About BSC
The Bordeaux Sake Challenge was an international competition of authority, established to bring Japanese sake to the French market and dining tables around the world.
The judging panel comprised leading sake sommeliers and specialists based in France — experts with deep knowledge not only of quality, but of local food culture, consumer preferences, and market dynamics. Every entry was assessed with precision and care.
Drawing on the international network and expertise that the Sake Sommelier Association has built over many years, each sake was evaluated across multiple dimensions: its character, its appeal, and its potential in the global market. The medals awarded became a trusted passport to the world stage.
The impact did not stop at the winners’ podium. Numerous success stories followed — new buyer relationships formed, export negotiations opened, and widespread coverage secured across both domestic and international media.
The Bordeaux Sake Challenge went beyond strengthening brand recognition in existing markets. It opened the door to new territories, France foremost among them, and became the international platform that created real connections between Japanese sake and the world.
How We Judge
All entered sake products will be judged by Certified Sake Sommeliers judges chosen by the host of their Sake Challenge. Each sake tasted is scored individually, not in comparison to other entries.
After the professional tasting the sake will then be judged for label elegance and packaging. In order to guarantee a fully objective judgement, the individual scores given by the jury members will be combined and averaged to attain a total score for each sake.
How We Score
Scores are indicated by stars from 0-10 as follows:
0 stars (Does not meet the standard of the challenge)
1-2 stars (Fair)
3-4 stars (Good)
5-6 stars (Very Good) – Silver Medal
7-8 stars (Highly recommended) – Gold Medal
9-10 stars (Outstanding) – Platinum Medal
The sensory quality of each sake is measured along the following criteria:
The Nose to discover the bouquet and aroma.
The Eye to determine the intensity, appearance, type, and brilliance of the product.
The Mouth to reveal the flavour and taste.
The Harmony of the nose and length in the mouth to inform the final overall appraisal of the product.
The Elegance of the product’s packaging will also be judged and advice on presentation will be to help successfully introduce the sake to the local market (marked separate to overall assessment)
Awards
Once marked, submitted sake is awarded one of the four possible designations from the Sake Challenge:
- Platinum
- Gold
- Silver
- Bronze
Entered sake is not guaranteed to win an award at a Sake Challenge, if it does not earn a high enough score.
We believe that judging sake is as difficult as judging wine (if not even more so!), and as such the SSA ensures that all judges are suitably well-trained to review the Sake Challenge entries. All Sake Challenge Judges have earned either their Certified, Advanced or Master Sake Sommeliers qualifications.
We at the Sake Sommelier Association take great pride in our passion and experience with Sake Challenges. We strive to treat sake with the same love and respect as the master brewers who craft it.