Shochikubai Shirakabegura Daiginjo Gold Prize Sake, a sake from Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd. that won a gold prize at the Reiwa 8 (2026) National New Sake Appraisal, goes on sale in limited quantities on Monday, November 2, 2026.
The National New Sake Appraisal is a nationwide sake competition co-hosted by the National Research Institute of Brewing and the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association. Shochikubai Shirakabegura has entered the appraisal since Heisei 15 (2003) and has won 19 gold prizes in 22 years of entries.
This sake is the entry that won the gold prize at the Reiwa 8 (2026) appraisal. It is brewed with 100% Yamada Nishiki rice from Tojo, Hyogo Prefecture, polished to a 35% rice polishing ratio, and made with "Miyamizu," the renowned spring water of Nada. Much of the brewing process is done by hand, and the daiginjo is crafted with close attention to detail. It is known for its vibrant ginjo aroma and a mellow taste in which sweetness and acidity are in harmony.
Note: The final judging of the National New Sake Appraisal for the Reiwa 1 brewing year was canceled, and no gold prizes were awarded that year.
Gold Prize Winner at the Reiwa 8 (2026) National New Sake Appraisal
This is the entry that won a gold prize at the Reiwa 8 (2026) National New Sake Appraisal. Much of the brewing process is done by hand, with careful attention to every detail.
100% Tojo Yamada Nishiki from Hyogo, 35% Rice Polishing Ratio
Only Yamada Nishiki grown in Tojo, Hyogo Prefecture, is used. Yamada Nishiki is highly regarded among sake rice varieties. The rice is carefully polished for about 70 hours down to a 35% polishing ratio, and the sake is brewed with Nada's famous "Miyamizu" water.
Vibrant Ginjo Aroma and a Mellow Taste
The sake has a vibrant, ripe fruit-like aroma reminiscent of apples and pineapple, together with a soft, viscous sweetness. Sweetness and acidity are in harmony, and a gentle bitterness rounds out the aftertaste for a mellow finish.
Product Details
Product Name: Shochikubai Shirakabegura (Daiginjo) Gold Prize Sake (2026)
Category: Japanese Sake
Sake Quality: Sake Meter Value -2 / Acidity 1.2
Alcohol Content: 16.0% to less than 17.0%
Ingredients: Rice (domestic), rice koji (domestic rice), brewing alcohol (rice polishing ratio 35%, 100% Hyogo Prefecture Yamada Nishiki)
Best-Before Period: 6 months
Volume / Container: 640 ml / Glass bottle
Packaging: 6 bottles per cardboard box
Suggested Retail Price (excluding tax): ¥5,000
Where to Buy and Quantities:
- Nationwide, all sales channels: limited to 1,000 bottles
- Takara Shuzo Online Shop (https://shop.takara.co.jp/): limited to 100 bottles
Release Dates:
- Nationwide, all sales channels: on sale Monday, November 2, 2026
- Takara Shuzo Online Shop: orders open Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and shipping begins Monday, November 2, 2026
