Dwi Wanna
Nana Wu
Muslim
Reynand Wu
Ammar Sabilarrohman
The UK Bartenders’ Guild (UKBG) has officially sounded the call for the nation’s most innovative mixologists, announcing the return of The Great Honkaku Shochu and Awamori Contest for 2027. Now entering its sixth consecutive year, this prestigious competition—organized in partnership with the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (JSS)—has cemented its status as the premier platform for exploring Japan’s most nuanced and historic spirits.
As the industry moves toward a greater appreciation for terroir-driven and artisanal ingredients, Honkaku Shochu and Awamori have emerged as the "secret weapons" of the modern bar. This year’s competition is not merely a contest; it is a rigorous educational odyssey designed to challenge the technical precision, creative ingenuity, and cultural literacy of the UK’s finest talent.
The Essence of the Competition: A Gateway to Japan
At its core, the contest offers a transformative opportunity for the winner: an all-expenses-paid educational pilgrimage to Japan to study the ancestral production methods of these spirits, followed by the honor of representing the United Kingdom at the International Bartenders Association (IBA) World Cocktail Championship (WCC) 2027.
The IBA WCC represents the zenith of the global bartending circuit. By winning the UK national stage, the successful candidate will step onto a world stage, competing against professionals from 72 nations. This trajectory—from a local workshop in the UK to the global championship—is designed to foster a new generation of "spirit ambassadors" who possess both the technical skill to mix a world-class cocktail and the cultural knowledge to explain the storied history of Honkaku Shochu and Awamori to a global audience.
Chronology and Key Milestones
The 2027 cycle marks a significant evolution in the competition’s format. Recognizing the need for deeper engagement, the organizers have structured a comprehensive timeline that balances education with high-stakes performance.
The Educational Phase: Setting the Foundation
Before the first shaker is even touched, participants are invited to immerse themselves in the "why" behind the "how." The competition kicks off with three specialized educational seminars:
- Regional Workshops: Samuel Boulton, a certified trainer by the JSS Academy, will lead two live sessions in Glasgow and Leeds. These sessions serve as an introduction to the production techniques—such as the unique koji fermentation process—that define the category.
- Digital Integration: For those unable to attend the physical workshops, an online session led by renowned brand strategist and beverage professional Joshin Atone will ensure that the educational barrier to entry remains low, allowing for a diverse range of applicants from across the country.
The Selection and Finalization
- Submission Period: Entries are officially open and will be accepted until January 24, 2027.
- Announcement of Semi-Finalists: On January 29, 2027, the judges will reveal the 20 bartenders selected to progress to the live rounds.
- The London Finals: The final stage will take place in London on February 22, 2027. In a departure from previous years, the final will span two days, increasing the pressure and the scope for assessment.
- The Mystery Box: The culmination of the event will see five finalists face a "mystery box" challenge—a test of improvisation that requires contestants to design a cocktail using unfamiliar ingredients alongside Shochu or Awamori, testing their ability to think on their feet under extreme pressure.
Supporting Data: Six Years of Growth
Since its inception, the partnership between the UKBG and JSS has been instrumental in shifting the perception of Japanese spirits in the UK market. The data provided by the organizers highlights a remarkable upward trend in industry engagement:
- Educational Reach: Over 360 bartenders have completed the program’s dedicated training modules, gaining a nuanced understanding of the category that was previously inaccessible to most European professionals.
- Competitive Volume: More than 150 formal entries have been submitted over the course of the six-year history of the contest, reflecting a growing "Shochu culture" within the UK’s vibrant hospitality scene.
- Alumni Impact: Five previous winners have successfully completed the Japan immersion trip. These individuals have returned to the UK not just as bartenders, but as educated advocates who have integrated these spirits into the menus of leading bars across the country.
Official Perspectives: The Vision Behind the Pour
The longevity of the competition is a testament to the synergy between the UKBG and the JSS. Claudia Carrozzi, President of the UK Bartenders’ Guild, views this year’s iteration as a pivotal moment for the organization.
"We are incredibly proud of the impact our long-standing partnership with JSS has had in growing awareness and appreciation of these spirits across the UK," Carrozzi states. "The enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment we’ve seen from the bartending community reflects the success of our shared vision and the incredible potential of these unique products. Building on this momentum, we’ve reimagined the programme to push the boundaries of knowledge and creativity and create even more opportunities for our community to come together. We can’t wait to see the passion and innovation this year’s competitors bring to the stage."
For those who have already navigated the process, the experience transcends the title. Miley Penndragon, the 2026 winner, describes the journey as a "human experience" rather than just a professional accolade.
"The Great Honkaku Shochu & Awamori Contest is pure educational magic," Penndragon remarks. "If all you do is enter the competition, you will still learn something about the art of Japanese spirits, but you will also form connections with incredible people. If you win? The Japan trip covers not only Shochu and Awamori education, but once-in-a-lifetime, deeply personal, cultural experiences. I’m forever going to be grateful for my time in Kyushu, and will hold with me the bonds I made with the JSS and UKBG forever."
Implications for the Industry
The significance of this competition extends far beyond the awarding of a trophy. By championing Honkaku Shochu and Awamori, the UKBG is actively expanding the palate of the British cocktail consumer.
Diversifying the Back Bar
Honkaku Shochu (a single-distilled spirit) and Awamori (the indigenous spirit of Okinawa) offer a versatility that is currently unmatched in the traditional spirit categories. Because they are often produced from ingredients like barley, sweet potato, or rice, they carry a distinct sense of place. As bartenders learn to manipulate these flavors, they are effectively moving away from the "standard" cocktail menu and toward a more terroir-focused approach to mixology.
The Global Stage
The inclusion of the winner in the IBA World Cocktail Championship is a critical component of the competition’s mission. It ensures that the UK remains at the forefront of the global cocktail movement. When the UK representative steps up to the WCC, they are not just presenting a drink; they are showcasing the level of education and technical rigor that the UKBG promotes.
Sustaining Professional Excellence
In an industry often plagued by high turnover and burnout, the UKBG’s commitment to providing deep-dive education is a vital retention tool. By offering a path to Japan and a seat at the world championship, the Guild provides a career trajectory that is both challenging and rewarding. It turns a job into a craft.
Conclusion: Preparing for 2027
As the deadline for submissions approaches on January 24, 2027, the anticipation within the industry is palpable. The transition to a two-day final and the introduction of the mystery box challenge signify a maturation of the competition—it is no longer enough to be a good bartender; in 2027, the winner must be an adaptable master of their craft.
The partnership between the UKBG and the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association stands as a gold standard for international collaboration in the beverage industry. It has transformed a niche category into a household name within the world of high-end mixology. Whether a bartender is looking to travel to the distilleries of Kyushu, compete on the global stage, or simply learn the intricate art of Japanese distillation, the 2027 contest provides the definitive pathway to growth.
For the professional bartender, this is more than an entry form—it is an invitation to redefine their limits and become part of a legacy that bridges the gap between the traditional Japanese craft and the modern British bar.
Sagoh
