Our Best-Seller Last Month Was Kizakura Yamahai Jikomi 720ml!

Kizakura Yamahai Jikomi 720ml: A Traditional Sake with Timeless Appeal

Kizakura Yamahai Jikomi 720ml is a sake that effortlessly marries tradition with accessibility, making it a top choice for sake enthusiasts and Japanese restaurants alike. Its popularity in August as a best-seller is no surprise, given its mellow, soft profile that offers a versatile and unique tasting experience across different temperatures.

The Art of Yamahai Brewing

The Yamahai method is a revered technique in sake brewing, originating from the traditional Kimoto method. In Kimoto, brewers would painstakingly mash rice and koji into a puree using wooden oars to accelerate the saccharification process. This laborious step, known as yamaoroshi, was a grueling task, particularly on cold winter nights. However, in 1909, Kinichiro Kagi, a pioneering researcher from the National Institute for Brewing Studies, revolutionized this process. By slightly increasing the temperature and adding more water, the need for the arduous yamaoroshi step was eliminated. This innovation was termed "yamaoroshi haishi," which was eventually shortened to "yamahai."

Yamahai vs. Sokujo

As sake production evolved, the sokujo method emerged, offering a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional brewing. Sokujo involves the addition of lactic acid at the start of the brewing process, bypassing the need for natural lactic acid bacteria to develop, as in the Kimoto and Yamahai methods. While the sokujo method results in a cleaner, more straightforward flavor profile, the Yamahai technique is prized for producing sakes with deeper, more complex flavors that reflect the meticulous craftsmanship of traditional brewing.

The Allure of Kizakura Yamahai Jikomi

Kizakura Yamahai Jikomi is celebrated for its adherence to the Yamahai brewing tradition, embodying the artistry and depth of flavor that this method is known for. Its mellow and soft characteristics make it a versatile sake, inviting drinkers to explore the subtle nuances that unfold at different serving temperatures. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, Kizakura Yamahai Jikomi offers a sensory journey that captures the essence of authentic Japanese sake, making it a must-try for those seeking a truly traditional sake experience.