Kamokinshu Wins Gold and Silver at IWC 2026
Two of the Kamokinshu sakes we carry just picked up medals at the International Wine Challenge 2026 - Gold for the Kamokinshu Tokubetsu Junmai and Silver for the Tokubetsu Junmai 13.
The IWC is one of the biggest sake competitions outside Japan. Judging normally happens in London, but this year it moved to Hiroshima. That matters, because Kamokinshu (Kanemitsu Shuzo) is a Hiroshima brewery. They had taken a break from entering, but with the competition on home soil they decided they couldn't sit it out.
The Gold went to the Tokubetsu Junmai - the sake that Kanemitsu describe as the backbone of their range. It's dry and robust, built for food, and one of the best value bottles we stock. In the brewery's own words: a very understated sake, but the one they're most proud of on value. We'd agree.
The Silver went to the Tokubetsu Junmai 13. You might already know this one - it won the Sessionable Award and Food Pairing Award at the Australian Sake Awards 2024. Low alcohol (13%), clean finish, pairs with most foods.
If you've been meaning to try Kamokinshu, this is a good moment.