iichiko's Irodori Cocktail Competition is open for European entries for the first time in 2026, with bartenders in the UK and Italy invited to explore the relationship between koji and culture through their creation of an original cocktail.
iichiko is one of Japan's leading shochu brands, with a heritage rooted in traditional Japanese fermentation and the use of koji.
The competition centres on iichiko Saiten, a bold, cocktail-focused shochu created to showcase the character of koji-distilled spirits. Its flavour profile combines savoury umami with subtle sweetness and bitterness, resulting in a complex spirit with a long, lingering finish.
The Competition
For 2026, the competition theme is:
Irodori: Koji × Cultures
Your Culture. Your Colour. One Glass.
Bartenders are invited to interpret the idea of "Cultures" through their own perspective. This could mean their personal heritage, the culture of their bar or community, regional traditions, or the wider culture of bartending.
Koji itself is a living fermentation culture, providing a starting point for entrants to explore the relationship between Japanese shochu and their own cultural influences.
There is no single interpretation of the theme. The aim is to showcase the different cultural perspectives and creative approaches of bartenders across Europe, all through one cocktail.
Cocktail Requirements
To enter, cocktails must:
- Contain at least 30ml of iichiko Saiten
- Contain no more than six ingredients, excluding garnish
- Use edible garnishes only
- Be an original recipe
- Be created at a venue that stocks iichiko Saiten on its back bar
Finalists must also be able to place their cocktail on their venue's menu for the following term, or as a seasonal cocktail for at least one month.
Key Dates
Round 1: Cocktail Submission
1 July - 31 August 2026
Results announced by 5 September
Round 2: Video Submission
5 - 30 September 2026
Results announced by 10 October
Europe Regional Final: London
16 November 2026
The European winner will progress to the Global Final in Japan in spring 2027.
Prizes
1st place: £1,200, plus:
- Trip to Japan to compete in the Global Final
- Visit to the iichiko distillery
- Guest shift opportunity
2nd place: £500
3rd place: £250
Judging criteria
- Flavour & Balance - 30 points
- Originality & Creativity - 20 points
- Understanding of the IRODORI theme - 20 points
- Product Knowledge - 20 points
- Replicability - 10 points
The Europe Regional Final takes place in London on 16 November 2026, with the successful European bartender going on to represent the region at the Global Final in Japan.
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