～The “Authentic Taste” Recognized Through Blind Judging by One of the World’s Most Prestigious Competitions～
Matsui Shuzo Limited Partnership, located in Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture, is pleased to announce that Matsui Whisky “Daisen Sherry Cask” has won its first Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions held in the United Kingdom.
Other expressions in the same series also received Silver Medals.
Among them, “Daisen Sherry Cask” improved on its Silver Medal from the previous year, achieving its first Gold Medal this year.
This award is not merely recognition as an “affordable and good-quality whisky.”
It is proof that, in a rigorous blind judging process where brand names and prices are concealed, this whisky competed purely on “taste” against renowned premium whiskies from around the world—some priced several times higher—and earned high acclaim.
We hope that this authentic taste, recognized on the world stage, can be enjoyed not only on special occasions but also casually during everyday moments.
■Questioning the Belief That “Expensive Means Delicious”
In an international competition filled with premium bottles priced at tens of thousands of yen, it is by no means easy for a whisky in this price range to receive a Gold Medal.
Even so, we have continued to improve our quality because we have a strong desire to offer truly delicious whisky that can be enjoyed not only on special occasions, but also at the daily dining table or during moments of relaxation.
“The finest taste within reach for everyday life.”
Guided by this belief, we will continue to devote ourselves to whisky-making that delivers an experience far beyond its price.
■Breaking Convention in Both “Contents” and “Appearance”
One of the distinctive features of “Daisen Sherry Cask” is its unique barrel-shaped bottle, instantly recognizable as whisky.
Its eye-catching appearance has made it popular as a gift and as an interior piece, but by stepping up from Silver in the previous competition to Gold this year, it has now proven to the world that its “contents” are truly authentic.
■The “Daisen” Series Recognized by the World
☆Gold
Matsui Whisky “Daisen Sherry Cask”
Enjoy its sweet aroma reminiscent of citrus acidity and chocolate.
Volume: 700ml
Alcohol content: 40%
Cask type: Sherry
Ingredients: Malt, grain
☆Silver
Matsui Whisky “Daisen Wine Cask”
Characterized by a deep, rich aroma reminiscent of grapes, along with a fruity and mellow taste.
Volume: 700ml
Alcohol content: 40%
Cask type: Red wine
Ingredients: Malt, grain
Matsui Whisky “Daisen Sakura Cask”
Enjoy its refreshing and fruity taste, together with the sweet aroma of springtime cherry blossoms.
Volume: 700ml
Alcohol content: 40%
Cask type: Sakura cask
Ingredients: Malt, grain
■World-Class Quality Available Nearby, for Everyday Enjoyment
Amid the recent whisky boom, rarity and price tend to attract much attention. However, what we aim to create is whisky that brings genuine enjoyment and makes people say it is truly delicious when tasted without any preconceptions.
While remaining accessible in price, its flavor brings out the distinctive character of the casks to the fullest, and this quality was once again highly evaluated through blind tasting.
■About the ISC
The ISC (International Spirits Challenge) is a globally prestigious spirits competition organized by Drinks International, a UK-based alcoholic beverage trade magazine. Each year, thousands of products from more than 70 countries around the world are entered.
Blind tastings are conducted by renowned experts, and awards are selected across categories such as whisky, gin, vodka, and liqueurs.
Alongside the IWSC and SFWSC, it is known as one of the world’s three major annual spirits competitions.
■About Kurayoshi Distillery
Kurayoshi Distillery is located in Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture, where it produces and sells whisky and other distilled spirits.
Under the corporate philosophy of “bringing happiness to people through the production of alcoholic beverages,” the company sells the “Matsui Whisky” brand in Japan and in more than 65 countries worldwide, with products named after local regions such as “Kurayoshi,” “Tottori,” and “San’in.”
Rather than being satisfied with the present, we look ahead to distribution and sales 10, 20, and 30 years into the future, continuing to create new value for the world.
