[Hagiwara Sake Brewery] Ranked 2nd in the Nation in the Competition for Yamahai and Kimoto Junmai Sake! 'Hagiwara Yamahai Junmai' Wins GOLD in the Modern Natural Category at SAKE COMPETITION 2026

'Hagiwara Yamahai Junmai' Wins Gold at SAKE COMPETITION!

SAKE COMPETITION is a prestigious sake evaluation event that started in 2012 based on the philosophy of 'establishing new standards so that consumers can encounter truly delicious sake regardless of brand.' Only commercially available sake that consumers can actually purchase is subject to evaluation. All entries are judged blindly, evaluating only the quality of the sake, which is why it is known as a competition of high interest in the sake industry.

'Hagiwara Yamahai Junmai,' which won GOLD this time, is brewed with the aim of having a light, easy-to-drink quality that accommodates the modern dining table while retaining the profound umami and acidity of traditional Yamahai brewing.

The 'Modern Natural Category' entered is a division exclusively for Junmai sake brewed with traditional yeast starters like Kimoto, Yamahai, and Bodaimoto. Being evaluated as the 2nd best in the nation within this division is a great encouragement for the brewery.

Two consecutive years of high evaluation. The reason is 'perfection as a food-friendly sake'

Following the Gold Medal at KURA MASTER 2025 last year, this year it won GOLD, becoming 2nd in the nation in the SAKE COMPETITION 2026 Modern Natural Category. Behind being continuously evaluated by different judges and different criteria lies the sake quality that 'Hagiwara Yamahai Junmai' has aimed for.

Generally, Yamahai-brewed sake is characterized by powerful umami, acidity, and complex flavors, but due to its strong character, it can sometimes be selective about the drinker or dishes.

On the other hand, 'Hagiwara Yamahai Junmai' aimed for a taste that naturally blends into the modern dining table while leaving the charm of traditional Yamahai brewing. It is designed as a food-friendly sake with the voluminous umami unique to Omachi rice, the profound acidity derived from Yamahai, and a crisp aftertaste. It harmonizes with a variety of dishes including Japanese cuisine, meat dishes, and cheese.

In recent years, the sake market has seen rising appreciation for natural flavors that can be enjoyed with meals, rather than just 'richness' or 'flashy aromas.' The evaluation of 'Hagiwara Yamahai Junmai' is considered the result of its sake quality, which balances tradition and modernity, being supported by judges from both Japan and abroad.

Comment from Toji Yasuhisa Hagiwara

I am very honored to receive such a prestigious award. Since our founding in 1855, we have continued sake brewing rooted in the region as a brewery in Sakai Town. 'Hagiwara Yamahai Junmai,' which was evaluated this time, was co-developed with technical support from the Ibaraki Prefectural Industrial Technology Innovation Center. Using 'Hitachi Sake Lactic Acid Bacteria' provided by the center, it is sake brewed with the aim of a taste that fits modern food culture while cherishing the charm of traditional Yamahai brewing. While I am naturally happy to be evaluated, my greatest joy is to be able to deliver it to liquor stores, restaurants, and ultimately our customers. We will continue to disseminate new values of sake while walking with the region.

Overview of the Award-Winning Sake

Hagiwara Yamahai Junmai

Ingredients: Rice (domestic), Rice Koji (domestic rice) Rice used: 100% Omachi Rice polishing ratio: 60% Alcohol content: 15% Price: 1800ml/4,114 JPY (tax included), 720ml/2,057 JPY (tax included), 300ml/1,067 JPY (tax included) Taste: While having complex umami and acidity derived from Yamahai, it has a light and crisp aftertaste. A food-friendly sake that can be enjoyed widely from cold sake to lukewarm sake.

About Hagiwara Sake Brewery

Founded in 1855. As the only sake brewery in Sakai Town, we have continued to protect hand-crafted sake brewing focusing on local water and rice. Currently, seventh-generation Yasuhisa Hagiwara serves as Toji, and in 2024, he acquired the 'Hitachi Toji' certification recognized by Ibaraki Prefecture (the 10th person in the prefecture). While holding the sign of 'The World's Finest Sake,' we are searching for a way of sake that fits modern life, aiming for a brewery open to the region and the future.