Takumi Sosei Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Representative Director: Ryohiko Yasumura, hereinafter "Takumi Sosei"), a member of the Pasona Group, will begin selling "Inishie no Bishu 1998" from the premium aged sake brand "Inishie no Bishu" series on July 2, 2026 (Thu).

This product won gold medals in the Aged Sake category of the "International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2026"*1 SAKE Division, one of the world's largest and most prestigious sake competitions, and in the Aged Sake category at France's "Kura Master 2026"*2.

Takumi Sosei aims to inherit and develop Japan's traditional aged sake culture by developing the premium aged sake brand "Inishie no Bishu" for long-term aging, as well as working to expand sales channels for aged sake and support sake breweries. In November 2023, they established "Nihon no Koshu Gura," Japan's first joint storage facility exclusively for aged sake, and are involved in a series of operations related to storage, bottling, and shipping, as well as new product development.

The newly released "Inishie no Bishu 1998" has been highly praised for its rich aroma and profound flavor developed through long-term aging, earning gold medals at two international competitions in 2026. It features a honey-like sweetness and aged aroma that spread the moment it is poured into a glass, with complex notes reminiscent of fruits and caramel. The smooth mouthfeel allows the umami to spread, followed by a pleasant bitter aftertaste.

Takumi Sosei will continue to contribute to the inheritance of aged sake culture by widely delivering the appeal of Japanese aged sake through the development of new aged sake products and their promotion both domestically and internationally.

*1 The International Wine Challenge (IWC) is one of the world's most prestigious blind tasting competitions, established in 1984. The SAKE Division, established in 2007, has grown rapidly and is now the largest and most influential Japanese sake competition held outside of Japan.

*2 Kura Master is a Japanese sake competition based in France, judged by professionals, primarily French, and is gaining attention as a venue for showcasing the new appeal of Japanese sake.

"Inishie no Bishu 1998" Overview

The moment it is poured into a glass, it offers a honey-like sweetness brought by aging and a calm nuance reminiscent of dry barrel aging. Notes of stewed yellow peaches and apricots, caramel, and a hint of spice overlap, with a smooth mouthfeel. From the mid-palate, umami derived from rice quietly spreads, leaving a pleasant, slightly bitter aftertaste that lingers.

Contents: Japanese Sake 375ml

Alcohol Content: 18%

Price: 13,200 yen

URL: https://oldvintage.jp/products/1998-inishie

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 受賞
  • Organizations: Kura Master