—Two Products Win the Highest Award, “Double Gold,” an Honor Bestowed on Just Three of the 70 Award-Winning Products in the Pre-Mixed Drinks Category—
Matsui Shuzo Limited Partnership (Head Office: Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture) is pleased to announce that “Matsui Umeshu Soda—Brandy Blend” and “Matsui Umeshu Soda—Whisky Blend” have received Double Gold, the highest honor in the Pre-Mixed Drinks category at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions, held in the United Kingdom.
Of the 70 award-winning products in this category, only three received Double Gold, making it an exceptionally exclusive honor.
The fact that two of these three prestigious awards were presented to our products simultaneously represents a remarkable achievement and demonstrates that our quality truly meets world-class standards.
In addition, “Hakuto Gin Soda” and “Hakuto Gin Soda Yuzu” received Silver awards in the same category.
◆Double Gold: The Highest Honor and a Testament to Uncompromising Quality
At the ISC (International Spirits Challenge), Double Gold is a prestigious distinction awarded only to entries that receive exceptionally high acclaim through a consensus among the judges during blind tastings conducted by renowned distillers and journalists, with all brand identities concealed.
Thousands of alcoholic beverages from more than 70 countries around the world are entered in the competition. Achieving the highest rating based solely on the genuine taste and quality of the product—with no room for appearances or reputation to influence the outcome—is an extraordinarily difficult feat, even for the world’s leading beverage producers.
◆Just Three of 70 Award Winners: A Remarkable Double Gold Achievement
In the Pre-Mixed Drinks (RTD) category, featuring beverages that can be enjoyed conveniently straight from the can or bottle, two products that we crafted with the utmost care—“Matsui Umeshu Soda—Brandy Blend” and “Matsui Umeshu Soda—Whisky Blend”—claimed the highest honor.
The results in this category are particularly noteworthy. Of the 70 products that received awards across all levels, only three were selected for Double Gold, the competition’s highest honor.
The fact that two of these three prestigious awards were presented to our products simultaneously is a remarkable achievement, demonstrating that the flavors we have pursued meet world-class standards.
◆List of Awards 【Double Gold】 
Matsui Umeshu Soda—Brandy Blend (Alc. 3% / 350ml)
Tasting Notes: A sophisticated umeshu soda for adults, combining a base of aromatic brandy with the rich depth of umeshu and the refreshing sparkle of soda for an elegant, full-bodied finish.
Matsui Umeshu Soda—Whisky Blend (Alc. 3% / 350ml)
Tasting Notes: A luxurious, layered flavor in which the rich aroma of whisky is exquisitely balanced with the refreshing tartness and sweetness of Japanese umeshu.
【Silver】 
Hakuto Gin Soda (Alc. 7% / 350ml)
Tasting Notes: An authentic gin soda made with “Hakuto Gin,” crafted from carefully selected botanicals and finished with crisp, refreshing soda.
Hakuto Gin Soda Yuzu (Alc. 5% / 350ml)
Tasting Notes: A luxurious Japanese-style gin soda that combines the delicate botanical aromas of “Hakuto Gin” with the bright, refreshing citrus fragrance of yuzu.
■Experience Authentic, World-Acclaimed Flavor with Ease
As lifestyles continue to evolve, expectations are steadily growing for Pre-Mixed Drinks (RTDs) that make it easy to enjoy authentic alcoholic beverages at home.
However, we never compromise on quality for the sake of convenience.
Our unwavering determination to deliver the authentic taste of a professionally crafted drink served at a bar counter directly to consumers’ homes has borne fruit in the best possible way: the achievement of Double Gold.
Matsui Shuzo will continue striving to bring exceptional flavors to people around the world.
■About the ISC (International Spirits Challenge)
Organized by the UK-based alcoholic beverage trade publication Drinks International, the ISC is one of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions, attracting thousands of entries from more than 70 countries each year.
Entries undergo rigorous blind tastings by renowned experts and are selected across categories including whisky, gin, liqueurs, and RTDs.
Alongside the IWSC and SFWSC, it is regarded as one of the world’s three major annual spirits competitions.
