– A First-Ever Achievement for Two Kyoto Prefecture-Exclusive Whiskies Crafted with Kyoto Miyako Distillery’s Dedication –
Two products from the “Kyoto Whisky Nishijin-ori Series,” a limited-edition whisky series available exclusively in Kyoto Prefecture and produced by Kyoto Shuzo Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Kyoto Miyako Distillery), have won Gold and Silver Medals at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2026, an international spirits competition held in the United Kingdom.
At this world-class competition, known for its extremely rigorous judging and featuring thousands of renowned entries from around the world, “Sherry Cask” was honored with the Gold Medal, while “Mizunara Cask” received the Silver Medal.
Both products achieved their first-ever awards.
Despite being extremely rare limited-edition whiskies available only in Kyoto Prefecture, these products impressed world-class experts and proved their outstanding quality on the global stage.
■Award Results
[Gold Medal]
Kyoto Whisky Nishijin-ori Label Sherry Cask
[Silver Medal]
Kyoto Whisky Nishijin-ori Label Mizunara Cask
■Two Kyoto-Exclusive Flavors That Impressed the World
“Kyoto Whisky” is a limited-edition whisky sold exclusively within Kyoto Prefecture.
Through these awards, its quality has now been recognized by international experts.
Gold Medal: Sherry Cask
Finished in casks previously used for aging sherry, this whisky offers a rich aroma reminiscent of raisins and dried fruits, along with a deep richness evocative of dark chocolate.
Enjoy its smooth texture, sweetness like nuts and caramel, and a warm, lingering finish.
Silver Medal: Mizunara Cask
Finished in Japanese Mizunara oak casks, this whisky is characterized by sweet aromas reminiscent of vanilla and coconut, together with an elegant fragrant wood note reminiscent of sandalwood.
From its soft mouthfeel emerge honey-like sweetness, subtle spiciness, and a pleasant lingering cask aroma, creating a distinctly Kyoto-style whisky that fuses Japanese delicacy with Western whisky-making techniques.
■About the ISC
The International Spirits Challenge is organized by Drinks International, a UK-based specialist magazine for the alcoholic beverage industry.
Held in London, this globally prestigious competition receives thousands of entries each year from more than 70 countries around the world.
■The Story Behind the Nishijin-ori Label
The most distinctive feature of this series is its label, luxuriously made using Nishijin-ori, one of Kyoto’s traditional crafts.
The soft-textured label, woven by skilled artisans, enhances the special appeal of being “available only in Kyoto Prefecture” and has been well received both as a gift and as a bottle to enjoy during special moments at home.
■About Kyoto Miyako Distillery
Kyoto Miyako Distillery is Kyoto’s first whisky distillery, located in Kyotamba Town, a naturally beautiful area on the Tamba Plateau in central Kyoto Prefecture.
Kyotamba Town is surrounded by mountains, including Mt. Choro, and is characterized by a highland climate with significant temperature differences between day and night.
These temperature variations have a major impact on cask maturation, an essential part of whisky making, and help accelerate the aging process.
While striving to coexist with this rich natural environment, the distillery continues to inherit the fundamental methods of whisky production while embracing new challenges without fear of change.
■Company Overview
Company Name: Kyoto Shuzo Co., Ltd.
Location: 11 Minamibayashi, Sakahara, Kyotamba-cho, Funai-gun, Kyoto 629-1131, Japan
Company Website: https://kyotoshuzo.com/
■Contact for Product Inquiries
Kyoto Shuzo Co., Ltd.
Tel: 0771-84-0110
Email: info@kyotoshuzo.co.jp
※Please refrain from making inquiries unrelated to products.
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