Koshinotaka (越の鷹), the flagship sake brand of Ito Shuzo, a brewing subsidiary that represents the Fukui region of Japan, won the grand prize at the 2026 Korea Liquor Awards, it said on the 23rd.
Among the sakes under the Koshinotaka brand, the signature product is junmai ginjo. Ito Shuzo's junmai ginjo is carefully brewed using Gohyaku-mangoku (五百万石), a sake rice that represents Fukui, and yeast developed in Fukui.
When drunk cold, it offers a refreshing flavor reminiscent of white wine, and when gently warmed, the rice's inherent soft sweetness and deep umami stand out even more.
The name Koshinotaka originates from the "hawk (鷹)," which has long been regarded as a sacred bird. For many ages, the hawk has been an object of admiration to humans and, through falconry, has formed a deep bond with people.
The company said, "We named the sake 'Koshinotaka' with the wish to become a strong presence like a hawk powerfully soaring over the land of Koshin (越)."
The brewery is located near Daianzenji (大安禅寺), which served the Fukui domain, close to the Kuzuryu River. Ito Sake Brewing is characterized by being run directly by the head of the brewery, and the head's passion and philosophy are faithfully reflected in every sake.