The "Junmai Daiginjo Niseko Ezo-Fuji" by Hakkaisan Brewing, made with 100% "Suisei" sake rice grown in Niseko Town, Hokkaido, has won a Gold Medal in the Junmai Daiginjo category at the SAKE division of the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2026—one of the world's largest beverage competitions.
The IWC was established in the United Kingdom in 1984 and is a globally recognized beverage competition. Its SAKE division attracts entries from numerous brands worldwide and features rigorous judging by industry specialists. The award-winning sake is characterized by its soft mouthfeel, a vivid fruity aroma, and a light, clean taste that still delivers the umami of rice. The Gold Medal acknowledges both the distinctive character of Niseko Town's "Suisei" sake rice and the long-refined daiginjo brewing techniques of Hakkaisan Brewing.
A Sake Born from the Connection with Niseko Town
"Niseko Ezo-Fuji" originated from the relationship formed when Hakkaisan Group's subsidiary, Niseko Distillery, opened its distillery in Niseko Town in 2021.
The sake uses "Suisei," a sake rice variety developed in Hokkaido in 2006. Known for its low protein content, "Suisei" is well-suited to producing light, clean-tasting sake.
Hokkaido is renowned not only for its seafood but also for its meat, dairy products, and vegetables. "Niseko Ezo-Fuji" was designed to complement the region's rich food culture as a food-pairing sake—a product that embodies the bond between Hokkaido and Niigata's Uonuma region.
Product Details
■ Junmai Daiginjo Niseko Ezo-Fuji
Crafted with 100% "Suisei" sake rice nurtured by the grand nature of Niseko Town, Hokkaido, and carefully brewed in Uonuma.
A junmai daiginjo featuring fruit aromas reminiscent of green apple and a light, crisp finish. Fruity sweetness and vivid acidity come together in harmony, leading to a clean, beautiful lingering finish. The sake showcases the character of "Suisei" while pairing beautifully with food.
- Type: Sake (Seishu)
- Ingredients: Rice (domestic), Rice koji (domestic rice)
- Rice polishing ratio: 45%
- Alcohol content: 16%
- Suggested retail price:
- 720ml: ¥4,318 (with gift box) / ¥4,070 (without gift box)
Series Product
■ Ginjo Niseko Ezo-Fuji
Also brewed with 100% "Suisei" sake rice from Niseko Town, Hokkaido, and carefully crafted in Uonuma.
A light, clean-flavored sake where gentle ginjo aromas and clean rice umami are in harmony. It serves as a food-pairing sake for delicate, seasonal dishes.
- Type: Sake (Seishu)
- Ingredients: Rice (domestic), Rice koji (domestic rice), Brewed alcohol
- Rice polishing ratio: 55%
- Alcohol content: 15.5%
- Suggested retail price:
- 720ml: ¥3,548 (with gift box) / ¥3,300 (without gift box)
