Suntory Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery wins IWSC 2025 Liqueur Producer Trophy

From a single green liqueur that caught American bartenders' attention in 1971 to a global portfolio showcasing Japan's seasonal essence - Suntory Osaka & Spirits Crafts Distillery liqueur legacy spans generations. 

When US delegates spotted a vibrantly green melon liqueur at the 1971 IBA Cocktail Championship in Tokyo, they couldn't have predicted they were witnessing the birth of a global phenomenon. That liqueur became MIDORI, launched internationally in 1978 and now a staple in bars worldwide. Today, Suntory Osaka & Spirits Crafts Distillery continues that pioneering spirit with their IWSC 2025 Liqueur Producer Trophy win.

Suntory's approach to liqueur-making reflects Japan's cultural reverence for seasonality and place. Their Kanade Japanese Liqueur range - launched globally in 2025 after years of development - captures Japanese terroir through Matcha, Sakura, Yuzu and White Peach expressions.

The company's commitment extends beyond technique to infrastructure, with investment in the new Suntory Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery expanding production. 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.

What distinguishes Suntory is its collaborative approach with bartenders worldwide. Their producers travel globally during development, listening to professional needs and adapting craft accordingly. The results speak clearly - Kanade earned IWSC Gold medals across the range, with Outstanding recognition for their Cherry Blossom and Matcha expressions.

For over 75 years, Suntory has evolved Japanese liqueur-making from domestic tradition to global innovation. Their trophy recognises a philosophy that treats each flavour as "an expression of Japanese terroir and tradition," sharing Japan's seasonal beauty one sip at a time.

Congratulations to Suntory Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery.