IWC judges visit the Born brewery in Sabae, Fukui

On 3 October 2026, a delegation leading the sake category of the International Wine Challenge (IWC), the world-renowned drinks competition held every year in London, visited Kato Kichibei Shoten, a long-established brewery in Sabae, Fukui Prefecture. The brewery, known for its “Born” brand, won the top award in two categories at this year’s IWC: sparkling sake and aged sake. It is an event that connects directly with European readers: the person responsible for the judging that shapes sake’s reputation in Europe has gone in person to meet the makers of the sake it rated.

European judges visit the brewery floor

Fukui Prefecture lies in central Honshu, on the Sea of Japan coast, and Sabae is in its northern part. According to Fukui Broadcasting (FBC), the party, which included IWC sake category Managing Director Chris Ashton, toured the brewing operation and deepened their understanding of sake making in Fukui. Mr Ashton said he found it very enjoyable and interesting to see how the brewery maintains its cleanliness. People from breweries outside Fukui Prefecture also joined the visit.

The IWC sake category draws high attention among sake competitions held overseas, and its annually selected “Champion Sake” is regarded as the pinnacle of the whole category. Judges who assess only what is in the glass have now seen for themselves where the sake is made and how hygiene is managed, narrowing the distance between the evaluation and the place of production.

Two styles: sparkling and aged

The awards were won by two styles that are spreading as newer ways of enjoying sake. Sparkling sake is an effervescent sake given carbonation, for example in the bottle, and suits toasts and aperitifs. Aged sake is sake that is normally shipped while young but has instead been laid down for a long period; it takes on an amber hue and develops deep aromas reminiscent of nuts and caramel. Top honours in two categories of such different character speak to the breadth of this brewery.

How to enjoy it in Europe

IWC award-winning sake is often presented in European shops and restaurants with labels such as “IWC Trophy”. If you spot the name “Born” on a bottle or wine list, it may be a chance to get to know the two award-winning styles. Serve the sparkling sake well chilled in a flute as an aperitif; serve the aged sake slightly warmer in a small wine glass, paired with mature hard cheese, nuts or mushroom dishes, which makes its aromatic depth easier to appreciate.