Wire Works Caduro Wins Superior Gold at TWSC 2026 Western Spirits Division

Wire Works Caduro, a flagship bottle from White Peak Distillery, an English whisky distillery from the United Kingdom distributed in Japan by Five Needs Inc. of Sumida-ku, Tokyo, has won the top-tier Superior Gold award in the Western spirits category at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC) 2026, announced on May 15, 2026. TWSC is one of Japan’s largest whisky and spirits competitions, organized by the Whisky Culture Research Institute. Entries are assessed through rigorous blind tastings by bartenders, alcohol specialists, liquor industry professionals, and other judges, with awards granted in the categories of Superior Gold, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Wire Works Caduro won Gold at the same competition in 2025, and in 2026 its evaluation was upgraded to the highest level, Superior Gold. The result shows that the brand is steadily gaining recognition among Japan’s expert community. Product overview: Wire Works Caduro is a single malt whisky from the United Kingdom. It comes in a 700ml bottle with an ABV of 46.8%, and is handled by Sake People. Selected tasting comments from judges describe the whisky as expressive and rounded on the nose, with notes of pear compote, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, custard, biscuit, and gentle smoky peat. It has a medium-full body with a rich impression, followed by a long finish with fruity and softly smoky flavors. Other judges noted its calm, gentle aroma and smooth, powdery texture, adding that its character becomes more pronounced with a small amount of water. The balance of mild peat, sweetness, and aroma was also praised for making it easy to drink. All six Wire Works entries at TWSC 2026 received awards. Caduro won Superior Gold; Over Smoke, Necessary Evil Finish, and Port Wine Late Bottled Vintage won Gold; while Alter Ego, now discontinued, and Bourbon Barrel won Bronze. In total, four bottles, including Caduro, received Gold or higher. English whisky has a distinct character different from Scotch and Japanese whisky. Wire Works has earned strong recognition both globally and in Japan, including Gold at IWSC 2023, Gold at the World Whisky Masters 2024, Gold at TWSC 2025, and Superior Gold at TWSC 2026. After its launch in February 2025, Wire Works was introduced at more than 50 authentic bars and restaurants across Japan and quickly drew attention among whisky fans, causing inventories at both retail stores and e-commerce channels to decline. The initial lot sold out within six months of release. From 2026, expanded distribution has made stable supply possible. White Peak Distillery, which produces Wire Works, is a craft distillery located in the Derwent Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Derbyshire, England. The distillery uses English barley and clear water flowing through the Derwent Valley, while actively pursuing sustainable distillation practices such as renewable energy use and waste reduction. Built on the site of a historic factory, the distillery combines local culture, the natural environment, and craft spirits in a whisky-making style that is distinctly British. Caduro, the bottle that won Superior Gold this year, is regarded as one of the clearest expressions of that philosophy and has been highly acclaimed in both global and Japanese markets.