Two original craft gins sold through Kurachoku CLUB — the EC site operated by Nishi Shuzo Co., Ltd. (Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture) — have won gold medals at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition 2026 (TWSC2026), with results announced on May 15, 2026. The two gold medal winners are Lemon Gin and Plum Gin. Flower Gin and White Gin from the same ORIGIN lineup also received bronze medals.
What Is TWSC (Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition)?
The Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC) has been held since 2019 and is one of Asia's largest spirits competitions. Entries from Japan and abroad are evaluated through rigorous blind tasting by industry professionals — including bartenders, liquor retailers, importers, and spirits writers. The competition has grown in prominence year after year and is now recognized as one of the most authoritative contests in the international spirits industry.
TWSC website: https://tokyowhiskyspiritscompetition.jp/
Gold Medal Winners
Lemon Gin
Crafted exclusively from carefully selected domestic lemon peel, this spirit was developed through extensive trial and error to draw out the freshest possible citrus aromas. It pairs well with soda water for a crisp, refreshing drink, and works equally well as a cocktail accent.
Judge Comments (excerpts)
- "A mellow flavor with a slight astringency. The finish is light."
- "A very clean spirit with a refreshing, fresh quality. The finish is moderate and linear, with continuing lemon and lime flavors."
- "Despite the lower alcohol content, it seems very easy to use as a cocktail base."
Kurachoku CLUB – Lemon Gin: https://kurachoku-club.shop/collections/origin/products/lemongin
Plum Gin
Built on an ORIGIN-exclusive spirit base made from carefully selected botanicals, this expression combines the refreshing acidity of Kagoshima-grown Japanese plums (sumomo) with the gentle sweetness of Hokkaido beet sugar, yielding a rich and well-rounded flavor.
Judge Comments (excerpts)
- "The balance between sweetness and acidity — reminiscent of fruit compote — is charming, with a smooth mouthfeel that carries through to the finish."
- "A good balance of sweet and savory, though the punch is fairly light. Would appreciate a drier, higher-alcohol version."
- "Rich and sweet. Would be delicious on the rocks in summer, or warm in winter."
Kurachoku CLUB – Plum Gin: https://kurachoku-club.shop/collections/origin/products/origin001
Bronze Medal Winners
Flower Gin
Made with more than 50 botanicals, Flower Gin is designed to deliver a bouquet-like spread of floral aromas and a complex flavor profile that reveals different nuances with each sip.
Judge Comments (excerpts)
- "Lemon and white floral notes with a slight character from the base spirit. Clean on the palate, with a pleasant sweetness."
- "From mandarin flower notes into sweet potato shochu, with a roasted citrus finish."
- "A very fruity gin evoking red fruit acidity. Well balanced and highly accomplished."
Kurachoku CLUB – Flower Gin: https://kurachoku-club.shop/collections/origin/products/origin-flower-gin
White Gin
An unconventional craft gin inspired by the gentle sweetness of white chocolate, blending sweet aromas with the brightness of gin in a combination that has attracted a following as a new-sensation spirit.
Judge Comments (excerpts)
- "Unlike typical chocolate liqueurs, there is no detectable separation from the alcohol — it has a sweet cohesiveness."
- "Difficult to recommend neat, but holds great promise as a versatile cocktail ingredient."
- "Best enjoyed with plenty of ice in a large glass. Could be interesting blended with fruit or soda."
Kurachoku CLUB – White Gin: https://kurachoku-club.shop/collections/origin/products/origin-white-gin
All four expressions are available through the Kurachoku CLUB online shop: https://kurachoku-club.shop/collections/origin
