Two 100% sweet potato shochus from Takarashuzo have taken top honors at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC) 2026. ISAINA received the Highest Gold Award in the shochu and awamori division, while Ikkoman was recognized with a Gold Award.
Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition 2026
The Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition is Japan's only — and Asia's largest — awards program dedicated to evaluating whisky, spirits, and shochu from around the world. First held in 2019, the competition added a dedicated shochu division in 2020.
In TWSC 2026's shochu and awamori division, 189 items competed for recognition. The Highest Gold Award was given to just 23 items — a top 12% win rate. Judging is conducted as a blind tasting by a panel of bartenders, producers and distributors, industry experts, shochu-specialist restaurateurs, and beverages journalists.
ISAINA: Five Consecutive Years of Recognition
ISAINA had received a Gold Award for four consecutive years since its launch, and this year marks the first time it has achieved the Highest Gold Award. The product is crafted using Takarashuzo's proprietary "kaori yeast" alongside a production method in which even the koji is made from sweet potato — making it a true 100% sweet potato shochu.
Its notable characteristic is how the aroma profile shifts depending on how it is served. Enjoyed with soda water, it offers a fresh, fruity scent reminiscent of apple. On the rocks, it delivers a warm, sweet fragrance similar to baked sweet potato.
Product details:
- Alcohol: 25%
- Volume: 900ml (bottle)
- Reference retail price: ¥1,342 (excluding tax)
- Brand website: https://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/products/shochu/isaina/
Ikkoman: Gold Award for Crafted Quality
Ikkoman also earned a Gold Award at TWSC 2026, with judges recognizing the shochu's quality. It is produced using a unique sweet potato koji fermentation method and aged in stone storage, achieving both the natural sweetness of sweet potato and a clean, clean finish. Paired with food, Ikkoman is designed to complement dishes and enhance the enjoyment of mealtimes.
Product details:
- Alcohol: 25%
- Volume: 720ml (bottle)
- Reference retail price: ¥1,528 (excluding tax)
- Brand website: https://www.ikkomon.jp/
