International Sake Competitions: Understanding IWC and Kura Master
A detailed guide to international sake competitions. Learn about IWC, Kura Master, Joy of Sake, and more - including judging criteria, categories, and how to interpret results.
International Sake Competitions
Sake evaluation is no longer confined to Japan alone.
International competitions are now held around the world, where sake quality is judged from a global perspective. Here we explain the structure of major international competitions and how to interpret their results.
The Significance of International Competitions
Why International Competitions Matter
International competitions contribute to the global spread of sake.
For Breweries
- Gateway to overseas markets
- Recognition on the international stage
- Selling points for exports
For Consumers
- International quality assurance
- Opportunity to discover sake appreciated abroad
- Encounters with new brands
For the Sake Industry
- Enhanced international recognition
- Globalization of quality standards
- Connections with overseas sommeliers and buyers
Differences from Domestic Competitions
International competitions have distinct characteristics compared to domestic ones.
Judging Panel Composition International competitions include overseas sommeliers, wine experts, and chefs in the judging. Sake is evaluated by non-Japanese palates.
Evaluation Criteria Assessment from an international perspective. Judges from wine-producing regions may compare sake to wine.
Category Classification Categories designed to be understandable for overseas consumers. Sometimes divided by price range or serving style.
IWC (International Wine Challenge) SAKE Division
Overview
A sake division established within one of the world’s largest wine competitions.
Founded: 2007 Organizer: IWC (United Kingdom) Timing: Annually in spring (judging around April) Entries: Over 1,500
The addition of a sake division to one of the most prestigious competitions in the wine industry has significantly contributed to elevating sake’s international status.
Judging Method
Blind Tasting Judging is conducted with brand names concealed. Evaluation based purely on taste without preconceptions.
Judges
- International wine judges
- Sake specialists
- Master of Wine holders
Evaluation Criteria
- Appearance
- Aroma
- Palate
- Balance
- Finish
- Overall impression
Scoring is out of 100 points. Medals are awarded based on scores.
Categories
IWC SAKE Division categories:
Designated Classifications
- Daiginjo
- Junmai Daiginjo
- Ginjo
- Junmai Ginjo
- Junmai
- Honjozo
Style-Based
- Sparkling
- Koshu (Aged Sake)
- Futsu-shu (Regular Sake)
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals are awarded in each category, along with the highest award: the Trophy.
Award Types
Trophy The highest award in each category. Given to the year’s finest sake.
Gold 95 points or above. Outstanding quality.
Silver 90-94 points. Excellent quality.
Bronze 85-89 points. Good quality.
Commended 75-84 points. Quality worthy of recommendation.
Champion Sake
From all Trophy winners across categories, the single best sake is selected as “Champion Sake.”
The brewery receiving this honor gains significant attention as producing the world’s finest sake.
Kura Master
Overview
A sake competition held in France.
Founded: 2017 Organizer: Kura Master Executive Committee (France) Timing: Around June each year (Paris) Entries: Over 1,000
French-centered judges evaluate sake with consideration for pairing with French cuisine.
Characteristics of French Judging
Judging Panel Composition
- French sommeliers
- French cuisine chefs
- Wine journalists
- Sake specialists
Judges well-versed in French food culture evaluate sake with consideration for compatibility with French cuisine.
Compatibility with French Cuisine Foie gras, cheese, seafood dishes - how well sake pairs with French cuisine is also an evaluation point.
Categories
Junmai Daiginjo Division Junmai Daiginjo with rice polishing ratio of 50% or less.
Junmai Division All Junmai sake regardless of polishing ratio.
Nigori Division Cloudy sake and doburoku.
Sake Sparkling Division Sparkling sake.
Koshu Division Sake aged for 3 years or more.
Award Types
President’s Award The highest award across all categories.
Special Jury Award Sake that particularly impressed the judges.
Platinum Award The highest-tier rating.
Gold Award Excellent quality.
Joy of Sake (U.S. National Sake Appraisal)
Overview
A historic sake competition held in America.
Founded: 2001 Organizer: Joy of Sake Locations: Honolulu, New York, and others Entries: Approximately 500
Judging is characterized by awareness of the North American market.
Judging Method
Blind Tasting Brands are concealed during judging.
Judges Sake experts, sommeliers, and buyers participate, primarily from America.
