Japanese Gins 'WAKOBIJIN The Forest' and 'WAKOBIJIN' Win 'Best in Class Gold' at Prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2026

Japanese gins 'Japanese GIN WAKOBIJIN The Forest' and 'Japanese GIN WAKOBIJIN', produced by Honbo Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kagoshima City; President: Kazuhito Honbo), have won the 'Best in Class Gold' award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2026, one of the world's most prestigious spirits competitions held in the United States.

Japanese GIN WAKOBIJIN The Forest: Best in Class Gold (99 points)

Alcohol content: 47%

Volume/Price: 700ml / 4,620 yen (including gift box)

'Japanese GIN WAKOBIJIN The Forest' is a Japanese gin crafted to evoke the image of a mystical forest, incorporating botanicals cultivated in Kagoshima's diverse natural environment, including ancient 'Yakusugi' cedar trees over 1,000 years old found at an altitude of 500 meters in the mountains of Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage island.

In addition to juniper berries and coriander seed—the core botanicals of gin—this expression features Japanese cedar leaves harvested from the company-owned forest in Tsunuki, Satsumasendai City, where the Tsunuki Distillery is located, along with yuzu, lemon, Hetsugizunomi, kinkan (kumquat), green tea, ginger, gotu kola, kesen, and perilla—botanicals sourced from various regions across Kagoshima. The result is a refreshing aroma and taste in which the fragrance of coniferous trees harmonizes with citrus notes. Enjoy its rich, invigorating flavor reminiscent of taking a deep breath in a serene forest.

Japanese GIN WAKOBIJIN: Best in Class Gold (98 points)

Alcohol content: 47%

Volume/Price: 700ml / 4,180 yen; 700ml (gift box) / 4,400 yen; 300ml / 1,650 yen

'Japanese GIN WAKOBIJIN' is a Japanese gin that features botanicals cultivated across Kagoshima's diverse natural landscape. It is crafted using 11 botanicals in total—nine harvested throughout Kagoshima, including kinkan, kesen, yuzu, lemon, Hetsugizunomi, green tea, ginger, gotu kola, and perilla, along with juniper berries and coriander seed. These are fermented using a proprietary method and distilled and blended using a hybrid spirit still.

By carefully extracting the unique characteristics of each ingredient, the spiciness of coriander seed enhances the juniper berry notes, while citrus flavors from kinkan and yuzu harmonize with the other botanicals, resulting in a refreshing and well-balanced aroma and taste.

(All prices listed are recommended retail prices including tax)

About the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC)

Established in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) is the largest spirits competition in the United States, renowned globally as one of the most prestigious judging events for distilled spirits. Categories include white spirits, whisky, brandy, liqueurs, and other spirits. Entries are awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals by category. Products receiving unanimous gold ratings from the judging panel are honored with the 'Best in Class Gold' distinction.

SFWSC Official Website:

https://thetastingalliance.com/events/san-francisco-world-spirits-competition

SFWSC 2026 Gin Awards Press Release:

d121144-66-32eb296150789dff36ec9ca8181f31dd.pdf

For inquiries regarding this announcement:

Public Relations & Legal Affairs Department, Honbo Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. 3-27 Minamie 3-chome, Kagoshima City

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