Why the World Chooses IWC Winners: What the IWC Reveals About "Must-Drink" Sake Today

What is the IWC?
Founded in London in 1984, the International Wine Challenge (IWC) is one of the world’s largest competitions for both wine and sake. The SAKE division, established in 2007, now attracts around 1,400 entries each year—1,476 brands in 2025 alone. Yet, less than 10%—only about 150 sakes—won a gold medal this year, showing how tough the competition really is.
The IWC is seen as an authority because of its strict standards: all entries are tasted blind (labels fully covered), judged by an international panel of experts, and go through several rounds of judging. Winning a medal is like getting a “stamp of international quality,” trusted by buyers and sommeliers worldwide. It’s not uncommon for sales of medal-winning sake to multiply after the results are announced.

How Sake Trends Have Shifted in 2025
The biggest change this year is the rise of ultra-highly polished sake, such as SAKE HUNDRED BYAKKO Bespoke (polished to 18%) and Tatenokawa’s “Komyo” (polished below 1%). At the same time, innovative styles like aged sake, matured sake, and sparkling sake—previously outside the mainstream—also earned high praise, showing that sake is diversifying to meet many different needs.

The second big trend is the growing focus on terroir. In addition to the famous Yamadanishiki rice, sakes made with local varieties such as Soube Wase from Yamagata, Kurano Hana from Miyagi, Omachi from Okayama, and Kitashizuku from Hokkaido are winning awards. These sakes are valued for expressing the unique character of their rice and the stories of their makers.

Third, there’s a revival of traditional brewing methods. Sakes made with kimoto or yamahai methods, which bring complex acidity and umami, are ranking highly in the Junmai category. The trend of “clear aging”—maturing sake at low temperatures to preserve clarity—has also gained attention. The combination of traditional wisdom and modern technology is creating new appeal.

The fourth trend is the importance of food-friendly balance. Brands like Hakurakusei and the Zaku series, with alcohol levels around 14–15%, offer both crispness and depth, scoring highly for their versatility with international cuisines. Their balanced aromas and flavors are easily enjoyed by wine lovers as well.

Three Reasons Junmai and Futsu-shu Shine
Even with the spotlight on premium daiginjo, it’s notable that Junmai and futsu-shu (regular sake) also consistently win medals at the IWC.
Technical Innovation Thanks to advances in low-temperature fermentation and new yeast strains, sakes like Wakayama’s “KID Junmai” now feature pure, fruity aromas with fewer unwanted flavors.
Pairing Flexibility
Sakes like “Yoshino Sugi no Taruzake,” matured in fragrant cedar barrels, pair well with dishes like tempura or grilled foods, taking a role much like table wine in daily life.
Cost Performance
Buyers need more than just expensive, premium sakes. Affordable Junmai and regular sakes with IWC approval offer reliable quality at a reasonable price, making them a smart choice for any list.

Tasting “Today’s Sake” Through Award Winners
If you follow the IWC results, you’ll discover everything from crystal-clear, highly polished sake and amber-aged koshu, to sparkling sake with barrel aromas, and reliable everyday Junmai.
For beginners, try “KID Junmai” chilled, which delights with fresh white peach aroma. For a special evening, pour “BORN Dreams come true” into a Burgundy glass and pair it with uni or caviar. After dinner, savor “SAKE HUNDRED AMAIRO” koshu with its apricot and caramel notes, paired with blue cheese. For a party toast, nothing stands out like “SHICHIKEN Mori no kanade matured in the Hakushu cask Sparkling-sake,” with its green apple notes and whisky barrel nuance.

The IWC acts as a “compass” for sake, sending only the top 10% of entries out into the world. With the IWC list as your guide, you’ll always find the next sake to try. Enjoy sharing the taste of this moment—where tradition and innovation meet—at your own table.

Among the brands handled by BacchusGlobal, you’ll also find award-winning sakes recognized on the world stage.
We invite you to experience the taste of IWC Medal-winning sake and discover a new side of what sake can offer.

Junmai category

SILVER
KID Junmai

BRONZE
SHICHIKEN Furinbizan Junmai
TANIGAWADAKE Junmai Super-Dry Karakuchi
COMMENDED
SHICHIDA Junmai

Junmai Ginjo category

★ＧOLD
KID Muryozan Junmai-Ginjo

SILVER

SETOUCHI OLIVE SAKE Junmai-Ginjo

BRONZE
SHICHIKEN Birodo no aji Junmai-Ginjo
SHICHIDA Junmai-Ginjo Omachi

COMMENDED
MIZUBASHO Junmai-Ginjo

Junmai Daiginjo category
★ＧOLD
SAKE HUNDRED | SHIRIN
SAKE HUNDRED | BYAKKO BESPOKE
SHICHIKEN Hakushin
SHICHIKEN Kaikoma Junmai-Daiginjo

SILVER
SHICHIKEN Onakaya Junmai-Daiginjo
KID Junmai-Daiginjo

BRONZE
TATENOKAWA Stream Red
BORN Gold
KID Muryozan Junmai-Daiginjo
SHICHIDA Parfait Junmai-Daiginjo