January 11 Is Taruzake Day! Celebrate With Eikun 70 Junmai

What Is Taruzake and Kagamibiraki?

Taruzake Day was established by Nara-based brewery to pass on the culture of 'Kagamibiraki of taruzake' to the next generation and was recognised by the Japan Anniversary Association. The date was set to 11 January, the same day as the annual Kagamibiraki event.

Today, sake is stored in tanks, but in the past, it was stored in cedar barrels. The sake had a fresh aroma, with the fragrance of the cedar imprinted on the liquor. Today, most sake is stored for a short time in wooden casks and lightly flavoured with wood, and such wood-scented sake is called taruzake. 

Kagamibiraki refers to opening of a sake barrel by breaking the lid with a mallet at a festive party. Kagami refers to the lid of the sake barrel and biraki means “to open” so kagami-biraki literally means “opening the lid.” Because of the lid's round shape, the kagami is a symbol of harmony. The kagami-biraki, therefore, represents an opening to harmony and good fortune.

Recommended Sake

To celebrate we recommend sake from the brewery in the famous Fushimi sake district in Kyoto. Saito Shuzo, which brews sake brand called Eikun, has set an unbroken record of winning the gold medal for 14 consecutive years at the National New Sake Competition, an annual competition for new sake.

Eikun 70 Junmai is made with the aim to create a during-a-meal sake that does not feel heavy. It has a clear, crisp, and light taste, making it a versatile sake that goes well with a variety of dishes. It is a versatile sake that can be served cold or warmed, showing different qualities depending on the serving temperature. When served cold, it has a mild dryness and crispness, and when warmed, the rice flavor is enhanced and the taste becomes deeper.

It is great sake for every day to suit everyone's taste and cuisine!