Nozawa Onsen Distillery's Craft Gins Achieve Double Gold at World's Premier Spirits Competition

NOZAWA GIN

Nozawa Onsen Distillery Co., Ltd. (Location: Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture; Representative: Philip Richards) is pleased to announce that four gin brands from the Nozawa Onsen Distillery have received awards at the globally prestigious "San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026 (SFWSC2026)," held in San Francisco, USA, from May 16, 2026.

Among these, "NOZAWA GIN" and "IWAI GIN" received Double Gold, the highest gold medal. Additionally, "SHISO GIN" and the limited edition "BARREL-AGED GIN SMALL BATCH 003" received Gold medals.

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the world's premier spirits competitions, attracting approximately 6,000 entries from over 70 countries.

Notably, this marks the second consecutive Double Gold award for "NOZAWA GIN," following their win in 2024. The fact that all four Nozawa Onsen Distillery brands received awards this year, earning consistent high praise from world-class judges, is a testament to our pursuit of quality and craftsmanship, now recognized internationally.

Award Summary

Product Name Award Category

NOZAWA GIN Double Gold

IWAI GIN Double Gold

SHISO GIN Gold

BARREL-AGED GIN SMALL BATCH 003 Gold

Notably, NOZAWA GIN received its second Double Gold award, following its win in 2024.

An International Competition Watched by Top Bartenders and Buyers Worldwide

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), established in 2000, is recognized as one of the most influential spirits competitions globally, often cited among the "Top 3" spirit competitions. It is an international event where distillers from around the world submit their products. Judged through rigorous blind tastings by esteemed industry experts, the Double Gold award is known as an exceptionally prestigious honor, granted only to products unanimously recognized as "Gold Medal" quality by all judges.

https://thetastingalliance.com/events/san-francisco-world-spirits-competition

Craft Gins from Nozawa Onsen Village Gain Global Recognition

Nozawa Onsen Distillery is dedicated to crafting artisanal spirits that leverage the rich natural environment, pristine spring water, and unique local character of Nozawa Onsen Village in Nagano Prefecture.

"NOZAWA GIN," in particular, has won Double Gold for the second consecutive year, following its 2024 achievement. As the flagship gin representing Nozawa Onsen Distillery, it has once again demonstrated its superior quality to the world. The new Double Gold award for "IWAI GIN," along with the recognition of our diverse lineup on the international stage, marks a significant milestone for the distillery.

Nozawa Onsen Distillery will continue to promote the charm of the region globally through its craft spirits and contribute to the development of Japanese craft gin culture.

About Nozawa Onsen Distillery

Inheriting Village History, Challenging the World

Nozawa Onsen Distillery was established on December 15, 2022, in the heart of Nozawa Onsen Village.

Our facility is a renovated historic cannery building that once supported the village's food culture. The place that preserved food and sustained winter life has now been reborn as a distillery, capturing the village's pure water and abundant botanicals as "aromas" to deliver to the world.

Located just a few minutes' walk from the village's iconic "Oyu" hot spring, the distillery features a tasting bar where visitors can experience the distillation equipment up close, as well as a gift shop.

As a comprehensive facility, it attracts guests from both Japan and abroad, offering them a chance to experience the benefits of the water cycle nurtured by the great nature of Nozawa Onsen through a glass.

Nozawa Onsen's "Water" and "Craftsmanship" Recognized Globally

Our craft gins have received over 20 awards at international spirits competitions.

In 2023, we achieved a remarkable feat at the "San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC 2023)," one of the world's most prestigious events, where all four of our submitted gins won Gold medals.

The clarity born from the snowmelt water of Nozawa Onsen and the delicate flavors woven by local botanicals have now established a world-class standard of evaluation.

Award-Winning Products

Next Challenge: Single Malt Whisky Release in 2026

In addition to gin production, Nozawa Onsen Distillery is now expanding its single malt whisky production.

The maturing spirits, quietly aging in the village's cool climate, are scheduled for release in 2026. We aim to sublimate the knowledge of botanicals and distillation techniques cultivated through gin into a new form of whisky, continuing our challenge to surprise the world from Nozawa Onsen.

Company Profile

Company Name: Nozawa Onsen Distillery Co., Ltd. Representative: Philip Richards Founded: March 2021 Location: 9394 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture, 389-2502 Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of gin, whisky, and alcoholic spirits; souvenir sales; operation of bars and restaurants; mail order sales; and all related businesses incidental to the foregoing. Official HP: https://nozawaonsendistillery.jp/