IWC 2015 Trophy Winner

“Katafune” from the Takeda Shuzo won the trophy (top award) in the Japanese Sake/Honjozo (Pure Sake Brew) Category at a competitive show with international authority (IWC: International Wine Challenge) in 2015. This is the second time that “Katafune” has won this trophy (top award) following on from its triumph two years ago in 2013.

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) is a wine competition that is held every April in the United Kingdom. The Sake Category was established at this event in 2007. More than 300 judges taste wines and sakes over two weeks to decide the winners in that year.

Tasting Notes

The nose on this world class gold medal winning Daiginjo is a splendid collection of blueberry, kiwi, honeydew, and tangerine peel aromas. Look for layers of ripe and tropical fruit tones that explode at certain moments throughout the sip. Juicy licks of strawberry and pear tart roll on the fleshy smoothness, and there is a sneaky heat that compounds the flavor.

Brewery Description

Established in 1866, the Takeda Shuzou is one of the highly regarded brewers in all of Japan with 3 Trophy Awards from the IWC (top award in the entire sake category).

The secret lies in the ancient rice cultivation techniques practiced by its master rice growers. Select sake rice varieties are spaced out methodically to allow for healthy, flavorful, and robust rice grains.

Extra pure and soft water from its well and the attention to details by its 9th and 10th Generation owner/brewer puts the finishing touches.

Enjoy any of these bottles with the confidence that you're drinking some of the best sake in the world.

Additional Information

Classification: Daiginjo

Prefecture: Niigata

Rice: KoshiTanrei

Polishing Ratio: 45%

Sake Meter Value:  -3.0

Acidity:  1.3  

ABV: 17%

Size: 720ml