SAKE COMPETITION 2026

The Awamori DivisionAbout SAKE COMPETITION

The SAKE COMPETITION was established in 2012 as the world's only competition dedicated exclusively to Japanese sake, with the mission of promoting Japanese sake culture.

As interest in sake has continued to grow not only in Japan but also around the world, the competition has played a leading role in shaping sake trends and laying the foundation for continuous quality improvement within the industry.

In 2026, to commemorate the planned reconstruction of the main hall of Shuri Castle, a symbol of Okinawa, we are pleased to hold a special limited edition of the SAKE COMPETITION Awamori Division, focusing on Awamori, which, together with sake, has been recognized as part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Entry Requirements for the Awamori Categories

Standard Awamori Category

Commercially available awamori products are eligible for entry.
Blended aged awamori products are also accepted.

Aged Awamori (Kusu) Category

Commercially available awamori sold as Aged Awamori(Kusu) is eligible for entry.
Blended aged awamori products are also accepted.
All awamori used in the product must have been aged for at least three years.

Future of Awamori Category

Spirits and liqueurs produced primarily from awamori are eligible for entry.
Whisky and whisky-like products are not eligible.

Judging – Awamori Categories Final Judging

Entries will be evaluated in a single round of final judging.
Judging will be conducted separately for each category.

Sample Presentation

The serving order of entries will be determined by a computer-generated random shuffle based on alcohol content, beginning with the lowest alcohol level.
All judging will be conducted as a completely blind tasting.
Samples will be served in clear plastic cups.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on two key criteria:

Quality as Awamori (or Kusu, aged awamori)
Overall suitability as a beverage

Judges will assess whether each entry demonstrates the characteristic aroma and flavor profile of awamori while providing an enjoyable drinking experience.

Evaluation is based on both aroma and flavor quality and an overall assessment using a five-point scale.

Five-Point Evaluation Scale

1 – Outstanding
The aroma and flavor are exceptionally well-balanced and highly representative of the quality and drinkability expected of awamori.

2 – Good
The aroma and flavor are well-balanced and representative of the quality and drinkability expected of awamori.

3 – Average
The aroma and flavor are generally consistent with the quality and drinkability expected of awamori.

4 – Below Average
The entry does not meet the standards described in ratings 1–3 and has noticeable deficiencies.

5 – Poor
The entry falls significantly short of the standards described in ratings 1–3 and has serious deficiencies.

Judges

The judging panel consists of technical advisors and experienced judges who have served as official judges for SAKE COMPETITION.

Entry Statistics