The Great Honkaku Shochu & Awamori Contest 2025

In partnership with JSS, The UK Bartenders’ Guild hosted The Great Honkaku Shochu & Awamori Contest 2025. The event focused on engaging bartenders to discover Honkaku Awamori and Shochu, a characteristic pair of Japanese spirits that hold significant cultural relevance.

Developed as a collaboration between the two organisations, the competition and seminar continued the Guild’s goal of heightening the profile of the Japanese drinks industry in the UK and inspiring talented artists to craft new, innovative creations with versatile spirits.

The series culminated in a national bartending competition and award ceremony in London, hosted by Declan McGurk, with entries judged by Ryan Chetiyawardana [White Lyan, Mr Lyan, Seed Library], Gento Torigata [Kwānt, Waltz], and Sandrae Lawrence [The Cocktail Lovers].  

IMPACT:

BARTENDER ENGAGEMENT