Award: International Spirits Challenge 2025 Shochu Category TROPHY
Hombo Shuzo Co., Ltd.’s Honkaku Shochu “Yakushima Daishizenrin Mugi” won the “TROPHY,” the highest award in the Shochu Category, at the awards ceremony for the “International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2025” held in London, UK, on Thursday, September 25. This marks the seventh time Hombo Shuzo has received the highest award in the Shochu Category. “Yakushima Daishizenrin Mugi” has won this award for the third consecutive year, following its wins in 2023 and 2024. A total of 45 trophies were presented to various producers at the awards ceremony.
We are extremely pleased and proud that our Honkaku Shochu “Yakushima Daishizenrin Mugi” has achieved the remarkable feat of winning the category’s highest award, the “TROPHY,” for the third consecutive year at the prestigious International Spirits Challenge (ISC). As a shochu distillery rooted in the World Natural Heritage island of Yakushima, we are deeply grateful that the Honkaku Shochu from “Yakushima Denshogura,” which has operated for over half a century, has received such an honorable award for three years in a row. We will continue to devote ourselves to sake brewing rooted in the local terroir and strive to meet your expectations.
International Spirits Challenge 2025 Shochu Category
TROPHY & DOUBLE GOLD
“Yakushima Daishizenrin Mugi” is meticulously crafted at Yakushima Denshogura using the traditional “handmade kame tub preparation,” which includes koji making in a koji room and moromi fermentation in kame jars using traditional tools. It is a shochu that uses barley carefully grown on the lands of Kagoshima and the soft water originating from Yakushima’s great nature. It has a deep, soft, roasted aroma characteristic of mugi koji, and a rich flavor reminiscent of cacao and honey.
ISC (International Spirits Challenge)
Now in its 30th year, the ISC (International Spirits Challenge) is a quality and taste competition for spirits hosted by the UK-based specialized beverage publisher “Drinks International.” It is known as one of the most prestigious competitions in the world, with categories including Shochu, Gin, Vodka, Tequila, and more. Products are judged through a blind tasting by renowned spirits industry experts. Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards are selected for each category. Among the Gold winners, “Double Gold” is awarded to outstanding products, and the “Trophy” is the title given for the highest award in the category. The “Trophy” is the highest honor a product can receive.
ISC (International Spirits Challenge) Official Website
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