Matsui Shuzo An Unlimited Partnership (located in Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture) is pleased to announce that Matsui Highball “The San-in” and Matsui Highball “The Daisen” have both received Silver Medals in the Pre-Mixed Drinks category at the prestigious International Spirits Challenge 2024 (ISC) held in the UK. Additionally, the premium rice shochu, Matsui Shochu “The Kurayoshi,” won Gold in the Shochu category.
Achieving this recognition just three months after release is a remarkable accomplishment for “The San-in” and “The Daisen,” which were developed through much trial and error before finally reaching the market. We are thrilled and greatly encouraged by this global acknowledgment of our new products, in addition to our established ones.
We are committed to continuing our efforts to improve quality and increase the number of products that bring joy to our customers.
■About the Highball
Comment from the Manufacturer
In developing these highball, our goal was to offer a product at an accessible price while preserving the full aroma and taste of the original spirits. Adjusting the carbonation level for a refreshing mouthfeel was a challenging process, but we are pleased to have successfully brought this product to market. Particularly, “The Daisen” offers a rich, grape-like aroma and fruity flavor reminiscent of red wine cask finishing.
We hope that through these highball, consumers will develop an interest in our whisky products and that it will contribute to the overall revitalization of the whisky industry.
Featured in TV Commercials
Since June, the TV commercial featuring athlete Mr. Takeru Segawa has been airing. Following the success of the Kurayoshi whisky commercial, this new commercial has also generated significant buzz. Be sure to watch the final scene where Segawa’s heartfelt shout is truly memorable.
Watch the Commercials Here
Matsui Highball “Takeru Wants to Drink” 15-second version
YouTube URL: https://youtu.be/vFmYM3N6z9w
Matsui Highball “Takeru Wants to Drink” 30-second version
YouTube URL: https://youtu.be/A1haUIWS7zE
■About ISC
Now in its 29th year, the ISC is a prestigious international spirits competition organized by the UK-based drinks magazine “Drinks International.” Each year, thousands of products from over 70 countries around the world enter the competition.
A rigorous blind tasting by renowned experts takes place over 23 days, during which Double Gold, Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards are given across categories including whisky, gin, vodka, and shochu.
■Kurayoshi Distillery
Kurayoshi Distillery is located in Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture, and is engaged in the production and sale of distilled spirits such as whisky. With the management philosophy of ‘bringing happiness to people through the production of alcohol,’ the company sells the ‘Matsui Whisky’ brand named after the local region, including ‘Kurayoshi,’ ‘Tottori,’ and ‘San-in,’ not only in Japan but also in more than 50 countries around the world.
Not satisfied with the current situation, the company continues to create new value for the world by predicting the distribution and sales 10, 20, and 30 years from now.
■Product information
☆Silver in Pre-Mixed Drinks category
Matsui Highball「The San-in」
Size: 350ml
ABV: 7%
Ingredients: Whisky, dietary fiber/ soda water, acidulant
Matsui Highball “The San-in” features a blended whisky known for its smooth and light mouthfeel. We focused on achieving a perfect balance of smoothness and crispness, making it a drink you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Matsui Highball「The Daisen」
Size: 350ml
ABV: 7%
Ingredients: Whisky, dietary fiber/ soda water, acidulant
Matsui Highball “The Daisen” uses whisky finished in red wine casks. It features a deep, rich aroma reminiscent of grapes and a fruity, mellow flavor.
