A Continuing Legacy in France
Kura Master, the annual sake competition held in France, announced its 2026 results, with Born Tokusen Junmai Daiginjo (Katokichibee Shoten, Fukui Prefecture) earning a Gold Award in the Junmai Daiginjo (36–50% polishing ratio) category. Another label from the brewery, Born Ginsen, also received Gold in the same category. This recognition reflects an enduring commitment to quality. Born Tokusen Junmai Daiginjo previously received Platinum Awards in both 2021 and 2023, demonstrating a consistent resonance with juries of French sommeliers and gastronomy professionals over multiple years.
The Dedication Behind a 38% Polishing Ratio The brewing philosophy of Born Tokusen Junmai Daiginjo is defined by an uncompromising dedication to its ingredients. It is brewed using contract-grown Yamada Nishiki rice sourced from Hyogo Prefecture’s prestigious Special A district. A polishing ratio of 38% means that 62% of the outer portion of each rice grain is carefully milled away. The sake is then blended with batches aged at ice temperatures below 0°C for one to two years. This slow, low-temperature maturation is designed to create both a rounded smoothness and a structured depth. Katokichibee Shoten uses subterranean spring water from the Hakusan mountain range, drawn from a well approximately 184 meters underground. Crafted solely from rice, koji, and water, the brewing process honors the natural essence of the materials. Its grapefruit-like aroma emerges naturally from the intersection of these premium ingredients and refined brewing methods.
A Brewery with Roots Dating Back to 1860 Katokichibee Shoten was founded in 1860 in Sabae, Fukui Prefecture, by a family that had served as money changers and village headmen before entering sake brewing. In 1963, the brewery unified its products under the “Born” brand. Between 1968 and 1971, the brewery introduced what is recognized as Japan’s first commercially available daiginjo sake and commercially available aged sake. Today, the Born brand is exported to 118 countries and holds trademark registrations in more than 100 countries and regions. Its international recognition continues beyond Kura Master. At the Monaco Sake Awards, the brewery won the Grand Prix in 2022, followed by Gold Awards in both 2023 and 2024. In 2024, Born Tokusen Junmai Daiginjo was served to approximately 300 internationally renowned chefs and restaurant professionals at the gala party for the restaurant guide La Liste.
A Gentle Presence at Bangkok’s Dining Tables The continued recognition at Kura Master, honors in Monaco, and an appreciation spanning 118 countries reflect a profound consistency in craftsmanship. The brewery itself emphasizes that the sake can be enjoyed across a broad temperature range, from chilled to gently warmed. In Bangkok’s fine-dining establishments, hotel-based Japanese restaurants, and contemporary tasting-course venues, Born Tokusen Junmai Daiginjo offers a quiet sophistication, elegantly complementing the culinary experience. The timeless dedication recognized by French sommeliers continues to resonate across cultures, bringing a piece of Fukui’s brewing heritage to the local dining scene. (Mr. Bacchus)
This article is intended solely to explore the brewing philosophy and cultural heritage of Kato Kichibee Shoten and the BORN Tokusen Junmai Daiginjo brand, as reflected in the Kura Master 2026 and prior international award records, and is not intended to promote or encourage the consumption of alcohol. / บทความนี้จัดทำขึ้นเพื่อนำเสนอข้อมูลเกี่ยวกับปรัชญาการผลิตและมรดกทางวัฒนธรรมของ Kato Kichibee Shoten และแบรนด์ BORN Tokusen Junmai Daiginjo ที่สะท้อนในผลรางวัล Kura Master 2026 และรางวัลระดับนานาชาติก่อนหน้า เท่านั้น มิได้มีเจตนาเพื่อส่งเสริมหรือโฆษณาเครื่องดื่มแอลกอฮอล์ สำหรับผู้มีอายุ 20 ปีขึ้นไป โปรดดื่มอย่างรับผิดชอบ