Minakuchi Shuzo Achieves Clean Sweep at IWC 2026 with 6 Medals, Including Only Gold in Ehime Prefecture
Minakuchi Shuzo, founded in 1895 in Matsuyama, Ehime, has achieved a remarkable feat at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2026, one of the world's most influential wine competitions. All six of their entered sake brands won medals, with two specifically securing Gold Medals—the only ones awarded to a brewery in Ehime Prefecture. This follows their recent success at Kura Master 2026 in France, further solidifying their global reputation for excellence.
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- 📰 Published: May 25, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 25, 2026 at 09:31
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Minakuchi Shuzo Co., Ltd., the sole brewery in the historic Dogo district of Matsuyama since 1895, has reached a new milestone at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2026 SAKE Department. The brewery achieved a perfect score by winning medals for all six of its entries. Notably, two of these brands were awarded Gold Medals, marking the only such achievement by an Ehime-based brewery this year.
The IWC, established in 1984, is renowned for its rigorous blind tasting process conducted by international experts. The 2026 SAKE Department judging was held in Hiroshima, covering 11 categories including the newly added flavored sake section. Winning a Gold Medal among over 1,000 entries is considered a prestigious indicator of world-class quality.
The gold-winning 'NIKITATSU Junmai Daiginjo' is a premium sake known for its rich, clear flavor and elegant aroma. It has been a consistent high-performer, previously winning gold at Kura Master 2026 and ranking 1st in the Ehime New Sake Awards (35% polishing ratio, 5,500 JPY incl. tax).
The second gold medalist, 'Nikitatsu Junmai Ginjo Sakurahime Yeast,' features the unique 'Sakurahime Yeast Type 1' extracted from the Ehime-origin delphinium flower 'Sakurahime.' This sake offers a juicy, fruit-like profile that pairs exceptionally well with rich dishes like cream stew or steak.
Combined with their ranking as the 6th 'Top Brewery' at Kura Master 2026, this IWC sweep reaffirms that Minakuchi Shuzo's craftsmanship and quality are unwavering on the global stage.
The IWC, established in 1984, is renowned for its rigorous blind tasting process conducted by international experts. The 2026 SAKE Department judging was held in Hiroshima, covering 11 categories including the newly added flavored sake section. Winning a Gold Medal among over 1,000 entries is considered a prestigious indicator of world-class quality.
The gold-winning 'NIKITATSU Junmai Daiginjo' is a premium sake known for its rich, clear flavor and elegant aroma. It has been a consistent high-performer, previously winning gold at Kura Master 2026 and ranking 1st in the Ehime New Sake Awards (35% polishing ratio, 5,500 JPY incl. tax).
The second gold medalist, 'Nikitatsu Junmai Ginjo Sakurahime Yeast,' features the unique 'Sakurahime Yeast Type 1' extracted from the Ehime-origin delphinium flower 'Sakurahime.' This sake offers a juicy, fruit-like profile that pairs exceptionally well with rich dishes like cream stew or steak.
Combined with their ranking as the 6th 'Top Brewery' at Kura Master 2026, this IWC sweep reaffirms that Minakuchi Shuzo's craftsmanship and quality are unwavering on the global stage.
FAQ
IWC 2026で水口酒造が獲得した成果は何ですか？
出品した全6銘柄すべてがメダルを獲得し、そのうち「NIKITATSU 仁喜多津 純米大吟醸酒」と「仁喜多津 純米吟醸酒 さくらひめ酵母」の2銘柄が愛媛県内唯一のゴールドメダル（金賞）を受賞しました。
ゴールドメダルを受賞した「仁喜多津 純米吟醸酒 さくらひめ酵母」の特徴は？
愛媛県産のデルフィニウム「さくらひめ」の花から抽出された「さくらひめ酵母 Type1」を使用しており、華やかな香りと果実のようなジューシーさが特徴です。洋食にも合うバランスの良い酒質です。
水口酒造は過去にどのような賞を受賞していますか？
直近ではフランスの日本酒コンクール「Kura Master 2026」で出品全銘柄が受賞し、「最優秀蔵元」第6位に選出されています。また、愛媛県新酒鑑評会での第1位（知事賞）など国内外で多数の受賞歴があります。
水口酒造の歴史と所在地を教えてください。
1895年（明治28年）創業の松山・道後地区唯一の造り酒屋です。所在地は愛媛県松山市道後喜多町3-23です。
IWC（インターナショナル・ワイン・チャレンジ）とはどのようなコンテストですか？
1984年に設立された世界的に権威のあるワイン・日本酒のブラインドテイスティング審査会です。SAKE部門は2007年に設立され、世界十数か国の専門家によって厳正に審査されます。