Zennihon Liquor, a comprehensive liquor import specialist, said on the 21st that a total of 14 products won awards in the sake and wine institutional sector at the 2026 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards.
The Korea Wine & Spirits Awards is Korea's leading liquor tasting event, now in its 13th year. ChosunBiz has hosted it annually since 2014 with the goal of "discovering good domestic liquors, promoting 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 received top honors.
Zennihon Liquor showcased balanced winners in the sake and wine institutional sector of this awards program, highlighting the competitiveness of its overall imported liquor portfolio. In the sake institutional sector, "Shiboritate Junmai," "Junmai Gold," "Junmai Oju," "Shichiken Junmai Namazake Namanama," and "Aihabiki" were among the honorees.
In particular, "Horin Junmai Daiginjo," a premium line from the Japanese sake brand Gekkeikan, won three times between 2022 and 2026, demonstrating steady competitiveness. Zennihon Liquor said the product is a premium sake with a smooth texture, delicate aroma, and well-balanced taste, and that it is highly recognized in Korea.
Awards also continued in the wine institutional sector. Major brands such as "Mayacaba," "Icono," "Henri Champliau Crémant de Bourgogne," and "Château Ponta Bayard" extended their multi-year winning streaks. Some products won for three to five consecutive years, proving stable quality.
A Zennihon Liquor official said, "This award recognizes the competitiveness of the entire portfolio spanning sake and wine, beyond individual products," adding, "The three wins by Gekkeikan Horin Junmai Daiginjo show its position in the premium sake market."
The official added, "We will continue to work with global breweries to steadily discover quality-centered products and offer diverse choices to the domestic liquor market."