Sake competitions are one of the most exciting ways to explore the world of sake (日本酒). They bring together the finest producers and experts to identify and celebrate the best brews from Japan and across the world. For those new to sake, understanding these competitions and their prestigious awards can help guide you toward selecting high-quality bottles. Let’s explore some of the most important sake competitions and the significance of their awards.
International Wine Challenge (IWC)
The International Wine Challenge (IWC), founded in the 1980s, is one of the most prestigious wine and sake competitions globally. Originally focusing on wine, IWC introduced its sake category in 2007, bringing global attention to Japan’s national drink. Each year, a panel of experts from around the world conducts a blind tasting of sake in various categories, awarding Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. The highest honor, Champion Sake, is selected from the gold medal winners, making it a sought-after recognition that can significantly elevate a sake’s reputation.
IWC’s emphasis on international standards also makes this competition appealing to global consumers. If you’re looking for sake that performs well on the international stage, IWC winners are a great place to start.
Zenkoku Shinshu Kanpyoukai (全國新酒鑑評會)
Known as the National New Sake Awards in English, this is one of Japan’s oldest and most respected sake competitions, organized by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (日本酒造中央会). What sets this competition apart is its focus on innovation and technical excellence in sake brewing. Each brewery is allowed to submit only one sake, making the competition extremely fierce. The main awards given are Gold Prize and Honorable Mention, with the Gold Prize being especially difficult to achieve.
Many breweries take pride in receiving continuous Gold Prizes over multiple years, as it demonstrates consistent quality and craftsmanship. For connoisseurs, sake that performs well in this competition often signifies technical mastery and high brewing standards.
The Fine SAKE Award
Established in 2011, The Fine SAKE Award introduces a modern twist to sake evaluation by using wine glasses instead of traditional sake cups for judging. This unique approach emphasizes the visual appeal, aroma, and taste of sake in ways that may align more closely with how wine is evaluated. By using wine glasses, the competition aims to appeal to a global audience and highlight the versatility of sake, especially when paired with non-traditional cuisines.
The Fine SAKE Award has helped raise the profile of sake in international dining scenes, particularly in restaurants that might traditionally focus on wine. If you’re interested in trying sake that pairs well with Western cuisine, this award can serve as a helpful guide.
Overseas Sake Awards (OSA)
The Overseas Sake Awards (OSA) is a relatively new competition, with its first edition held in Hong Kong in 2022. Organized by the Hong Kong Japanese Sake Industry Association, the OSA aims to establish itself as Asia’s leading sake competition. A diverse panel of judges from across Asia evaluates entries in nine categories, awarding Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, with the top honor being Sake of The Year.
This competition highlights sake’s growing popularity in Asian markets outside of Japan, particularly in Hong Kong, a major hub for sake appreciation. As the competition grows, it is expected to become a key indicator of which sakes are making waves across the continent.
Why Sake Competitions Matter
Sake competitions provide invaluable guidance for both enthusiasts and newcomers. Award-winning sakes often represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship, blending tradition with innovation. Moreover, many of these competitions evaluate sakes through blind tastings, ensuring that the judging process is fair and based solely on the quality of the sake itself.
For consumers, looking for competition stickers or mentions on sake bottles can help navigate the vast world of sake options. Whether it’s the technical expertise rewarded by the National New Sake Awards or the global appeal recognized by IWC, understanding these competitions can enrich your sake-drinking experience.
In summary, sake competitions offer a snapshot of the very best that sake has to offer, showcasing the artistry, innovation, and tradition behind every bottle. The next time you’re selecting sake, keep an eye out for these prestigious awards to guide your choices.
