Producer

Name:

Kirinzan Shuzo Founded: 1843

Location:

Tsugawa, Aga-cho, Higashi-kanbara-gun,

Niigata 959-4402, Japan

Website: www.niigatasake.com

President: Shuntaro Saito – the 7^th generation of the owner/founding family

Toji (Master Brewer): Yoshiaki Hasegawa

Ingredients & tech data

Rice: Gohyaku-man-goku

Water: soft water

Yeast: G901

Nihonshu-do (SMV): +3 Acidity: 1.3 Amino acids: 1.2 No sulfites, no preservatives.

Other info

Serving temp. : Serve chilled (50-59°F or 10-15°C).

Tasting Notes: Reticent, elegant, refined, citrusy. Floral, yet earthy aroma laced with cedar and cider with a hint of smoke. Medium to light bodied. Dry, intense, and balanced; soft creamy texture with a round finish of concentrated Bosc pears. Reminiscent of a clean mountain stream.

Food pairing:

White fish & shellfish – raw, steamed or grilled. Spiced poached lobster, White meat – Poussin, Poached turbot with Champagne sauce.

Rabbit Chops with fresh Fines Herbes – This super premium sake with its reticent refined elegance will shine with this center dish of delicate seared rabbit loin garnished with freshlyhomemade angel hair pasta, all sharing the fresh herb butter sauce.

Braised Sweetbread with Chestnuts – This complex layers of flavors needs the complexity of the Junmai Daiginjo, rich and refined, bold and subtle at the same time, savory but still a little off-dry, earthy but not rustic.

Kirinzan Shuzo is located near Mt. Kirin (= Kirin-zan) in Tsugawa where beautiful rivers run through. Kirin, a mythical creature much like a flying unicorn, is believed to bring about happiness. The producer won gold medals at Japan National Sake Competition in 2016, 2014, 2012, 2009, etc.