Fukuda Shuzo Co., Ltd. said on the 15th that three products won the grand prize in the sake category of the 2026 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards.
The Korea Wine & Spirits Awards is Korea's leading comprehensive liquor tasting event, now in its 13th year. ChosunBiz has hosted it annually since 2014 with the goal of "discovering good domestic liquors to promote them widely and supporting the formation of a sound drinking culture."
This year's event drew 260 companies submitting a total of 1,118 brands. It is the largest among domestic tastings that cover comprehensive liquors. Of these, 449 brands won the grand prize.
Fukuda Shuzo's award-winning products are three items: "Nagasaki Bijin Daiginjo," "Fukumi Yamadanishiki Hiire," and "Fukumi Uminari." "Nagasaki Bijin Daiginjo" won the grand prize in the added-alcohol daiginjo category. Known for its gorgeous ginjo aroma and balanced flavor, it is regarded as a sake suited for an aperitif. It won a Gold Trophy at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in 2025.
"Fukumi Yamadanishiki Hiire" won the grand prize in the junmai category. It was introduced as featuring a clear, transparent taste and a cleanly spreading flavor. The description said it focuses on balanced taste rather than excessive sweetness or strong aromas.
"Fukumi Uminari" won the grand prize in the namazake category. Characterized by a dry, crisp taste, it is a sake suited for pairing with a variety of foods as a table sake.
Fukuda Shuzo is a brewery founded in 1688, located in Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. As a brewery situated in Japan's westernmost mainland region, it has continued a brewing tradition rooted in a coastal environment. The brewery said it produces sake with an emphasis on harmony with local water, rice, and seafood culture.