A Quiet Triumph at IWC 2026
Sake names occasionally carry a quietly elegant turn of phrase. SAKE HUNDRED’s “Byakko Bespoke” is one such example. In Japanese, this expression is known as Betsuatsurae—a traditional term signifying an item crafted entirely to order. In the vocabulary of sartorial elegance, it translates perfectly to the concept of bespoke tailoring.
A Study in Consistency on the Global Stage
In the sake category of the 2026 International Wine Challenge (IWC)—one of the world’s most rigorous and influential alcoholic beverage competitions—only 59 entries out of 1,738 secured a coveted trophy. Among this elite selection was Byakko Bespoke, claiming the Yamagata Junmai Daiginjo Trophy.
Its true distinction, however, lies in its unbroken consistency. Having won the Yamagata Trophy in 2023, followed by Gold Medals in 2024 and 2025, its 2026 triumph solidifies a rare lineage of quality. This precision is mirrored in France’s Kura Master, where it achieved the Platinum Award—the competition’s highest honor—in both 2022 and 2024. Though the cultural contexts, judging panels, and evaluation metrics vary across borders, the liquid’s character remains undeniable.
Pioneering the Landscape of Luxury Sake
Byakko Bespoke is a creation of SAKE HUNDRED, a brand debuted in 2018 by Clear Inc. with a singular vision: to position sake alongside the world’s finest wines and premium spirits. It sought to define a segment previously unmapped in Japan—sake as an emotional, luxury indulgence. Rather than appealing to convenience or accessible pricing, SAKE HUNDRED treats sake as an experience that resonates with the soul, acting as a pioneer of this elevated category.
This uncompromising approach extends to its governance. The brand’s board of outside directors includes a former president of Hermès Japon, bringing global luxury expertise to the preservation of heritage. SAKE HUNDRED bypasses the race for numerical specifications, focusing instead on whether a sake leaves an indelible impression on the mind. Their guiding ethos remains clear: “creating sake that will shine for the next 100 years.”
The Coherence of a Shared Lineage
The accolades extend far across the brand’s portfolio. Multiple SAKE HUNDRED expressions have garnered sustained international acclaim. At Kura Master, labels like the cornerstone ‘Byakko,’ the wood-matured ‘Shirin’—also brewed in Yamagata—and the sparkling ‘Shinsei’ have each been celebrated for their individuality.
This multi-layered recognition demonstrates that the brand’s success is not a fleeting trend, but the result of a cohesive, thoughtful design where each expression possesses a distinct, fully realized identity. At the apex of this family stands Byakko, with Byakko Bespoke serving as its most meticulously tailored evolution.
The Craft Within “Betsuatsurae”
This spirit of tailored creation dictates every choice. While the foundational Byakko utilizes Yuki Megami—a sake rice indigenous to Yamagata Prefecture—Bespoke deliberately selects Yamada Nishiki from Hyogo Prefecture, widely regarded as the pinnacle of sake rice, paired with a completely re-envisioned yeast profile. Though they share a common lineage, Bespoke is a complete reinterpretation.
The execution is entrusted to Tatenokawa Brewery in Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture, an estate founded in 1832. In 2010, the brewery made the radical decision to produce exclusively Junmai Daiginjo, dedicating its entire infrastructure to the most labor-intensive, high-precision tier of sake brewing. From raw grain to final press, the bespoke philosophy is felt in every drop.
A Contemporary Resonance in Bangkok
Byakko Bespoke opens with an elegant bouquet reminiscent of fresh lychee and white peach. On the palate, the liquid is remarkably translucent, entirely free of distraction, giving way to a lingering, whisper-soft finish. It represents a quiet beauty achieved through a strict aesthetic of subtraction.
In an era defined by mass production, the concept of the bespoke offers a grounding clarity. As Bangkok’s discerning community increasingly evaluates fine sake with the same nuance and vocabulary reserved for grand cru wines, expressions like Byakko Bespoke provide an elegant framework for appreciating the true depth of Japanese craftsmanship. (Mr. Bacchus)
This article is intended solely to explore the brewing philosophy and cultural heritage of Tatenokawa Brewery (the producer of BYAKKO BESPOKE) and the SAKE HUNDRED brand, and does not aim to promote or encourage the consumption of alcohol. / บทความนี้จัดทำขึ้นเพื่อนำเสนอข้อมูลเกี่ยวกับปรัชญาการผลิตและมรดกทางวัฒนธรรมของโรงสาเก Tatenokawa (ผู้ผลิต BYAKKO BESPOKE) และแบรนด์ SAKE HUNDRED เท่านั้น มิได้มีเจตนาเพื่อส่งเสริมหรือโฆษณาเครื่องดื่มแอลกอฮอล์ สำหรับผู้มีอายุ 20 ปีขึ้นไป โปรดดื่มอย่างรับผิดชอบ