▲From the left: Gold Award winner "Kosoki no Bishoku 1997 Josen Kikumori", Silver Award winner "Kosoki no Bishoku 2007 San'in Togo" and "INISHIE Takumi No.1".
In order to carry on Japan's traditional aged sake culture, Takumi Sosei has developed the premium brand of long-aged sake, "Kosoki no Biju," and has worked to expand sales channels for aged sake and support sake breweries.
In November 2023, we will establish "Japan's Aged Sake Breweries," Japan's first shared storage facility specializing in aged sake, and begin accepting large quantities of aged sake from 43 breweries and 60 brands (as of April 2024) from all over Japan. We are working to develop new products that take advantage of the characteristics of aged sake produced by different breweries, and to expand sales channels overseas.
As part of this initiative, six brands, including three original blends of aged wines developed for the first time at the joint storage facility, will be exhibited at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2024, one of the world's most prestigious wine competitions, held in London, England.
All of the brands won awards and received high praise.
The gold medal winner, "Kosoki no Biju 1997 Josen Kikumori," was described as having "an elegant flavor reminiscent of molasses, orange peel, vanilla, and cocoa. It has a full body and flavor, and is mellow and smooth. It is perfectly balanced and the result of the finest aging techniques."
Takumi Sosei will continue to promote the new appeal of aged sake, which combines the traditional culture of aged sake with innovation, to the world, aiming to make Japanese aged sake more widely loved by people both in Japan and overseas, and to contribute to the preservation of aged sake culture.
Overview of the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2024 winners
<Gold Award Winner>
◆ "Ancient Fine Wine 1997 Josen Kikumori"
・Main ingredients: rice, koji, brewer's alcohol
Alcohol content: 15%
Features: A clean acidity. A mellow, matured sake with a smoky flavor and caramel and almond-like aroma, and the sweetness and aroma of tropical fruits.
Judge's comments: An elegant taste reminiscent of molasses, orange peel, vanilla, and cocoa. Full of richness and flavor, mellow and smooth. Perfectly balanced and made using the best aging techniques.
<Silver Award Winner>
◆ "INISHIE Takumi No.1 Ryuriki Blend"
・Main ingredients: rice, koji, brewer's alcohol
Alcohol content: 16%
Features: A blended aged sake designed to take advantage of the sweetness of "Kosoki no Bishu 2010 Ryuriki", which has won gold medals in numerous competitions. It has a rich, deep flavor reminiscent of a dessert wine.
・Judge's comment: An elegant aged wine reminiscent of buttery caramelized bananas, porcini mushrooms, and chocolate-covered orange peel. The baking spices add a nice accent.
"INISHIE Takumi No.1 Ryuriki Blend" 1 bottle set 5,000 yen (tax included)
https://oldvintage.jp/products/takumi1-doux-blend
◆"Old-fashioned fine sake 2007 San'in Togo"
・Main ingredients: rice, koji, brewer's alcohol
Alcohol content: 19%
Characteristics: Sweetly brewed. The viscous taste of aged sake is combined with sweetness and a sense of maturity to give it depth. The acidity and slight bitterness complete the overall balance.
Judge's comments: This amber elixir has notes of roasted cashews, cocoa nibs and chocolate, and a very long and complex finish.
<Bronze Award Winner>
◆ "INISHIE Takumi No.2 Phantom Waterfall Blend"
・Main ingredients: rice, koji, brewer's alcohol
Alcohol content: 16%
Features: A blend of aged sake designed around the concept of "acidity." Based on the white wine-like taste of "Kosoki no Biju 2009 Maboroshi no Taki," three vintage sakes create a gorgeous, delicate aroma and a fruity, refreshing taste.
Judge's comments: Dried fruit, honey, soft spices, and nutty flavors, with a harmonious and supportive acidity.
"INISHIE Takumi No.2 Maboroshi no Taki Blend" 1 bottle set 5,000 yen (tax included)
https://oldvintage.jp/products/takumi2-aside-blend
◆ "INISHIE Takumi No.3 Ume Nishiki Blend"
・Main ingredients: rice, koji, brewer's alcohol
Alcohol content: 17%
・Characteristics: The complex and well-balanced flavor created by adding "1993 Ume Nishiki," which has a strong sense of maturity, is one of a kind. The rich, mature aroma spreads out in a gorgeous way.
Judge's comment: An exotic combination of soy and ginger with hints of dark chocolate and honey.
"INISHIE Takumi No.3 Ume Nishiki Blend" 1 bottle set 5,000 yen (tax included)
https://oldvintage.jp/products/takumi3-maturation-blend
<Recommendation Award Winner>
◆ "Ancient Fine Wine 1984 Iwanoi"
・Main ingredients: rice, koji
Alcohol content: 14%
Features: Beautiful golden color, refreshing Japanese citrus and gorgeous herbal aroma. Enjoy the rich fruitiness and crisp acidity, as well as a mineral feel. Has a hazelnut-like aroma.
