Yamanashi-based Distillery 'GEEKSTILL' Achieves Historic First for Japanese Distilleries at 'World Drinks Awards 2026'!

Key facts

  • Yamanashi-based Distillery 'GEEKSTILL' Achieves Historic First for Japanese Distilleries at 'World Drinks Awards 2026'!
  • GEEKSTILL, a craft gin maker from Yamanashi, saw its representative Yuta Kishikawa win the highest honor of 'Distiller of the Year' at the World Drinks Awards 2026 held in the UK, recognizing the company's innovation and sustainable initiatives.
  • Source: PR Times
  • Date: June 6, 2026

Direct answer

GEEKSTILL, a craft gin maker from Yamanashi, saw its representative Yuta Kishikawa win the highest honor of 'Distiller of the Year' at the World Drinks Awards 2026 held in the UK, recognizing the company's innovation and sustainable initiatives.

Citation
Yamanashi-based Distillery 'GEEKSTILL' Achieves Historic First for Japanese Distilleries at 'World Drinks Awards 2026'! (June 6, 2026), PR Times
Source
PR Times
Date
June 6, 2026
GEEKSTILL, a craft gin maker from Yamanashi, saw its representative Yuta Kishikawa win the highest honor of 'Distiller of the Year' at the World Drinks Awards 2026 held in the UK, recognizing the company's innovation and sustainable initiatives.
その他NQ 95/100出典:PR Times

📋 Article Processing Timeline

  • 📰 Published: June 6, 2026 at 02:57
  • 🔍 Collected: June 5, 2026 at 18:05
  • 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 6, 2026 at 12:01 (17h 55m after Collected)
## Historic Achievement for a Japanese Distillery

GEEKSTILL, a craft gin distillery from Yamanashi Prefecture that utilizes pure domestic junmai sake and local natural botanicals, achieved a historic first for a Japanese distillery by winning a top grand prize and category awards at the 'World Drinks Awards 2026' held at the Waldorf Hotel in London on June 2, 2026.

In the '2026 Icons of Drinks' category, GEEKSTILL representative Yuta Kishikawa received the highest honor, 'Distiller of the Year.' His pursuit of innovative distillation techniques and commitment to sustainable, 'ethical sake brewing' were recognized globally.

Furthermore, at the 'World Gin Awards 2026,' the company's 'AMRTA GIN Semishigure' won a bronze medal, and 'GEEKSTILL ABSINTHE 2nd Batch' won a bronze medal at the 'World Absinthe Awards 2026.'

## Background and Reasons for Recognition

The international jury highly evaluated the company for the following reasons:

- **Technical Innovation**: Holds two domestic distillation patents, utilizing a unique extraction method to capture delicate flavors.
- **Upcycling of Fruits**: Purchases sub-standard fruits at fair prices, reducing food waste and supporting local agricultural economics.
- **Social Inclusion**: Practices coexistence with the local community, such as reusing distillery wastewater as dye and commissioning work to facilities for people with disabilities.

## Features of the Award-Winning Products

1. **AMRTA GIN Semishigure** (Bronze Medal, World Gin Awards 2026)
- Uses botanicals like natural Kuromoji from Mount Daibosatsu. A core product expressing the nature of Yamanashi.
2. **GEEKSTILL ABSINTHE 2nd Batch** (Bronze Medal, World Absinthe Awards 2026)
- No added sugar. A premium spirit that purely extracts botanical aromas and bitterness through proprietary technology.

GEEKSTILL continues its commitment to sustainable business and contributing to regional revitalization.

FAQ

Where can I purchase GEEKSTILL gins?

Please check the official website for information on the online shop and authorized retailers.

What characterizes 'AMRTA GIN Semishigure'?

It uses key botanicals like Kuromoji from Yamanashi to express the scent of early summer in Yamanashi with transparency.

What is the upcycling of sub-standard fruits?

They purchase sub-standard fruits at fair prices and use them as botanicals, reducing food waste and supporting the local economy.