Nozawa Onsen Distillery Achieves Global Recognition at IWSC 2026: 'BARREL-AGED GIN SMALL BATCH RELEASE 002' Wins Gold Outstanding, 'SHISO GIN' Earns Gold

Nozawa Onsen Distillery Co., Ltd. (Nozawaonsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture; CEO: Phillip Richards) is proud to announce that two of its craft gin labels have received top awards at the 'International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2026,' one of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions, held in spring 2026.

Established in 1969, the International Wine & Spirit Competition is a globally renowned spirits evaluation event. Each year, over 12,000 wines and spirits from more than 90 countries are entered, making it one of the largest and most authoritative competitions in the world. Judging is conducted through blind tastings and analytical assessments by over 300 industry experts.

Among the entries, 'BARREL-AGED GIN SMALL BATCH RELEASE 002' achieved an exceptional score of 98 out of 100, earning the highest accolade of 'Gold Outstanding.' Additionally, 'SHISO GIN' scored 95 points, securing a 'Gold' award, demonstrating the high quality of Japanese craft gin on the global stage.

Product Name

Score

Award

BARREL-AGED GIN SMALL BATCH RELEASE 002

98

Gold Outstanding

SHISO GIN

95

Gold

※ At IWSC, scores of 95 and above receive Gold ratings, with 98 indicating world-class quality.

Pioneering Barrel-Aged Gin

BARREL-AGED GIN SMALL BATCH RELEASE 002 (Winner of Gold Outstanding)

While gin is typically bottled immediately after distillation, Nozawa Onsen Distillery has been exploring the potential of 'aged gin' to create new dimensions of flavor. The award-winning 'BARREL-AGED GIN SMALL BATCH RELEASE 002' was matured for 21 months in French oak barrels previously used for aging Chardonnay at a Nagano winery. This gentle aging process refines delicate forest aromas while enhancing bright acidity derived from the Chardonnay casks. The complex and distinctive flavor profile created by barrel aging received high praise from judges.

Expressing Japanese Identity with 'SHISO GIN'

SHISO GIN (Gold Award Winner)

'SHISO GIN,' which earned a Gold award, is a craft gin that features shiso—one of Japan’s most iconic herbs—as its star botanical. Globally, the gin market is seeing growth in 'contemporary gins' that use unique botanicals, and expressions utilizing native Japanese plants are gaining recognition. This award confirms that Japan’s unique ingredients and distillation techniques are competitive in the global market.

The Global Expansion of 'Nozawa Onsen Spirit'

In 2026, Nozawa Onsen Distillery has already received multiple awards at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC2026) and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC2026), one of the world’s largest spirits contests. With the latest success at IWSC2026, including a Gold Outstanding and a Gold award, the distillery is solidifying its reputation as a brand consistently recognized at the highest levels of international spirits competitions. This achievement marks a significant step forward in showcasing the potential of craft spirits from Nozawaonsen Village, Nagano Prefecture, to the world.

About Nozawa Onsen Distillery

Exterior of Nozawa Onsen Distillery

Honoring Village Heritage, Challenging the World

Nozawa Onsen Distillery was established on December 15, 2022, in the heart of Nozawaonsen Village.

Our facility is housed in a renovated historic cannery that once supported the village’s food culture. A place that preserved food and sustained winter life has now transformed into a distillery that captures the village’s pure water and abundant botanicals as 'aroma' and shares it with the world.

Located just minutes on foot from 'Oyu,' the village’s iconic hot spring, the distillery features a tasting bar and gift shop where visitors can experience the distillation process up close.

As a comprehensive facility, it allows guests from Japan and abroad to experience the benefits of the natural water cycle nurtured by Nozawaonsen’s pristine nature through a single glass.

Globally Recognized 'Water' and 'Craftsmanship' of Nozawa Onsen

Selected botanicals used in the award-winning gins

Our craft gins have won over 20 awards at international spirits competitions.

In 2023, at the world-renowned 'San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC 2023),' all four gins we entered won Gold awards—an extraordinary achievement.

The clarity derived from Nozawaonsen’s snowmelt water and the delicate flavors woven from local botanicals have now established a globally recognized standard of excellence.

Award-winning products

Next Challenge: Launching Single Malt Whisky in 2026

Currently, in addition to gin production, Nozawa Onsen Distillery is actively expanding its production of single malt whisky.

The new-make spirits, quietly maturing in the village’s cool climate, are scheduled for release in 2026. Building on the botanical expertise and distillation techniques honed through gin production, the distillery will now elevate these skills into whisky, continuing its mission to astonish the world from Nozawaonsen.