Bringing Uonuma’s Finest Koshihikari Rice to the World: A Premium Junmai Daiginjo from the Snowy Secret of Tsunan
Niigata, Japan – June 18, 2024 – Tsunan Sake Brewery (Headquarters: Tsunan Town, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture; Representative Director: Kengo Suzuki) is pleased to announce the launch of its new product, the ‘GO GRANDCLASS Uonuma Koshihikari Edition’ Junmai Daiginjo sake, made from the renowned Uonuma Koshihikari rice. This exceptional sake has been awarded the Gold Prize in the Junmai Daiginjo category at the Kura Master 2024 sake competition held in Europe. Domestic sales will commence on June 18, 2024.
A New Approach to Sake Brewing: Sustainable Collaboration with Local Farmers
Tsunan Sake Brewery, nestled in the Uonuma region of Niigata Prefecture, is deeply committed to brewing sake that is rooted in the local nature and culture. In collaboration with local producers, the brewery has embarked on an innovative challenge: crafting sake using food-grade Koshihikari rice, rather than the traditional sake-brewing rice.
Typically, sake is brewed using sake-specific rice varieties, which are not suitable for other purposes. This can pose significant inventory risks for producers and breweries during disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. By using food-grade rice, Tsunan Sake Brewery aims to reduce the burden on rice producers and support sustainable agriculture in the region.
This initiative represents a significant step toward sustainable sake production, benefiting both the brewery and the local farming community. The ‘GO GRANDCLASS Uonuma Koshihikari Edition’ is a testament to the brewery’s dedication to delivering delicious sake while ensuring the livelihoods of local producers.
A Revolutionary Brewing Method: Achieving Excellence with Uonuma Koshihikari
Contrary to traditional beliefs that sake can only be made from sake-brewing rice, Tsunan Sake Brewery has successfully crafted a superb Junmai Daiginjo sake using Uonuma Koshihikari rice. By revisiting historical brewing methods and meticulously experimenting with the process, the brewery has captured the sweetness and umami of Koshihikari rice in this exceptional sake.
This endeavor is expected to improve the relationship between farmers and breweries regarding rice procurement, fostering sustainable agriculture and sake production nationwide.
World-Class Recognition: Gold Prize at Kura Master 2024
To showcase the potential of Uonuma’s rice and water, Tsunan Sake Brewery submitted the ‘GO GRANDCLASS Uonuma Koshihikari Edition’ to the prestigious Kura Master sake competition in Europe. Judged by European professionals, including MOF holders, top sommeliers, and industry experts, the competition conducts blind tastings to evaluate entries.
The ‘GO GRANDCLASS Uonuma Koshihikari Edition’ Junmai Daiginjo sake was awarded the Gold Prize in the Junmai Daiginjo category, demonstrating the global appeal of sake made from food-grade rice.
Product Details: GO GRANDCLASS Uonuma Koshihikari Edition
Hand-washed rice for quality brewing
Brewed exclusively during the pristine winter season of Tsunan
Characteristics: Floral aroma, rich and sweet taste, long-lasting finish with umami of Koshihikari rice
Pairing: Ideal as an aperitif to enjoy its full aroma
Specifications
Uonuma Koshihikari Rice Junmai Daiginjo
Ingredients: Rice, Rice Koji (Tsunan, Niigata)
Volume: 720ml
Alcohol Content: 15%
Rice Polishing Ratio: 50%
Packaged in a special wooden box with a serial number tag
Price: 8,800 JPY (tax included)
Product Page: GO GRANDCLASS Uonuma Koshihikari Edition
https://koshihikari.tsunan-sake.com/en/
About Tsunan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.
Tsunan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. is a sake brewery located in Akinari, Tsunan Town, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture. Known for its heavy snowfall, this region uses natural spring water from 2,000-meter-high mountains for sake production. Utilizing local specialty sake rice “Gohyakumangoku,” the brewery engages in sake brewing in harmony with nature under the brand concept “Brew for Future – Brewing a Coexisting Future.” Since 2023, with a new management structure, the brewery aims to create new value by integrating the brewery with science and expanding overseas.
https://tsunan-sake.com/