Yamanashi-based Distillery 'GEEKSTILL' Achieves Historic First for Japanese Distilleries at 'World Drinks Awards 2026'!

Historic Achievement for a Japanese Distillery

GEEKSTILL, a craft gin distillery from Yamanashi Prefecture that utilizes pure domestic junmai sake and local natural botanicals, achieved a historic first for a Japanese distillery by winning a top grand prize and category awards at the 'World Drinks Awards 2026' held at the Waldorf Hotel in London on June 2, 2026.

In the '2026 Icons of Drinks' category, GEEKSTILL representative Yuta Kishikawa received the highest honor, 'Distiller of the Year.' His pursuit of innovative distillation techniques and commitment to sustainable, 'ethical sake brewing' were recognized globally.

Furthermore, at the 'World Gin Awards 2026,' the company's 'AMRTA GIN Semishigure' won a bronze medal, and 'GEEKSTILL ABSINTHE 2nd Batch' won a bronze medal at the 'World Absinthe Awards 2026.'

Background and Reasons for Recognition

The international jury highly evaluated the company for the following reasons:

- **Technical Innovation**: Holds two domestic distillation patents, utilizing a unique extraction method to capture delicate flavors. - **Upcycling of Fruits**: Purchases sub-standard fruits at fair prices, reducing food waste and supporting local agricultural economics. - **Social Inclusion**: Practices coexistence with the local community, such as reusing distillery wastewater as dye and commissioning work to facilities for people with disabilities.

Features of the Award-Winning Products

1. **AMRTA GIN Semishigure** (Bronze Medal, World Gin Awards 2026) - Uses botanicals like natural Kuromoji from Mount Daibosatsu. A core product expressing the nature of Yamanashi. 2. **GEEKSTILL ABSINTHE 2nd Batch** (Bronze Medal, World Absinthe Awards 2026) - No added sugar. A premium spirit that purely extracts botanical aromas and bitterness through proprietary technology.

GEEKSTILL continues its commitment to sustainable business and contributing to regional revitalization.