You can taste Ginrei Gassan, GASSAN SAKE BREWERYCO.,LTD from Yamagata prefecture, and Hatsuhinode, Haneda Shuzo from Kyoto prefecture.
Ginrei Gassan (GASSAN SAKE BREWERY CO.,LTD)
Gassan sake brewery is located in Sagae, Yamagata.
Yamagata Prefecture is situated on the Sea of Japan side of Japan’s Tohoku region. Located approximately 300 km north of Tokyo, it can be reached in about three hours via the Yamagata Shinkansen.
Sagae is a small town situated in the middle of Yamagata Prefecture, and is most famous for its delicious, homegrown cherries. It is accounting for 70% of Japan’s national production.
Meltwater from Mount Gassan, the highest peak of the Three Mountains of Dewa, filters down in a process that takes 300 to 400 years, emerging at the foot where the brewery is located.
It is not unusual to hear people say, “Yamagata sake are delicious.” So what makes them so good? There are many reasons. The first is Yamagata’s climate. The prefecture is known for its pure waters flowing from the surrounding mountains, high-quality rice, and severely cold winters, all of which are necessary for the brewing of delicious sake.
Moreover, Yamagata has an abundant supply of renowned mineral waters flowing from Mt. Chokai, Mt. Asahi, Mt. Chokai, and other nearby mountains. Each mountain range produces water with its own qualities, and this allows Yamagata to produce a rich variety of highly unique sake.
And lastly, there is the role that Yamagata’s brewers play in producing delicious sake. Almost all who are involved in Yamagata’s sake brewing were born in the prefecture, a characteristic that is quite rare nationally. The devotion and passion of these artisans have made Yamagata sake among the very best in Japan.
Tasting at home by amazon
銀嶺月山 月山の雪 純米吟醸 Ginrei Gassan Junmai ginjo Gassan No Yuki1.8L【山形県/月山酒造】
Awarded a Platinum Medal in the Junmai Daiginjo & Junmai Ginjo category at the Kura Master 2018.
GASSAN SAKE BREWERY CO.,LTD Home page
Hatsuhinode (Haneda Shuzo)
Haneda Shuzo was established in 1893 as a brewer of junmai and honjozo sake. This brewery is located about an hour’s drive north-west of the centre of Kyoto, within the Kitayama mountains.
The rural atmosphere of the mountainous area of north has its unique characteristics. It is said that the clear, crisp flavors of Haneda’s sake reflect the dense forests and pure waters of the brewery’s surrounding landscape.
The rivers flowing in the east side of brewery are Kami Katsura (upstream of Katsura River) and Yuge River and Hosono River which flow out of Kami Katsura River. In early summer you can see fireflies which means the river is clean and not polluted by agricultural pesticides or synthetic detergent. It is also a great spot for Ayu Fishing in summer time.
Water is the most important ingredient for the production of sake. One of famous brewing water in Kyoto, Fushimi’s underground water contains the perfect amount of minerals, making it a medium hard water (80mg/L – 90mg/L), which gives sake a smooth, soft and mellow texture. On the other hand, Kami Katsura River’s underground water contains higher mineral (130mg/L). This hard water makes Haneda’s sake rich flavor and crisp finish.
Tasting at home by amazon
初日の出 純米吟醸原酒 六友（リクユウ）Hatsuhinode Junmai ginjo genshu Rikuyuu７２０ｍｌ
DATE AND TIME
2018/08/23 (Thu)～2018/08/29 (Wed) 10:00～20:00
You cannot go? Check out ichibansake Event Calendar
LOCATION
Ikebukuro Tobu Department Store B1F
1 Chome-1-25 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo 171-0021
Access
Directly connected to “Ikebukuro station”
Web site
For more information visit, 東武百貨店 池袋店 日本酒催事スケジュール
*Amazon Link is not “Hiyaoroshi” which is aged for about 6months. In the event you will taste this year’s “Hiyaoroshi”.