Globally Recognized! Nishi Shuzo's 'Kitcho Hozan' Wins Double Award: Superior Gold Medal & Best of the Best at the International Spirits Competition 'TWSC2026'

Nishi Shuzo Co., Ltd. (Location: Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture; Representative Director: Yoichiro Nishi) is pleased to announce that its authentic sweet potato shochu, 'Kitcho Hozan,' received both the 'Superior Gold' and 'BEST OF THE BEST' awards at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition 2026 (TWSC2026), Asia's largest liquor competition, announced on May 15, 2026. 'Kitcho Hozan' not only won the Superior Gold in the sweet potato shochu category but also achieved the remarkable feat of winning the 'Best of the Best,' the highest honor at TWSC. Furthermore, 'Tenshi no Yuwaku' and 'Satsuma Hozan Choki Jukusei' also received Gold awards, earning high praise from both domestic and international judges. Winning such prestigious awards is a great honor. We express our deepest gratitude to all parties involved, from raw material sourcing to production and sales, and to all our loyal customers. We will continue to strive for even higher quality, aiming to create world-class shochu as a producer of fine spirits nurtured by the local climate and history. The 'BEST OF THE BEST' is the top special award at TWSC, determining the number one product across all categories through a second round of blind tasting among Superior Gold and Gold winners. 'Kitcho Hozan' was honored with this award. The judges praised 'Kitcho Hozan' (25% ABV) for its 'well-balanced flavor that flows smoothly to the finish' and 'excellent balance of rich taste and full-bodied sweetness.' 'Tenshi no Yuwaku' (40% ABV), a sherry cask-aged shochu, was praised for its 'elegant cask maturation' and versatility. 'Satsuma Hozan Choki Jukusei' (25% ABV), made with 100% sweet potato koji, was noted for its 'rounded, soft mouthfeel and substantial flavor.' Established in 1845, Nishi Shuzo has been brewing sake for three centuries, supported by the richness of the Satsuma land.