Suntory’s Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery has been awarded the 2025 Liqueur Producer Trophy by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). The recognition names the distillery, home to brands including Roku Gin and Kanáde Liqueur, as the world’s leading producer in the spirits and liqueurs category.
The House of Suntory, a division of Suntory Global Spirits, is known for its portfolio of Japanese whiskies, such as Yamazaki and Hakushu, alongside its white spirits like Roku Gin and Haku Vodka.
In addition to the top producer honor, two of the distillery’s products received high praise. The Kanáde Japanese Cherry Blossom Liqueur and Kanáde Matcha Liqueur each earned a coveted Spirit Gold Outstanding medal, awarded to spirits scoring between 98-100 points.
Masaki “Mory” Morimoto, president of The House of Suntory, commented on the awards. “With more than 100 years of expertise in spirits and liqueur-making, we continue to refine our craft, honoring tradition while embracing bold innovation,” he said.
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“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.”
The award follows a significant investment in the facility. Between 2024 and 2025, Suntory invested 6.5 billion yen to build the new Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery within its existing Osaka Plant site.
This project increased the plant’s total production capacity by 2.6 times.
The new distillery is scheduled to open to the public in 2026. It will offer an immersive experience that includes a deck overlooking the new pot stills, a 360-degree theater, and a sensory corridor.
First launched in Japan in 2019, the Kanáde Liqueur range was developed to cater to the evolving needs of Western bartenders. The portfolio features unique Japanese ingredients, including matcha, sakura, yuzu, and white peach.
The International Wine & Spirit Competition is renowned for its rigorous blind tasting process and panels of industry-leading judges. This year’s trophy underscores The House of Suntory’s work in liqueur innovation.
