The Great Honkaku Shochu and Awamori Contest returns
The UK Bartenders’ Guild (UKBG) has partnered with the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association for the fifth consecutive year to launch The Great Honkaku Shochu and Awamori Contest 2026.
The two organisations have worked together to grow national awareness for Japan’s most distinctive spirits by educating and inspiring British bartenders through cocktail competitions.
This year’s competition will begin with three live seminars in Edinburgh, Manchester, and London.
The seminars will be held on 19 January at 1pm at Bittersweet, Edinburgh; 20 January at 1pm at Suzume, Manchester; and 21 January at 11am at Gŏng Bar, London.
Sake and shochu educator Samuel Bolton, who previously competed, will lead the discussions, sharing his knowledge and cultural insights.
Each seminar will be followed by a tasting experience, inviting attendees to taste the honkaku shochu and awamori currently available in the UK. Participants will sample a range of styles, learn about the raw materials used and the production methods across different regions.
“It is an honour to be working with Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association for a fifth year and continuing our education of Japan’s spirits category,” said Claudia Carrozzi, UKBG president. “We are thrilled, year on year, by the engagement from bartenders and how they work with the spirits to deliver such creative serves.
“Together, we provide a meaningful education and amplify category awareness by connecting the brands to the bartenders. It is so rewarding to see.”
Competition entries will open on 22 January and close on 13 February.
To participate, UK bartenders must submit a cocktail recipe and post it on their own Instagram grid, using the competition’s hashtags.
The recipe must include at least 45ml of honkaku shochu or awamori and only one homemade ingredient or infusion of an existing product (eg, a syrup or liqueur).
Ten finalists will compete in the final, held in Scotland on 9 March.
The winner will receive an educational trip to Japan.
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