A-FACTORY (Aomori City) is proud to announce that three of its products have received awards at the "International Wine & Spirit Competition 2026" held in London. "A-FACTORY apple brandy First Fill Sakura Cask Strength" won the highest gold medal, "A-FACTORY apple brandy eternity" won a gold medal, and "A-FACTORY apple brandy First Fill American Oak Cask Strength" won a silver medal.
In addition to producing and selling cider, A-FACTORY's cidery has also been distilling and selling apple brandy since 2012. We continuously strive to improve our quality, and in 2022, we entered a domestic competition for the first time and won a gold medal. Starting in 2023, we began participating in international competitions, and this year, we achieved the highest gold medal.
A-FACTORY aims to promote the appeal of apple brandy and, in conjunction with our cider offerings, contribute to regional revitalization by further showcasing the charms of Aomori Prefecture's apples.
About the Award-Winning Products
KEY FIGURES
"A-FACTORY apple brandy First Fill Sakura Cask Strength" (ALC. 52%)
【 Highest Gold Medal - Score 98 】
This cask-strength apple brandy is distilled from cider made with Aomori Prefecture apples using a French Charentais still and aged exclusively in new sakura wood casks. It is characterized by its floral aroma and honey-like sweetness.
Judging Panel Tasting Comments
Lively on the nose with bright and fresh notes of cut grass, lilac, and apple blossom, interwoven with a delicate apple peel and hint of toasted rice with a whisper of cinnamon. The palate is surprisingly sweet and seamless in its warmth, leading to a rich finish.
Volume: 700ml Alcohol Content: 52% Retail Price: ¥23,100 (tax included)
【 Sales Location 】
・A-FACTORY 1F Food Marche, 1-4-2 Yanagawa, Aomori City
*Limited quantity available
"A-FACTORY apple brandy eternity" (ALC. 40%)
【 Gold Medal - Score 95 】
This "Made in Aomori" apple brandy is crafted by carefully distilling 100% Aomori Prefecture apples over time using a Charentais pot still, then blending the spirit with ultra-soft water from the Shirakami-Sanchi mountain range in Ajigasawa Town and aging it. It offers a balance of mellowness and strength. Enjoy the aroma of apples and alcohol, a mellow mouthfeel that expands into a pleasant warmth with a lingering, clean finish.
Judging Panel Tasting Comments
Delicate notes of orchard fruits and white pepper are subtly blended, with a hint of star anise adding a subtle complexity. The palate reveals soft notes of marzipan and creamy vanilla, followed by a refreshing green apple, complemented by sweet apple and gentle spice, concluding with a smooth and clean finish.
Volume: 250ml Alcohol Content: 40% Retail Price: Currently suspended (undergoing aging)
【 Sales Location 】
・Currently suspended (undergoing aging)
"A-FACTORY apple brandy First Fill American Oak Cask Strength" (ALC. 51%)
【 Silver Medal - Score 92 】
This cask-strength apple brandy is distilled from cider made with Aomori Prefecture apples using a French Charentais still and aged exclusively in new American oak casks. It features a vanilla aroma and brown sugar-like sweetness with a sharp finish.
Judging Panel Tasting Comments
Delicate floral and green apple peel aromas lead to a dynamic palate where cedar, hickory, and cacao nibs intertwine with subtle green apple peel. The finish is long and woody, leaving a complex and lingering warmth.
Volume: 700ml Alcohol Content: 51% Retail Price: ¥23,100 (tax included)
【 Sales Location 】
・A-FACTORY 1F Food Marche, 1-4-2 Yanagawa, Aomori City
*Limited quantity available
About the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)
IWSC 2026 Highest Gold Medal
The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) was established in 1969 with the aim of contributing to the improvement of spirits quality and market expansion. It is a prestigious and historic international competition. It evaluates wines, spirits, and liqueurs from around the world through blind tasting by judges selected from around the globe, as well as chemical analysis. In addition to taste, the competition also assesses aspects such as the spirit's introducer, seller, producer, product design, and sustainability, contributing to the growth and development of the entire spirits industry.
A-FACTORY Apple Brandy Award History
TOKYO WHISKY & SPIRITS COMPETITION
2022 - "AOMORI CIDRE apple brandy" Gold Medal
2026 - "A-FACTORY apple brandy eternity" Silver Medal
International Wine & Spirit Competition
2023 - "AOMORI CIDRE apple brandy" Gold Medal
2024 - "A-FACTORY apple brandy aomorimiraiFuji2016" Silver Medal
2025 - "A-FACTORY apple brandy aomorimiraisannaimaruyamayumekamosu2022" Gold Medal
2026 - "A-FACTORY apple brandy First Fill Sakura Cask Strength" Highest Gold Medal
- "A-FACTORY apple brandy eternity" Gold Medal
- "A-FACTORY apple brandy First Fill American Oak Cask Strength" Silver Medal
International Spirits Challenge
2024 - "A-FACTORY apple brandy aomorimiraiFuji2016" Silver Medal
A-FACTORY Cidery Overview
Location: 1-4-2 Yanagawa, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture Number of Tanks: 8 (8 x 1,800L tanks) Distiller: 1 (100L Charentais pot still) Factory Tours: Not available.
Observation is possible through glass from the food court. Observation hours are subject to A-FACTORY's business hours.
Company Overview Company Name: JR East Aomori Commercial Development Co., Ltd. Representative: Mariko Makabe (President and Representative Director) Location: 1-2-3 Yanagawa, Aomori City
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: 受賞
- Organizations: A-FACTORY / International Wine & Spirit Competition