Sudo Honke Sake Brewery by IPPIN Cafe Bar
With alcoholic percentage to reach around 12 to 18 percent by volume, it is no wonder that Sake is also called rice wine (wine clocks in at 9 to 16 percent). However, unlike wine which is grouped according to its grape variety, Sake can be categorized by how much is the rice milled away or even who is the producer of the sake. A more refine flavour is attain if the grains are milled to a larger extent. To add on, unlike wine, sake is best consumed when they are fresher and younger. Fortunately, I was presented with the opportunity to write a post about sake that is being brewed by the oldest sake brewery in Japan-- Sudo Honke. To get started, there are some Japanese words that that you might be interested in before reading further. Junmai refers to pure sake, pure in the sense that the sake is brewed using only rice, water, yeast and koji (no added starches or sugars and brewer's alcohol were added in). Daiginjo refers to premium sake and is regarded by many as the pinnacle of the brewer’s art. Daiginjo sake is relatively pricey as it requires precise brewing methods and rice that has been polished all the way down to at least 50 percent.
1) Kakunkou Junmai Daiginjo ($38,000 , 720ml , 16% alcoholic)
Only 1 in the entire world, that is currently a 25 years vintage sake. Produced by the oldest brewery in Japan with a rich history of more than 877 years, unpasteurised using a brewing technique manual called, Hashira Shochu, was built; a technique of adding distilled alcohol during the brewing process. This decreases the chances of failure when producing this sake, ehich reflects its pricing.
2) SAKE Junmai Daiginjo Satono Homare BLACK Muroka Nama ($197, 720ml, 15.5% alcoholic)
Don’t say I didn’t tell you, but rumour has it that its fruity aroma complexion can very addictive. I heard it has the sweet smell of green apple, and when I ask around for people to elaborate on the smell, they simply couldn’t. I guess the smell of this sake is so gorgeous that words just can’t describe how liberating and addictive it can be.
3) SAKE Junmai Daiginjo YUSURA Muroka Nama ($116, 720ml, 15.5% alcoholic)
This sake contains the taste of what a sake should taste like. It is the epitome of originality in a world where fusion drinks are on the rise. Being light in taste, I will recommend this sake if you are a novice when it comes to drinking.
4) SAKE Junmai Daiginjo Satono Homare WHITE Muroka Nama ($76, 720ml, 15.5% alcoholic)
This sake belongs to the basic series of Sudo Honke. this high-quality daiginjo-grade sake has a dry and crispy flavour, with a refreshing taste. It is able to provide such a stunning balance that this sake can go well with any dishes. Sake brewed by Sudo Honke Sake Brewery are brewed with extreme care and effort, using only the finest rice and water.
This must be the reason why their sake have such a wonderful fragrance, standing out from most other brewery.
Head over to Takashimaya 25th Anniversary Japan Food Matsuri happening from now to 14 October 2018, 10:00am - 9:30pm at Takashimaya Square, Basement 2 to purchase.