The results of the U.S. National Sake Appraisal were announced on September 10, revealing that “Aizu Chujo Daiginjo Fukunoka” by Tsurunoe Sake Brewery (Aizuwakamatsu City) won the Grand Prix in the Daiginjo B Category.
The U.S. National Sake Appraisal, held annually since 2001, is the longest-running sake appraisal outside of Japan. This year, a total of 492 entries from 153 breweries were judged using traditional Japanese tasting methods. Gold and Silver awards are presented to entries that receive outstanding evaluations, with the Grand Prix and Second Grand Prix awarded to those achieving exceptionally high scores.
Ms. Yuri Hayashi, Senior Managing Director of Tsurunoe Sake Brewery Co., Ltd., shared her thoughts on receiving the award.
“We are truly surprised and delighted to receive this award.
We believe that winning the Grand Prix using Fukushima Prefecture’s sake-brewing rice, ‘Fukunoka,’ is a result of the mutual cooperation and technical refinement among the breweries within the prefecture. We hope to carry this achievement forward into our next brewing season.
‘Aizu Chujo Daiginjo Fukunoka’ is characterized by its excellent balance of floral aroma and rice umami. Last year, it was slightly too sweet, but this year we adjusted the *koji* (malted rice) to achieve a well-balanced flavor.
It is not overly sweet and has a clean finish, making it enjoyable both as an evening drink on its own or paired with food. We truly hope many people will have the chance to taste it.”
【U.S. National Sake Appraisal Overview】
Organizer: International Sake Association (Headquarters: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA)
Dates: Wednesday, September 3 – Friday, September 5, 2025
Venue: Hawaii Convention Center (Honolulu)
Number of entries: 492
Categories:
Daiginjo A (Rice polishing ratio 40% or less / Includes Junmai Daiginjo)
Daiginjo B (Rice polishing ratio 50% or less / Includes Junmai Daiginjo)
Ginjo (Rice polishing ratio 60% or less / Includes Junmai Ginjo)
Junmai A (Rice polishing ratio 60% or less)
Junmai B (Rice polishing ratio over 60%)
