Fukuda Shuzo Co., Ltd. said on the 15th that three products won the grand prize in the sake category at the 2026 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards.
The Korea Wine & Spirits Awards is Korea's representative liquor competition, now in its 13th year. ChosunBiz has held 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 competitions that cover comprehensive liquors. Of these, 449 brands won the grand prize.
Fukuda Shuzo's award-winning products are three types: "Nagasaki Bijin Daiginjo," "Fukumi Yamadanishiki Hiire," and "Fukumi Uminari." "Nagasaki Bijin Daiginjo" won the grand prize in the alcohol-added daiginjo category. The product is characterized by its gorgeous ginjo aroma and balanced flavor profile and is regarded as a sake suited for an aperitif. It previously won a gold trophy at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in 2025.
"Fukumi Yamadanishiki Hiire" won the grand prize in the junmai sake category. It was introduced as featuring a clear, transparent taste and a cleanly spreading flavor. The explanation said the product focuses on a balanced taste rather than excessive sweetness or strong aromas.
"Fukumi Uminari" won the grand prize in the namazake category. With a dry and vivid taste, it is a sake with the character of a table wine that pairs well with a variety of foods.
Fukuda Shuzo is a brewery founded in 1688, located in Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Situated in the westernmost region of Japan's main islands, the brewery has continued a brewing tradition based on the local environment in contact with the sea. The brewery said it produces sake with an emphasis on harmony with local water, rice, and seafood culture.