A New Era in Sake Brewing: Tatsuriki Unveils the Revolutionary Shinryu Nishiki

Tatsuriki’s Groundbreaking Innovation: The Birth of Shinryu Nishiki

In the world of sake brewing, few names resonate as strongly as Tatsuriki. Renowned for their dedication to quality and innovation, Tatsuriki has once again pushed the boundaries with the introduction of a groundbreaking new sake rice: Shinryu Nishiki. This new variety, a crossbreed of the "king of sake rice" Yamada Nishiki and the legendary rice Shinriki, marks a significant milestone in the sake industry.

The King of Sake Rice: Yamada Nishiki

Yamada Nishiki, often heralded as the king of sake rice, has a storied history dating back to its creation in 1936 in Hyogo Prefecture. Its superior characteristics have earned it recognition and admiration from sake brewers across Japan. The special A district of Hyogo Prefecture, with its ideal soil, terrain, climate, and skilled farmers, produces Yamada Nishiki of exceptional quality. This rice is known for its large, uniform grains and low protein content, which contribute to the clarity and purity of sake.

The Legendary Rice: Shinriki

Shinriki, discovered in 1877 by Jūjirō Maruo in Nakajima, Mitsu Town, Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture, was once a dominant rice variety in Japan. In the 1910s, it accounted for over 20% of rice planting nationwide, prized for its large grains and suitability for sake brewing. However, as times changed, Shinriki gradually disappeared from cultivation. Tatsuriki, recognizing the historical and brewing significance of this rice, dedicated seven years to revive Shinriki, achieving success in 1992 after nearly a century.

The Creation of Shinryu Nishiki

The journey to create Shinryu Nishiki began with a bold vision: to combine the best attributes of Yamada Nishiki and Shinriki into a new sake rice variety. Tatsuriki embarked on this endeavor with a brewer’s dream and a scientist’s precision, investing 12 years in research and experimentation. On April 13, 2022, their efforts were rewarded as Shinryu Nishiki was officially recognized as a sake brewing suitable rice.

Shinryu Nishiki embodies the acidity and unique taste of Shinriki, paired with the sweetness and mellowness of Yamada Nishiki. This combination creates a rice variety that is not only easy to cultivate and yields high-quality grains but also excels in brewing suitability. The result is a sake rice that promises to deliver exceptional flavor and depth, bringing new dimensions to sake.

Tatsuriki’s Unstoppable Challenge

Tatsuriki’s journey from the revival of Shinriki to the creation of Shinryu Nishiki is a testament to their dedication and passion for sake brewing. Their willingness to invest years into developing a new rice variety is rare and extraordinary in the sake industry. From the legendary Shinriki rice revival in 1995 to the crossbreeding in 2011, and the official recognition in 2022, Tatsuriki’s challenge never stops.

Their innovative spirit and pursuit of perfection are not just about creating new products but about elevating the art of sake brewing itself. Tatsuriki continues to set new standards, fully embracing the rich traditions and future possibilities of Japanese sake.

Experience the Perfect Harmony of Shinryu Nishiki

For those seeking an exceptional sake experience, Tatsuriki Junmai Ginjo Shinryu Nishiki is a must-try. This sake embodies the fullness of Yamada Nishiki, offering a fresh, clear rice umami that is complemented by the robust, distinctive acidity of Shinriki. This combination creates an exquisite balance and a harmonious flavor profile that delights the palate without becoming tiresome.