Kaganotsuki Gekko: Soft Radiance and White Glow of the Moon in a Sake Bottle

Kaetsu Shuzo 

The history of Kaetsu Shuzo dates back to the end of the Edo period (1603-1868), and the brewery has been refining its techniques in order to produce sake that will please customers, and in recent years has received high praise for its ginjo brewing. The brewery is characterized by the pure, unadulterated flavor of its highly refined sake and its natural, understated aroma, making it an extremely delicate brewery even in the snowy Hokuriku region.

It is often said that water is the life of a sake brewery. Kaetsu Shuzo is located at the foot of Mt. Hakusan, one of the three most famous mountains in Japan. The cold, clear subsoil water originates from the Hakusan Mountains and is produced from melting snow. According to the theory, this water spends at least 100 years slowly filtering through deep underground until it reaches the well .

Kaetsu has won many awards, including the Gold Award 15 times at the National New Sake Competition sponsored by the National Institute of Brewing Research, the most prestigious competition in the sake industry. In 2012 and 2013, Kaganotsuki (the representative brand of the brewery), was selected as the sake to be served at the Nobel Nightcap, a celebration following the Nobel Prize award ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden.



Kaganotsuki Gekko Junmai Daiginjo

Kaganotsuki Moon series is made for those with philosopher’s taste buds. In pursuit of an intangible artform, Kaetsu Brewery aimed to capture the soft radiance and white glow of the moon in a sake bottle. And they may just have succeeded. Gekko meaning “moonlight” evokes a mysterious, still and thoughtful imagery, that this sake aims to encapsulate in one bottle.

This junmai daiginjo is made with 50% polished Gohyakumangoku rice from Ishikawa Prefecture. Kaganotsuki Gekko won the "Highest Gold Award" in the Premium Kanzake category of the National Kanzake Contest 2016. Exquisitely harmonious natural rice flavor and savory ginjo incense, reminiscent of mysterious moonlight. It has a gentle aroma and a smooth and deep taste, and you can fully feel the umami of rice. Sipping on this sake under the moonlight would certainly make for a wonderful special moment!

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