Sake is getting more and more popular not only in Asia, but Europe. In order to further promote it to the world, Sake Sommelier Association, a global sake education organization, has launched the first ever sake competition in Europe, “London Sake Challenge”, since 2012. As the jury is composed of certified sommeliers from around the world, the quality is guaranteed. Since all entries are evaluated on aromas, flavors balance as well as design, the winning items are also excellent both inside and outside. As the results of 2020 have been announced, Saketora will select some of the very best for you this month. With new items and special sake set with 15% off discount, don’t miss out!
In the competition of 2020, there were 11 categories which not only includes Junmai Daiginjo and Daiginjo, but also the sake made outside Japan, Umeshu and Yuzushu. The highest rank is platinum, followed by gold, silver and bronze. This year, 22 entries were awarded with platinum, 51 with gold and silver each and 12 with bronze. Saketora has brought in 3 new awarded Junmai Daiginjo this month. Check them out!
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Shusen Eiko
Junmai Daiginjo
Laugh with Sake
PlatinumFruity with a nice balance and pleasant umami. A Junmai Daiginjo of great value.
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Kuromatsu
Hakushika
Junmai Daiginjo
PlatinumPremium Junmai Daiginjo of a famous sake brand. Elegant and complex. Brewed using the A-ranked Yamadanishiki, and famous underground water, "Miyamizu".
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Shinsei A-ranked
Junmai Daiginjo Gensu (Gold Version)
GoldThe most premium Junmai Daiginjo of a famous sake brand from Kyoto. High rice polishing ratio. Mellow, elegant and complex with a perfect balance.
In the competition of 2020, there were 11 categories which not only includes Junmai Daiginjo and Daiginjo, but also the sake made outside Japan, Umeshu and Yuzushu. The highest rank is platinum, followed by gold, silver and bronze. This year, 22 entries were awarded with platinum, 51 with gold and silver each and 12 with bronze. Saketora has brought in 3 new awarded Junmai Daiginjo this month. Check them out!
Shusen Eiko
Junmai Daiginjo
Laugh with Sake
Platinum
Fruity with a nice balance and pleasant umami. A Junmai Daiginjo of great value.
Kuromatsu
Hakushika
Junmai Daiginjo
Platinum
Premium Junmai Daiginjo of a famous sake brand. Elegant and complex. Brewed using the A-ranked Yamadanishiki, and famous underground water, "Miyamizu".
Shinsei
A-ranked
Junmai Daiginjo Gensu
(Gold Version)
Gold
The most premium Junmai Daiginjo of a famous sake brand from Kyoto. High rice polishing ratio. Mellow, elegant and complex with a perfect balance.
- Special Set (15% Off)
- The special set includes 6 awarded sakes with free shipping and extra 15% discount.
- Special Set (15% Off)
- The special set includes 6 awarded sakes with free shipping and extra 15% discount.
PLATINUM MEDALS
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Kikusui
Kuramitsu
Junmai DaiginjoFruity with a nice balance and pleasant umami. A Junmai Daiginjo of great value.
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Shusen Eiko
Junmai Daiginjo
Laugh with SakeFruity and aromatic with the notes of strawberry, banana, green apple and melon, it is soft, light and sweet. It also shows a nice balance of umami and acidity and a fresh finish.
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Kuromatsu
Hakushika
Junmai DaiginjoFruity with the notes of melon, green apple and green leaves, it is rich and robust on the attack, fresh on the mid-palate with pleasant acidity. Fermented under freezing temperature, it is clean and crisp overall.
PLATINUM MEDALS
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Kikusui
Kuramitsu
Junmai DaiginjoFruity with a nice balance and pleasant umami. A Junmai Daiginjo of great value.
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Shusen Eiko
Junmai Daiginjo
Laugh with SakeFruity and aromatic with the notes of strawberry, banana, green apple and melon, it is soft, light and sweet. It also shows a nice balance of umami and acidity and a fresh finish.
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Kuromatsu
Hakushika
Junmai DaiginjoFruity with the notes of melon, green apple and green leaves, it is rich and robust on the attack, fresh on the mid-palate with pleasant acidity. Fermented under freezing temperature, it is clean and crisp overall.
GOLD MEDALS
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Kodenrai Saranari
Junmai DaiginjoCrisp and fresh with mild sweetness and gentle aromas. Best served with food. Easy-drinking and reasonably priced.
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Tokyo Kurabito
Kimoto Junmai GinjoBrewed with the Kimoto method, it shows the flavors of milk, white rice, cereal and white flower with a smooth texture and pleasant acidity.
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Shinsei A-ranked Junmai Daiginjo
Gensu (Gold Version)Its aromas are mild at the beginning with the hints of strawberry, green apple and white rice; however, after 20 minutes it is opened, they become more complex, evolving into banana and melon with a touch of butter. It is elegant and mellow with a marshmellow-like texture and an excellent balance of umami, sweetness and acidity.
SILVER MEDALS
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Iwanoi Yamahai
Junmai Daiginjo
YamadanishikiBrewed using hard water and A-ranked Yamadanishiki from Hyogo Prefecture with Yamahai method, it is rich in umami and acidity with mild aromas and a nice balance.
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Iwanoi Junmai Ginjo
TamasakaeCrisp and dry. Brewed using the hardest water in Japan, it is rich in umami and acidity, so it goes well with salty dishes such as grilled fish and cheese.
GOLD MEDALS
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Kodenrai
Saranari
Junmai DaiginjoCrisp and fresh with mild sweetness and gentle aromas. Best served with food. Easy-drinking and reasonably priced.
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Tokyo Kurabito
Kimoto
Junmai GinjoBrewed with the Kimoto method, it shows the flavors of milk, white rice, cereal and white flower with a smooth texture and pleasant acidity.
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Shinsei A-ranked
Junmai Daiginjo Gensu
(Gold Version)Its aromas are mild at the beginning with the hints of strawberry, green apple and white rice; however, after 20 minutes it is opened, they become more complex, evolving into banana and melon with a touch of butter. It is elegant and mellow with a marshmellow-like texture and an excellent balance of umami, sweetness and acidity.
SILVER MEDALS
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Iwanoi Yamahai
Junmai Daiginjo
Yamadanishiki
Brewed using hard water and A-ranked Yamadanishiki from Hyogo Prefecture with Yamahai method, it is rich in umami and acidity with mild aromas and a nice balance.
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Iwanoi
Junmai Ginjo
Tamasakae
Crisp and dry. Brewed using the hardest water in Japan, it is rich in umami and acidity, so it goes well with salty dishes such as grilled fish and cheese.