The premium aged sake brand "Kosoki no Biju Tenki 1997 2003 2006" won the gold medal in the "Sake Category, Aged Sake Section" of the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2025*, the world's largest and most prestigious alcoholic beverage competition held in the UK.
Sales will begin on Friday, June 6th, along with the competition's award-winning brands, "Kosoki no Biju THE CASK 2001 (Silver Award)" and "Kosoki no Biju Shiro 1997 2004 2009 (Bronze Award)."
Takumi Sosei has been working to preserve Japan's traditional aged sake culture by expanding sales channels for aged sake and supporting sake breweries through its premium brand of long-aged aged sake, "Kosoki no Biju." In November 2023, the company will open Japan's first shared storage facility specializing in aged sake, "Nihon no Koshu-gura," where it will handle a range of tasks related to storage, bottling, and shipping, as well as new product development.
We are now launching sales of three new original aged sake brands that won gold, silver, and bronze medals in the Sake Category, Aged Sake Division of the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2025.
Takumi Sosei will continue to develop new aged sake products, striving to ensure that Japanese aged sake is widely loved and highly acclaimed both in Japan and overseas, while also contributing to the preservation of aged sake culture.
*The International Wine Challenge (IWC) is one of the world's most prestigious blind tasting competitions, founded in 1984. The SAKE category has grown exponentially since its founding in 2007, becoming the largest and most influential sake competition held outside of Japan.
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New product overview
Gold Award Winner: "Ancient Fine Sake Tenki 1997 2003 2006"
This supreme blend of precious sake is a blend of the individuality of each era: 1997, 2003, and 2006. Upon opening the bottle, a mellow aroma rises, and upon sipping, the rich, sweet flavor invites you to a superb moment. The two rich, aged sakes create a deep, full-bodied flavor, which is harmoniously combined with the light, acidic taste of this luxurious drink, elevating it to a deep, lingering flavor.
<Judges' comments>
The rich, layered aroma evokes caramel, toffee, and cocoa, creating a rich, expansive flavor. The flavors of chocolate molasses, brown sugar, coffee, and maple syrup are perfectly balanced, resulting in a smooth, deep taste. The pleasant mouthfeel and refreshing aftertaste are impressive.
Contents: Sake 500ml
Alcohol content: 16.5%
Price: 38,500 yen (tax included)
purchase: https://oldvintage.jp/products/tenki
Silver Award Winner: "Ancient Fine Wine THE CASK 2001"
This sake was brewed in 2001 and has been sleeping for a long time, then aged in bourbon barrels. It has a moderate volume and deep flavor, blended with the sweetness of vanilla from the barrel and a subtle smoky nuance. The rich and deep flavor that can only come from repeated aging gives the finish a feeling of the air of the Hida forest where this sake was brewed.
<Judges' comments>
It features a very captivating and unique aroma reminiscent of sandalwood, almonds, and single malt whiskey. The rich and deep flavor spreads with a harmonious blend of licorice, rhubarb, lemon, and butterscotch. It combines beauty and individuality, and has a rich flavor.
A cup with an excellent balance of
Contents: Sake 375ml
Alcohol content: 19.5%
Price: 9,900 yen (tax included)
purchase: https://oldvintage.jp/products/the-cask
Bronze Award Winner: "Ancient Fine Sake White 1997 2004 2009"
This special blend brings together the exquisite aging process of 1997, 2004, and 2009. A gorgeous, fruity aroma rises from the glass. On the palate, the beautiful acidity stands out, and the refreshing fruitiness spreads. This drink embodies a new vintage, combining the depth and light transparency brought about by aging, purity, and depth in harmony.
<Judge's comments>
The aroma is complex, with notes of orange, honey, and plum. In the mouth, the flavors of shiitake mushroom and dried orange peel spread, creating a deep, rich taste. The texture is also very smooth, making this an interesting and well-rounded sake overall.
Contents: Sake 375ml
Alcohol content: 17%
Price: 9,900 yen (tax included)
purchase: https://oldvintage.jp/products/haku
