October 26th: Doburoku Day – Celebrate with Shirakawago Junmai Nigori Sake!

The Origin of Doburoku Day

Doburoku Day is celebrated annually on October 26th, thanks to the Takeshige Honke Sake Brewery, a renowned brewery in Nagano Prefecture. This day was chosen because the doburoku brewing season begins in late October, and the date also ties into the Japanese readings of the numbers 10 (do), 2 (bu), and 6 (roku). The goal behind establishing Doburoku Day is to promote the unique appeal of this traditional, unfiltered sake. The anniversary has been officially recognized by the Japan Anniversary Association, further cementing its place in Japanese culture.

What Makes Doburoku Special?

Doburoku is not your average sake. It is an unfiltered, traditional Japanese brew that retains the rice particles after fermentation, unlike regular cloudy sake where the grains are filtered out. This rustic style of sake originates from homebrewing traditions and holds a distinct character.

During the brewing process, steamed rice, koji (malted rice), and water are added to the starter mash known as "moto." Fermentation is halted earlier than with traditional sake, which results in a sweeter beverage with a lower alcohol content. This unrefined drink offers a creamy texture and a naturally rich flavor, setting it apart from the more polished varieties of sake.

Shirakawago Junmai Nigori Sake: A Celebration in a Glass

For those looking to celebrate Doburoku Day in style, Shirakawago Junmai Nigori Sake is the perfect choice. This sake is named after the Doburoku Festival held in Shirakawago, an iconic event in Japanese culture. What makes Shirakawago Junmai Nigori Sake stand out is its luxurious use of rice—twice the amount used in regular sake production. This gives the drink a dense, nectar-like quality that offers a refined sweetness, enhanced by the natural richness of the rice.

Shirakawago Junmai Nigori Sake is versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. It is best served chilled to around 10°C, but it can also be enjoyed on the rocks, especially during the hot summer months. Whether you’re a seasoned sake lover or trying it for the first time, this sake offers a rich and smooth experience that captures the essence of doburoku brewing.