The Marvel of Indulging in the Prototype of Noble Sake (Kijoshu) in Our Modern Epoch
In the heart of Shirataka, where nature orchestrates its timeless symphony of birth, nurture, decay, and renewal, KUROKOHAKU stands as a testament to the ebb and flow of time – a beacon of resilience and evolution in a world ever-changing. But have you ever wondered the genesis of its odyssey, rooted in a nationwide quest to redefine the artistry of sake brewing?
"Let us fashion a sake worthy of welcoming dignitaries from every corner of the globe – a sake that embodies the zenith of Japanese craftsmanship."
In 1973, under the visionary stewardship of Dr. Nobuhiro Sato, then Director of the Brewing Examination Department of the National Tax Agency (now the esteemed National Research Institute of Brewing), a transformative pursuit of sake perfection was set in motion. Through tireless experimentation and boundless innovation, this odyssey culminated in the birth of noble sake.
In the climactic phase of the sake-making process, dubbed ‘storage brewing’ in the traditional three-stage method (where water typically flows), sake ascends to unparalleled eminence. Despite the daunting costs, labour, and time involved, this departure from tradition yields a brew of unparalleled opulence and refinement – a true testament to the spirit of ingenuity.
Yet, noble sake is no mere byproduct of blind novelty. Dr. Sato drew inspiration from the annals of Japanese literature.
The Engishiki (927 AD), an ancient manuscript from the Heian period, commissioned by Emperor Daigo himself, offers a glimpse into the customs and rites of that era. Among its sacred pages lies the ancient brewing technique of ‘Shiori’, a sake concocted by the Ministry of the Imperial Household's Brewing Department – a whispered echo of noble sake's storied tradition of sake storage.
The true intentions of Dr. Sato remain veiled in mystery. Yet, one cannot help but ponder: Was there a yearning to resurrect the hallowed libations of yore in a fresh guise through the inception of noble sake?
The quest for this spirited elixir is a collaborative endeavour, enlisting the talents of 11 esteemed breweries from across the land of the rising sun. Each brewery bestows its unique touch, for sake, much like life, is shaped by its surroundings – the microbes that frolic within, the breeze that envelops it, the warmth that caresses its essence. Thus, this collective partnership with local breweries from diverse realms is no mere coincidence; it is a deliberate embrace of diversity.
Among them, Suzuki Shichiro, lauded for crafting Japan's inaugural noble sake, steered KUROKOHAKU into the modern era under the esteemed banner of "Kamogawa Brewery." His relentless pursuit of perfection defied convention, sparing no expense in unlocking the essence of a new epoch in sake.
‘Kamogawa Brewery's noble sake’ ignited a revolution in the sake realm. While Shichiro revelled in acclaim, much of his creation lay concealed within the brewery, awaiting its moment to shine.
The legacy of noble sake lay dormant within the brewery for 40 years, until time unfurled its hidden splendor once more.
"It is..."
A taste both noble and indulgent pirouettes on the palate—a harmonious medley of richness and refinement. Miraculously, Shichiro's noble sake, unearthed from the depths of the brewery four decades later, had matured into a masterpiece.
It may sound like folklore, yet this so-called miracle is a tangible truth. Shichiro's noble sake, serendipitously entered into a global wine competition, effortlessly claimed the highest honor.
"Not only does KUROKOHAKU embody the essence of Shirataka, but it is a sake sculpted by the land and the relentless march of time," the judges proclaimed.
Furthermore, it transcends understanding and replication – a prototype of noble sake – the inaugural draft of an eternal masterpiece.
Yet, while other noble sakes of its era have faded into obscurity, Shichiro's legacy endures within the hallowed halls of the Japanese brewery, its secrets interred with him.
Today, KUROKOHAKU slumbers in a meticulously curated repository, awaiting the discerning palate. To relish this marvel, preserved across generations, is an unparalleled experience.
Decades-old noble sake may yet resurface in the future, but the libations crafted ahead of their time shall remain lost to the ages. Future connoisseurs may covet the privilege of partaking in this marvel of the present.
So, why not raise a glass to the miracle of KUROKOHAKU sake – a testament to the ever-changing yet enduring tapestry of time and tradition?