#Japan #Tokyo #YORI #OSAKIKAMIJIMA #NO NAME DISTILLERY

YORI 'OSAKIKAMIJIMA' Achieves Greatness at Asia World Spirits Competition

In a remarkable achievement for the Japanese craft spirit scene, YORI's 'OSAKIKAMIJIMA' has secured the prestigious Double Gold award at the Asia World Spirits Competition (AWSC) for the 2026 fiscal year. This triumph marks the third time that YORI has received such high honors at global spirits competitions, following its previous triumphs at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

What is the Asia World Spirits Competition (AWSC)?

The AWSC, organized by The Tasting Alliance, stands as Asia's premier international spirits evaluation event. Renowned experts from the industry conduct rigid blind tastings, and the Double Gold award is bestowed only on spirits that receive unanimous gold ratings from all judges, signifying exceptional quality.

The Essence of YORI 'OSAKIKAMIJIMA'

YORI 'OSAKIKAMIJIMA' draws on the rich resources from the southern tip of Hiroshima Prefecture, where the town of Osaki Kamijima flourishes with nature's bounty. This gin is crafted using the essence of pressed olive pomace and aromatic leaves and peels of ponkan, resulting in an invigorating citrus aroma that greets the palate with a sense of freshness, reminiscent of a classic martini.

Junn Oguchi, the head of NO NAME DISTILLERY, expressed his excitement over the recent award, stating, "Winning the Double Gold at AWSC, following two consecutive years at SFWSC, fills us with pride. The recognition our brand YORI has received in Asia, beyond just Europe and America, reinforces our commitment to unearthing local ingredients while promoting sustainable practices. We intend to continue contributing to regional economies by creating new value and connecting Japan to a global audience."

YORI: A Sustainable Solution to Local Challenges

YORI is a sustainable gin brand born from the philosophy of infusing local flavors with a fresh twist. By selecting fruits and vegetables that would otherwise contribute to food waste, YORI redefines upcycling within the spirit-making industry. The distillation process is meticulously carried out in collaboration with Numazu Distillery in Shizuoka Prefecture, ensuring high standards of quality and sustainability.

COYORI: A Celebration of Local Craft Spirits

In addition to its award-winning gin, YORI also operates COYORI, a café bar located in Shibuya, Tokyo, which offers an extensive selection of 70 artisanal craft gins and 30 various types of shochu. With thoughtfully curated tasting options and flights, COYORI caters to enthusiasts and newcomers alike, making it a must-visit destination for spirit lovers.

COYORI Details

• - Location: 2F Hiroo SK Building, 5-14-4 Hiroo, Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Access: Just a minute's walk from Hiroo Station on the Hibiya Line.

The Vision Behind NO NAME DISTILLERY

NO NAME DISTILLERY operates under the mission of connecting local producers with consumers, crafting sustainable gins without having a physical distillery. The organization's name indicates its focus on collaboration rather than branding itself, allowing it to leverage resources from across various regions of Japan to create high-quality spirits.

About Connec.t

The parent company of NO NAME DISTILLERY, Connec.t, is dedicated to revitalizing local economies by bridging the gap between communities, businesses, and consumers. Under the leadership of Junn Oguchi, who has an extensive background in marketing and community development, Connec.t aspires to create sustainable solutions by fostering collaboration across different stakeholders.

Through its innovative approach and commitment to quality, YORI and NO NAME DISTILLERY exemplify how traditional craft can be reimagined to address both social and environmental challenges, and they continue to pave the way for sustainable, locally-sourced spirits in Japan and beyond.