Takara Shuzo: "ISAINA" Sweet Potato Shochu Wins Grand Gold, "Ikkomon" Wins Gold at TWSC2026
Key facts
- Takara Shuzo: "ISAINA" Sweet Potato Shochu Wins Grand Gold, "Ikkomon" Wins Gold at TWSC2026
- Takara Shuzo's "ISAINA" all-sweet-potato shochu won the Grand Gold award in the shochu/awamori category at TWSC2026, while "Ikkomon" won Gold. ISAINA achieved this after four consecutive Gold awards.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 5, 2026
Direct answer
Takara Shuzo's "ISAINA" all-sweet-potato shochu won the Grand Gold award in the shochu/awamori category at TWSC2026, while "Ikkomon" won Gold. ISAINA achieved this after four consecutive Gold awards.
- Citation
- Takara Shuzo: "ISAINA" Sweet Potato Shochu Wins Grand Gold, "Ikkomon" Wins Gold at TWSC2026 (June 5, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 5, 2026
Takara Shuzo's "ISAINA" all-sweet-potato shochu won the Grand Gold award in the shochu/awamori category at TWSC2026, while "Ikkomon" won Gold. ISAINA achieved this after four consecutive Gold awards.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 5, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 4, 2026 at 15:23
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 6, 2026 at 23:09 (55h 46m after Collected)
Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd. announced that its all-sweet-potato shochu "ISAINA" has won the Grand Gold award in the shochu and awamori category at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC) 2026. Additionally, its all-sweet-potato shochu "Ikkomon" has won the Gold award.
The Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition is Japan's only and Asia's largest competition that judges whisky, spirits, and shochu from around the world. It was first held in 2019, and the shochu category was established in 2020.
Since its launch, "ISAINA" had won Gold awards at TWSC for four consecutive years until last year, and this year it has won the Grand Gold award for the first time. Meanwhile, "Ikkomon" also received a Gold award in recognition of its high quality.
A total of 189 items were entered in the shochu and awamori category of TWSC2026, with only 23 items receiving the Grand Gold award, representing a top 12% award rate. The judging involved blind tastings conducted by category by a panel of judges including bartenders, liquor manufacturers, distributors, importers, experts in Western liquor and shochu, restaurant professionals specializing in shochu, and liquor industry journalists.
The company stated it will use this award as motivation to further develop the "ISAINA" and "Ikkomon" brands.
■ Overview of Award-Winning Products
Product Name: All-Sweet-Potato Shochu "ISAINA"
Alcohol Content: 25%
Volume/Container: 900ml / Bottle
Suggested Retail Price: 1,342 yen (excluding tax)
Product Features: An unprecedented "extraordinary" all-sweet-potato shochu whose aroma changes depending on how it is enjoyed, allowing for different experiences in various settings. By combining all-sweet-potato shochu (using sweet potatoes even for the koji) with the company's original "Kaori Kobo" yeast, it offers a refreshing, apple-like fruity aroma when mixed with soda, and a warm, sweet roasted sweet potato aroma when enjoyed on the rocks.
Brand Site: https://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/products/shochu/isaina/
Product Name: All-Sweet-Potato Shochu "Ikkomon"
Alcohol Content: 25%
Volume/Container: 720ml / Bottle
Suggested Retail Price: 1,528 yen (excluding tax)
Product Features: An all-sweet-potato shochu that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a clean, impurity-free crispness, achieved through a unique sweet potato koji preparation and stone cellar storage. The sweetness and clarity of the sweet potato enhance the flavor of meals, enriching the dining experience.
Brand Site: https://www.ikkomon.jp/
The Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition is Japan's only and Asia's largest competition that judges whisky, spirits, and shochu from around the world. It was first held in 2019, and the shochu category was established in 2020.
Since its launch, "ISAINA" had won Gold awards at TWSC for four consecutive years until last year, and this year it has won the Grand Gold award for the first time. Meanwhile, "Ikkomon" also received a Gold award in recognition of its high quality.
A total of 189 items were entered in the shochu and awamori category of TWSC2026, with only 23 items receiving the Grand Gold award, representing a top 12% award rate. The judging involved blind tastings conducted by category by a panel of judges including bartenders, liquor manufacturers, distributors, importers, experts in Western liquor and shochu, restaurant professionals specializing in shochu, and liquor industry journalists.
The company stated it will use this award as motivation to further develop the "ISAINA" and "Ikkomon" brands.
■ Overview of Award-Winning Products
Product Name: All-Sweet-Potato Shochu "ISAINA"
Alcohol Content: 25%
Volume/Container: 900ml / Bottle
Suggested Retail Price: 1,342 yen (excluding tax)
Product Features: An unprecedented "extraordinary" all-sweet-potato shochu whose aroma changes depending on how it is enjoyed, allowing for different experiences in various settings. By combining all-sweet-potato shochu (using sweet potatoes even for the koji) with the company's original "Kaori Kobo" yeast, it offers a refreshing, apple-like fruity aroma when mixed with soda, and a warm, sweet roasted sweet potato aroma when enjoyed on the rocks.
Brand Site: https://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/products/shochu/isaina/
Product Name: All-Sweet-Potato Shochu "Ikkomon"
Alcohol Content: 25%
Volume/Container: 720ml / Bottle
Suggested Retail Price: 1,528 yen (excluding tax)
Product Features: An all-sweet-potato shochu that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a clean, impurity-free crispness, achieved through a unique sweet potato koji preparation and stone cellar storage. The sweetness and clarity of the sweet potato enhance the flavor of meals, enriching the dining experience.
Brand Site: https://www.ikkomon.jp/
FAQ
Where can I buy ISAINA?
It is available at liquor stores, supermarkets, and online shops nationwide.
What is the difference between Ikkomon and ISAINA?
ISAINA is known for its changing aroma, while Ikkomon features the sweetness of sweet potato and a clean taste.
How is TWSC judged?
It is judged through blind tastings by bartenders, liquor experts, and other professionals.