#Japan #Mishima #Whiskey&Co. #Moon Shine #Distillery Water Dragon

Moon Shine Cocktail Competition 2025 (MSCC2025)

The Moon Shine Cocktail Competition 2025, hosted by Whiskey&Co., is officially open for entries! Following the success of previous competitions in 2023 and 2024, this year's event promises to be even more exciting. The final competition will take place on November 30, 2025, at the historic Mishima Taisha in Shizuoka, Japan.

Starting from August 25 until October 5, 2025, participants can submit their entries for the first round of the competition. The competition encourages innovative recipes using Whiskey&Co.'s unique craft spirits, specifically the whiskey base known as Distillery Water Dragon's Moon Shine. Participants can enter in one of two categories: the Bartender Division or the General Division (which requires recipe submissions without live demonstrations).

Competition Overview

The theme for this year's cocktail creations is "Playful!!!" This theme seeks to inspire creativity and fun in cocktail crafting, allowing both professional bartenders and amateur enthusiasts to showcase their skills. Participants will create two original cocktails based on the provided theme, utilizing Water Dragon Spirits, a refined craft gin by Whiskey&Co., as a base.

Award Details

Competitors will not only contend for the coveted title of champion but also for various prizes, including cash awards and high-quality cocktail tools sponsored by BIRDY. by Erik Lorincz. Bartenders in the competition will receive bespoke tools engraved with their names and the MSCC2025 logo, celebrating their achievements.

Prize Breakdown

• - Bartender Division:

- Winner's prize: 100,000 yen
- Additional prizes include custom-engraved cocktail tools.

• - General Division:

- Winner's prize: 100,000 yen
- Additional prizes include a custom-engraved shaking set with the MSCC2025 logo.

Exciting Sponsorship

We are thrilled to announce that BIRDY. by Erik Lorincz will be sponsoring the competition. Renowned among bartenders globally for their high-quality Japanese cocktail tools, they will also present awards to the winners, making this competition even more prestigious. Participants will get the chance to create cocktails using top-notch tools, enhancing both their craft and the final presentation.

The Spirit of Moon Shine

Moon Shine takes its name from the historical context of Prohibition-era whiskey production in the United States. It symbolizes the creative and rebellious spirit of cocktail innovation. Whiskey&Co. aims to highlight the potential of Japanese bourbon-style whiskey on the global stage through events like MSCC. Moreover, the rich history and culture of Mishima further enhance this event, giving it a unique narrative rooted in local tradition.

Registration Details

To participate, individuals must be at least 20 years old and reside in Japan. The entry process is straightforward, and there is no fee—only the expenses for creating cocktails will fall on the participants. Registrations can be submitted online through the provided entry forms.

For more details about the competition, visit the MSCC2025 official site or reach out to us via email at [email protected] for any inquiries. This is a fantastic opportunity to shine in the cocktail world, elevate your skills, and meet fellow enthusiasts. Join the race towards creative cocktail excellence at the Moon Shine Cocktail Competition 2025!

Upcoming Events

We are also excited to announce that we will host distillery tours at Distillery Water Dragon, providing a unique opportunity to witness the intricate whiskey-making process firsthand. Reservations for these tours are available now;

Distillery Location: Shizuoka Prefecture, Mishima City, Taisha Town 18-5
Tour Starts: 15:00, Duration: 60-90 minutes
Cost: 3,300 yen (including tax)

These tours offer a closer look at the craftsmanship behind your favorite whiskey, and participants can expect a delightful experience immersed in the world of distillation.

Join us at the Moon Shine Cocktail Competition 2025 and be part of Japan's vibrant cocktail culture, fostering creativity and collaboration in the bartending community!