brewing method that fuses tradition with innovation. Its unique flavor profile, unconstrained by conventional norms, is highly regarded by Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels.
### About 'HENGE CLEAR Muroka Nama Genshu'
Released in November 2025, it is one of the brand's main products, consistently selling out monthly.
- Volume: 720ml
- Rice: 100% Hyogo-grown Yamada Nishiki
- Alcohol content: 13%
- Brewing location: Niigata Prefecture
- Price: 14,800 JPY (tax included)
IWC judges praised it, stating: 'Fresh cherry and vibrant aromas rise from the glass. The zesty, funky palate, combined with creamy muscat and gooseberry, provides a refreshing, unique, and deep taste, rounded off with balanced sweetness.'
FAQ
What characterizes the Japanese sake brand HENGE?
It focuses on reviving the ancient 'one-stage brewing' technique from the Nara/Edo periods, blending tradition with innovation to create unique sake flavor profiles.
Where can I purchase HENGE sake?
It is typically sold exclusively through their official website via a lottery system, making it highly sought after and rare.
How was HENGE CLEAR rated at the IWC?
It won a gold medal in its first entry. Judges praised its vibrant aromas, unique palate, and balanced depth.