Evaluation Points
- Aroma
- Palate
- Balance
- Individuality
- Overall appeal
Categories
Daiginjo A (Rice Polishing Ratio 40% or Less) The highest grade of Daiginjo.
Daiginjo B (Rice Polishing Ratio 50% or Less) Daiginjo and Junmai Daiginjo with 50% or less polishing ratio.
Ginjo (Rice Polishing Ratio 60% or Less) Ginjo and Junmai Ginjo.
Junmai No polishing ratio requirements.
Award Types
Grand Prix The highest award in each category.
Gold Excellent quality.
Silver Good quality.
Other International Competitions
SAKE SELECTION (Belgium)
Overview An international competition held in Belgium.
Features
- European sommeliers as judges
- Perspective from a beer-loving nation
- Emphasis on food pairing
Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition
Overview A liquor competition held in Hong Kong.
Features
- Awareness of the Asian market
- Compatibility with Chinese cuisine
- Gateway to the growing Chinese market
London Sake Challenge
Overview A sake competition held in London.
Features
- Targeting the UK market
- Information for restaurants and buyers
- The emerging British sake scene
How to Read Competition Results
Weighting of Awards
Awards mean different things at different competitions.
Relative vs. Absolute Evaluation
- Relative evaluation: Top percentage of entries receive awards
- Absolute evaluation: All entries exceeding a certain standard receive awards
Award Rate At IWC, approximately 60-70% of entries receive medals. Kura Master tends to have only carefully selected sake entered.
Pay Attention to Categories
Check not just “Gold Medal” but which category it was awarded in.
Gold in the Daiginjo Division → Fruity, aromatic sake
Gold in the Junmai Division → Sake that highlights rice umami
Gold in the Kan-zake (Warm Sake) Division → Sake delicious when warmed
The key is choosing award-winning sake from categories that match your preferences.
Evaluation Across Multiple Competitions
Sake evaluated at multiple competitions, not just one, is more reliable.
Domestic + International Sake awarded at both the Annual Japan Sake Awards (domestic) and IWC (international).
Different Perspectives Sake evaluated in both France (Kura Master) and America (Joy of Sake).
Check the Award Year
Awards are given for sake from specific years.
Recent Awards Reflect the brewery’s current quality.
Continuous Awards Breweries winning year after year demonstrate stable technical skills.
Making Use of Competitions
Reference for Purchasing
Competition results can guide your sake selection.
Trying New Brands Award-winning sake guarantees a certain level of quality.
Choosing Gifts “International Competition Gold Medal Winner” adds persuasive power to gifts.
New Discoveries An opportunity to encounter sake from breweries you didn’t know.
Information Sources for Breweries and Shops
Official Websites Award lists are published on each competition’s official website.
In-Store Displays Look for “XX Competition Gold Medal” displays in shops.
Sake Apps Apps that allow you to search award histories by brand.
Points to Note
Competition awards are one indicator of quality.
Difference from Personal Taste Award-winning sake may not always match your preferences.
Competition vs. Commercial Products Competition entries may differ from regular retail products.
Over-Reliance There are many wonderful sakes that haven’t won awards.
Comparison with Japanese Domestic Competitions
Annual Japan Sake Awards
Japan’s most authoritative sake competition.
Differences
- Judges are primarily Japanese experts
- Deductive scoring method
- “Flawless sake” is highly rated
- Proof of technical skill
Comparison Points
| Item | Domestic Competition | International Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Judges | Primarily Japanese | International |
| Perspective | Technical perfection | International appeal |
| Purpose | Technical improvement | Overseas expansion |
| Evaluation Method | Deductive | Includes additive |
Neither is superior - they represent different values.
Summary
Key points about international sake competitions:
Major International Competitions
- IWC SAKE Division: World’s largest scale, authoritative evaluation
- Kura Master: French cuisine compatibility, European perspective
- Joy of Sake: North American market focus, historic competition
How to Read Results
- Pay attention to categories
- Check for evaluation across multiple competitions
- Verify the award year
Points for Utilization
- Reference for purchasing
- Guide for gift selection
- Catalyst for new discoveries
International competition awards are proof that sake is recognized worldwide. We encourage you to try sake that has been evaluated from a global perspective.
For how to choose award-winning sake, see Selecting Award-Winning Sake.
For information on sake’s global popularity, see Sake’s Global Popularity.