Suntory’s Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery Awarded 2025 Liqueur Producer Trophy at the International Wine & Spirit Competition

Kanáde Japanese Cherry Blossom and Matcha Liqueurs Also Earn “Spirit Gold Outstanding” Honors

NEW YORK – November 13, 2025 – The House of Suntory is proud to announce that Suntory’s Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery from the Osaka Plant has been awarded the 2025 Liqueur Producer Trophy in the Spirits category by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Home to The House of Suntory’s acclaimed spirits, including Roku Gin, Haku Vodka and Kanáde Liqueur, this prestigious distinction recognizes the distillery as the world’s leading producer in the spirits and liqueurs category, celebrating its excellence and craftsmanship on a global stage.

In addition to this top distinction, Kanáde Japanese Cherry Blossom Liqueur and Kanáde Matcha Liqueur each earned the IWSC’s coveted Spirit Gold Outstanding medal, which is awarded to spirits scoring between 98-100 points for exceptional quality.

“With more than 100 years of expertise in spirits and liqueur-making, we continue to refine our craft, honoring tradition while embracing bold innovation,” said Masaki “Mory” Morimoto, President of The House of Suntory. “We are truly honored by this recognition, which celebrates the artistry and dedication of our team in creating spirits and liqueurs that capture the beauty of Japanese ingredients.”

Launched in Japan in 2019, Kanáde Liqueur caters the evolving needs of Western bartenders and global cocktail culture, featuring unique Japanese ingredients across its range, such as matcha, sakura, yuzu, and white peach.

From 2024 to 2025, Suntory invested 6.5 billion yen in Suntory Osaka Plant to newly build the Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery within the site, which increased the plant’s total production capacity by 2.6 times. The Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery will open to the public next year, offering an immersive experience that includes an indoor deck where visitors can overlook the new distillation pot stills, a 360-degree theater and a sensory corridor.

Founded to celebrate the world’s finest wines and spirits, the International Wine & Spirit Competition is renowned for its rigorous blind tasting process and panels of industry-leading judges. This year’s recognition underscores The House of Suntory’s ongoing leadership in liqueur innovation and its dedication to crafting spirits that honor Japan’s natural and seasonal beauty.

For more information on Kanáde Liqueur and other award-winning Suntory brands, visit https://house.suntory.com/

About Suntory Global Spirits

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.

About House of Suntory

Suntory is renowned as the founding house of Japanese Whisky, beginning with Shinjiro Torii’s creation of Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki in 1923 and carried forward by his son, Keizo Saji, founder of the Hakushu and Chita Distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation.
Today, the House of Suntory continues to craft award-winning spirits, reflecting the same dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and innovation that have defined Suntory for over a century. In 2025, Yamazaki® made history at the International Spirits Challenge as the first brand to win Supreme Champion Spirit three years in a row, and in 2024, Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo was named Master Blender of the Year.

Suntory Whisky continues to produce subtle, refined, and complex whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Chita®, Kakubin®, Hibiki®, and Suntory Whisky Toki™, all 100% distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan, in full compliance with the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) standards. The House of Suntory portfolio also includes spirits, Roku™ Japanese Gin, Haku™ Japanese Vodka, and Kanáde Japanese Liqueur, reflecting the same commitment to excellence.

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