Honbo Shuzo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kagoshima City, President: Kazuhito Honbo) is proud to announce that its authentic shochu 'Yakushima Daishinrin Mugi' has won the 'Gold Award' at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2026, held in London, UK.

<Introduction of the Award-Winning Product and Judges' Tasting Notes>

Yakushima Daishinrin Mugi: Gold Award (95 points)

A delightful aroma of roasted barley, sesame, and orchard fruits is complemented by floral nuances. The complex flavor is smooth and rounded, with a taste reminiscent of oatmeal and a subtle savory saltiness. The finish is long, sweet, malty, and leaves a gentle peppery accent.

Ingredients: Barley, barley koji, Alcohol content: 25%

Volume / Suggested Retail Price: 1800ml / 3,620 yen (tax included), 720ml / 1,804 yen (tax included) ... Available exclusively at authorized dealers

'Yakushima Daishinrin Mugi' is meticulously crafted at the Yakushima Densozou brewery using traditional methods known as 'hand-brewed jar fermentation,' which includes koji production in a koji room, fermentation of mash in earthen jars, and the use of traditional tools. Made from carefully cultivated barley grown in Kagoshima's fertile soil and soft water drawn from Yakushima's pristine natural environment, this shochu offers a deep, mellow roasted aroma from barley koji and a rich, cocoa-like, honeyed flavor.

<About Yakushima Densozou>

Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an island blessed with abundant natural beauty. Honbo Shuzo began shochu production here in 1960. For over half a century, 'Yakushima Densozou' has been deeply rooted in the island, producing rare, authentic shochu that honors traditional handcrafting methods. With gratitude for Yakushima's abundant, pure water and the blessings of the land, the brewery creates exceptional shochu that can only be made at this heritage site. Koji, the foundation of shochu production, is carefully cultivated by hand in the koji room, and fermentation of the mash takes place in traditional Japanese earthen jars (kame) dating back to the Meiji era, from primary to secondary fermentation. Additionally, sweet potato shochu made exclusively on the island using locally harvested sweet potatoes such as 'Shiratoyo' grown on Yakushima and the island's soft water is also produced.

<About the International Wine & Spirit Competition>

Established in the UK in 1969, the IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition) is the world's longest-running competition dedicated to the quality and taste of alcoholic beverages and is celebrating its 57th edition this year. The IWSC is recognized as Europe's largest and one of the most prestigious competitions in the world of wine, spirits, and liqueurs. Products are selected through blind tastings and chemical analysis conducted by renowned judges from around the globe and are awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals in categories such as 'origin,' 'type,' 'style,' and 'vintage.'

IWSC Official Website: https://www.iwsc.net/

IWSC 2026 Award Press Release:

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[Inquiries Regarding This Matter]

Public Relations & Legal Department, Honbo Shuzo Co., Ltd., 3-27 Minamisakae, Kagoshima City

(891-0122) TEL 099-822-7003 FAX 099-210-1215

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 受賞