A NOTE FOR L.A.

Due to the developing situation in Los Angeles and the devastation from the current wildfires the iichiko irodori 2025 L.A. Final has been indefinitely postponed. We will be donating the funds to Another Round Another Rally to help those in the hospitality industry that have been affected by these events.

If you are based on the West Coast and still want to enter - please do. If you make it to the final 8 iichiko will cover your travel expenses to compete in the NYC Final on March 16 2025.

WHAT IS IICHIKO SAITEN

Crafted specifically for the modern bartender, iichiko Saiten is a full-flavored expression of shochu that is perfect for cocktails at 43% ABV.

With a strong start and a long finish, you’ll find flavours of jasmine tea, white peache, and earthy minerals with some citrus and a saline finish that beckons another sip.

A honkaku shochu, the highest grade of shochu, made from two-row barley and distilled once.

彩 - irodori -
TO COLOR
THE WORLD

We chose this word 彩 (irodori) for the competition name with the hope that you will color the world with your original cocktails by using our iichiko SAITEN.

ROUND 1 ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED •

ROUND 1 ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED •

THE
PRIZES

FIRST PLACE_

ALL EXPENSES PAID ROUND TRIP TO JAPAN*

- $1500 CASH PRIZE
- PLUS IICHIKO DISTILLERY VISIT
- PLUS GUEST SHIFT IN TOKYO

*There will be two final winners going to Japan - one each from New York and Los Angeles.

SECOND PLACE_

$800 CASH PRIZE

THIRD PLACE_

$400 CASH PRIZE

THE
RULES

  • All cocktails must contain a minimum of 1oz / 30ml iichiko Saiten

  • A maximum of 6 ingredients total to be used

  • All garnishes must be edible

  • The winner must include their cocktail on their outlet’s next menu

  • iichiko Saiten must be on the backbar of your venue as an entry requirement

  • One entry per person

  • 2025 Entries open to all USA residents and finalist will have transportation costs covered

Cocktails need to be low waste and the entrant needs to illustrate how they plan to execute this.

Submit entries via the entry form below.

ROUND 1 JANUARY 10TH - 31ST 2025
ROUND 2 (VIDEO ENTRY) - FEBRUARY 4TH - 20TH
FINAL - 16TH MARCH IN NEW YORK CITY

ENTER HERE