TIG Trading's "Echigo Ofukumasa Munen Joosen Honjojo" and "Torai Aomori Terroir" received the grand award in the sake category at the 2025 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards.
"Echigo Ofukumasa Munen Joosen Honjojo" is a sake that is aged based on traditional brewing methods, showcasing a smooth umami flavor and a clean finish. It boasts an excellent pairing with various dishes and is characterized by providing the best quality at a reasonable price.
"Torai Aomori Terroir" is a premium sake with a terroir concept that reflects the unique climate and materials and supplies of the Aomori region in Japan, maximizing the region's distinct flavors. It combines the aroma of yogurt and a feeling similar to makgeolli, while highlighting the delicacy of white wine.
TIG Trading, established in 2023, is a specialized company importing Japanese alcoholic beverages and food materials, showcasing various premium sake brands such as Tentaka, Hakuko, and Torai domestically.
An official from TIG Trading noted, "This award is evidence that interest and awareness of premium sake are increasing in the Korean market," adding, "We will continue to discover excellent quality sake and offer a special alcoholic experience to domestic consumers."
Meanwhile, the Korea Wine & Spirits Awards is the country's representative alcoholic beverage evaluation event, now in its 12th year. Organized by ChosunBiz since 2014, it aims to "discover and promote good domestic alcohol and support the formation of a healthy drinking culture."
This year's event saw 236 companies submit a total of 1,008 brands, making it the largest scale of domestic evaluation in comprehensive alcoholic beverages. Among them, 431 brands received the grand award.