#USA #New York #San Francisco #Sake #Hiro Sake

Hiro Sake's Outstanding Achievement at SFIWSC 2026

Hiro Sake has made history at the 2026 San Francisco International Wine & Spirits Competition (SFIWSC) by winning a coveted Double Gold Medal and an impressive 98-point score. This prestigious event is renowned for its rigorous assessment of wines, spirits, and beverages from across the globe. The fantastic score places Hiro Sake in an elite tier, distinguishing it as one of the finest sakes recognized in the competition's history.

Carlos Arana, co-founder and CEO of Hiro Sake, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "This recognition is more than just an award for us; it represents a profound validation of our sake's quality, craftsmanship, and character. Achieving a Double Gold is a considerable honor, but the 98-point score makes it even more significant. It highlights how premium sake stands on equal footing with the world’s premium wines and spirits."

The SFIWSC attracts industry-leading judges and beverage experts who meticulously evaluate each entry through a professional blind tasting process. The Double Gold distinction is exclusively given to products that receive unanimously high praise from the judging panel, indicating an extraordinary level of recognition.

A Pivotal Moment for Hiro Sake

This award arrives at a crucial time as the appreciation of premium Japanese sake is steadily growing among American audiences, including consumers, chefs, sommeliers, and beverage professionals. Hiro Sake has carved a niche by conveying the unique characteristics and traditional craftsmanship of Japanese sake to a broader international audience.

Marco Destefanis, Marketing VP at Fujininski Brewery, emphasized that American consumers are becoming increasingly sophisticated about their knowledge of Japanese sake. He noted, "At Fujininski Brewery, we have invested considerable effort into refining Hiro Sake's quality, and we've also enjoyed a bit of good fortune along the way. It’s rare to succeed in any field without the right circumstances."

Setting a New Standard

The 98-point score is particularly noteworthy as such high scores are seldom awarded in international beverage competitions. According to the organizers, this score is a record for sake at the SFIWSC. The acknowledgment reinforces Hiro Sake's position in the competitive premium sake market and signals its growing popularity.

About Hiro Sake

Hiro Sake is synonymous with premium quality and authentic Japanese craftsmanship, dedicated to sharing the rich culture of sake internationally. The brand blends traditional sake-making techniques with modern approaches, appealing to today’s global wine, spirits, and culinary enthusiasts. Hiro Sake is available at select retailers, restaurants, and distributors throughout the United States.

As Hiro Sake continues to earn accolades and expand its reach, the future looks promising for this premium sake brand, proving the world of fine beverages is much broader than just wine and spirits.