“HEKIU” and “HONOKA” Win Gold and Silver Medals at IWC

 “HEKIU” and “HONOKA” from VINTAGIENCE won gold and silver medals at the 2024 International Wine Challenge (IWC). This honor demonstrates the exceptional quality and unique charm of VINTAGIENCE.

Details of the Award-Winning Labels

Gold Medal Winner [ HEKIU ]

• Label Name: HEKIU
• Category: Aged Sake
• Rating: Selected as one of the top 3 in the category
• Tasting Notes:
  • Aromas of dried fruits like dates, apricots, and figs. Gently aged, offering a sweet bread flavor, with hints of brioche and buttery sugar. Smooth with soft, integrated acidity and good overall definition.
  • Translated tasting notes. Original in English:
  • “Dried fruits like dates, apricots and figs. Gently aged, the conditioning gives a bit of sweet bread flavor. Brioche and buttery sugar. Smooth with soft, integrated acidity and good definition.”
• HEKIU Details Page: HEKIU
• IWC Award Page: IWC

Aging Information for HEKIU

• Low-Temperature Aging for 22 Years:
  • Aged for 22 years in tanks equipped with refrigeration facilities within the brewery. Based on the condition of the sake and the aging progress, the storage was switched to room temperature after the 23rd year.
• Room Temperature Aging for 7 Years:
  • Aged for 6 years in tanks with naturally cool room temperature facilities within the brewery (as of June 2024).

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Silver Medal Winner [ HONOKA ]

• Label Name: HONOKA
• Category: Aged Sake
• Tasting Notes:
  • Golden hue, with luxurious notes of chocolate, dried dates, butterscotch, and Christmas spices. Hints of takuan (pickled radish) and jalapeno chili. A slight hint of uplifting acidity.
  • Translated tasting notes. Original in English:
  • “Golden hue, with luxurious notes of chocolate, dried dates, butterscotch, and Christmas spices. Takuan – pickled radish – jalapeno chili. Hint of uplifting acidity.”
• HONOKA Details Page: HONOKA
• IWC Award Page: IWC

Aging Information for HONOKA

• Low-Temperature Aging for 16 Years:
  • Aged for 16 years in tanks equipped with refrigeration facilities within the brewery. Based on the condition of the sake and the aging progress, the storage was switched to room temperature after the 17th year.
• Room Temperature Aging for 7 Years:
  • Aged for 7 years in tanks with naturally cool room temperature facilities within the brewery (as of June 2024).

HEKIU Selected as One of the Top 3 in the “Aged Sake” Category

IWC is the world’s largest wine competition, with 1,504 entries in 2024. Among these, only 93 labels (the top 6%) received gold medals, and HEKIU was selected as one of the top 3 in the “Aged Sake” category. This award demonstrates that VINTAGIENCE is a highly regarded brand both domestically and internationally.