SAKE AWARD 2024: An Inside Look at the Judging Process

We are pleased to share our experience from the prestigious SAKE AWARD 2024, where our CEO Komazawa joined fellow judges Osumi and Akagi in evaluating Japan’s finest sake breweries.

About SAKE AWARD

The SAKE AWARD is a distinguished competition where professional sake retailers nationwide come together to recognize outstanding sake breweries. The unique judging process involves two stages: an initial online voting round followed by an in-person tasting session. What sets this award apart is its comprehensive evaluation approach, considering not only the sake’s flavor profile but also each brewery’s narrative, concept, and the cultural context behind their creations.

Award Recipients

We are delighted to announce this year’s winners:

🏅 Gold Medal: “ABE” by Abe Shuzo (Niigata Prefecture)
🥈Silver Medal: “MIMUROSUGI” by Imanishi Syuzou (Nara Prefecture)
🥉Bronze Medal: “Ine to Agave” by Ine to Agave (Akita Prefecture)
Special Sponsorship Award: “Ine to Agave” by Ine to Agave (Akita Prefecture)

Notable mention goes to NIIZAWA SAKE BREWERY, which achieved remarkable success with three products reaching the top 10:

• ZANKYO Junmai Daiginjo Super 7
• Toh! Hoku! Let’s Go! Nara Yoshitomo×ARABAKI×HAKURAKUSEI
• HAKURAKUSEI Junmai Daiginjo “HIKARI” Kuranohana 15%

Judges’ Perspectives

CEO Komazawa

“The gold-winning ‘ABE’ demonstrated exceptional character in both taste and story. Additionally, ‘HANAKAZE’ from ‘Ine to Agave’ impressed with its innovative hop-infused brew, creating an intriguing contrast between modern flavor profiles and traditional aesthetics.”

Web Division Manager Osumi

“This competition provided invaluable insights into renowned brands previously known only by reputation. While all finalists demonstrated remarkable quality, ‘Ine to Agave’ stood out for its groundbreaking approach to sake brewing.”

Export Division Manager Akagi

“The holistic evaluation process, incorporating brewery concepts alongside taste, offered a unique perspective. ‘MIMUROSUGI Kioke Bodaimoto Sparkling’ particularly impressed with its harmonious blend of contemporary design and refined taste.”

We were also honored to meet with Nanami Watanabe, Toji of NIIZAWA SAKE BREWERY, during the event.

Congratulations to all participating breweries for their outstanding achievements.