Honbo Shuzo's Authentic Shochu Wins "Superior Gold" and "Gold" Awards at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC) 2026

Hombo Shuzo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kagoshima City, President: Kazuto Hombo) is pleased to announce that its authentic shochu 'Akanekaze 43' has won the Superior Gold Award at the 'Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC) 2026' held in Tokyo. Furthermore, three other authentic shochu brands received Gold Awards. [Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC) 2026 Shochu Division Award Results] 'Akanekaze 43': Superior Gold Award Ingredients: Sweet potato, Rice koji Alcohol content: 43% Volume/Price: 700ml / 5,940 yen in a gift box 'Akanekaze 43' is an authentic sweet potato shochu that brings out the inherent aroma and flavor of sweet potatoes through a unique production method involving a secondary fermentation process, employing the patented 'Grated Raw Sweet Potato Method' technology, which was patented in 2017 as a 'method for producing sweet potato shochu with sweet potato as the main ingredient.' By using the vividly colored 'Tamaakane' sweet potato as the main ingredient, a refreshing aroma is extracted. The taste is rich and mellow, enjoyable with a long finish. 'ARAWAZA BARREL FINISH': Gold Award Ingredients: Sweet potato, Rice koji Alcohol content: 36% Volume/Price: 700ml / 3,080 yen in a gift box This is an exquisite product made by additionally aging (finishing) the sweet potato shochu spirit, which has a refreshing and fruity aroma and taste created by the patented 'Polished Distillation,' in barrels previously used for our company's single malt whisky. Please enjoy the pale amber color and the sweet, elegant nuances of vanilla and woodiness that gently spread amidst herbal and spicy notes. 'ARAWAZA Stannum': Gold Award Ingredients: Sweet potato, Rice koji Alcohol content: 36% Volume/Price: 700ml / 3,080 yen in a gift box The spirit of authentic shochu is created by cooling the vapor distilled in a still through a coiled pipe (condenser coil) to become liquid. 'ARAWAZA Stannum' is an authentic sweet potato shochu spirit produced by distilling with a small still that employs the patented 'Polished Distillation' and using a traditional Satsuma 'tin condenser coil' for cooling. It is a fusion of new techniques (Arawaza) and traditional craftsmanship. The patented method that creates a smooth and light flavor, combined with the small tin condenser coil still that produces a delicate and mellow flavor, results in a rich, deep spirit with a superb balance of abundant aroma and mellow flavor. *Stannum: Latin for 'tin' 'Yakushima Daishizenrin Mugi': Gold Award Ingredients: Barley, Barley koji Alcohol content: 25% Volume/Price: 1800ml / 3,291 yen, 720ml / 1,640 yen *Limited to authorized dealers 'Yakushima Daishizenrin Mugi' is painstakingly crafted at the Yakushima Densho Gura distillery using traditional methods such as koji making in a koji room, mash fermentation in clay pots, and 'handmade clay pot fermentation' using age-old tools. It is a shochu made from barley carefully grown in the land of Kagoshima and the soft water from the great nature of Yakushima. It has the deep, soft fragrance of barley koji and a rich taste reminiscent of cocoa and honey. (All prices are suggested retail prices, tax included) The Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC) is a whisky and spirits competition originating in Japan, planned and operated by the Whisky Culture Institute. Its purpose is to evaluate global whiskies and spirits with the deep knowledge and passion of Japanese whisky and spirits lovers, and to widely promote high-quality whiskies and spirits both domestically and internationally. For each entry category, Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards are determined by scoring based on aroma, flavor, finish, balance, and overall impression. Furthermore, from among the Gold award winners, products that have achieved outstanding scores are reviewed and decided upon by the executive committee to be awarded the 'Superior Gold Award.' TWSC website: https://tokyowhiskyspiritscompetition.jp/ Click here for the press release on the TWSC 2026 Shochu Division awards. d121144-58-76cf4d024037c4080306b7de523613ab.pdf 【Contact for this matter】 Hombo Shuzo Co., Ltd. Public Relations and Legal Affairs Division, 3-27-27 Minamiei, Kagoshima City (Postal code: 891-0122) TEL 099-822-7003 FAX 099-210-1215