What Is a Drink That Represents the Unique Shirakawa-go?

Doburoku Festival in Shirakawago

白川乡的浊酒节

Doburoku Festival in Shirakawago unfolds in a secluded mountainous region that remained isolated for an extended period, sustaining itself through the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. The distinctive Gassho-style houses, characterized by their steeply pitched thatched roofs, stand as singular examples in Japan.

白川乡浊酒节在一个偏僻的山区展开，这个山区长期以来一直与世隔绝，通过种植桑树和养蚕来维持生存。这里有着以陡峭的茅草屋顶为特征的独特的合掌造风格的房屋，在日本是独一无二的。

Commencing from the end of September through mid-October, Shirakawago hosts the enchanting Doburoku Festival, where offerings are made to the mountain gods. The village comes alive with sacred processions at shrines, accompanied by lively lion dances and traditional folk singing and dancing that celebrate the rich history and traditions of the region. True to its name, the festival involves presenting doburoku, an unrefined sake with a pulpy texture, as offerings to the gods.

每年的9月底到10月中旬，白川乡会举办令人着迷的浊酒祭(doburroku Festival)，向山神献上祭品。这个村庄充满了神圣的游行队伍，伴随着热闹的舞狮和传统的民间歌舞，庆祝当地丰富的历史和传统。正如它的名字一样，这个节日包括向神献上一种未过滤的糊状清酒(doburoku)。

From Festival Tradition to a Recognized Brand

从节日传统到知名品牌

The inception of the Shirakawago brand traces back to the request from the mayor of Shirakawa Village to the sixth brew master of Miwa Shuzo. The aim was to produce Doburoku similar to that served during the festival, making it accessible year-round. Initially facing challenges due to the lack of precedent for year-round doburoku production, persistent negotiations led to official recognition and permission from the national tax board. This move aimed to curb illegal production and distribution, bringing joy to Shirakawa Village, which subsequently authorized the trademark name of Shirakawago.

白川乡品牌的诞生要追溯到白川乡村长对三轮酒造第六任酿造大师的要求。他们的目标是生产出与祭典期间供应的一样的酒，让人们全年都能享用。最初面临着挑战是，缺乏供应全年酒的先例。但经过持续的谈判，他们终于获得了国家税务委员会的正式承认和许可。此举旨在遏制非法生产和销售，给白川乡带来欢乐，白川乡里随后授权了白川乡商标名称。

Shirakawago Junmai Nigori Sake

白川乡纯米浊酒

Embodying the spirit of the Doburoku Festival and the whole Shirakawa Village, Shirakawago Junmai Nigori Sake emerges as a standout beverage. Its name pays homage to the festival and its extravagant use of twice the normal amount of rice, resulting in a distinctive brewing process. The dense and cloudy nature of this sake, achieved by leaving the mash in the beverage, imparts a refined, nectar-like quality with a consistently enjoyable taste throughout the year.

白川乡纯米浊酒体现了浊酒节和整个白川乡村的精神，是一种杰出的酒精饮料。它的名字也表达了对这个节日的敬意，它使用的大米是正常量的两倍，从而形成了一种独特的酿造过程。这种清酒的浓稠和浑浊的性质是通过将麦芽浆留在饮料中来实现的，赋予了一种精致的、花蜜般的品质，一年四季都能享受到一贯的美味。

Pairing and Serving Shirakawago Junmai Nigori Sake

白川乡清酒的搭配菜品

Best enjoyed chilled at 10 degrees or on the rocks during the peak of summer, Shirakawago Junmai Nigori Sake offers a refreshing and light taste that complements hearty dishes such as grilled meat and chicken. Elevate your summer gatherings by experimenting with creative concoctions - mix equal parts lemonade or soda water with Shirakawago Junmai Nigori Sake to craft a delightful summer cocktail. 

在盛夏时节，在华氏10度冰镇或加冰饮用是最好的选择。白川乡纯米浊酒口感清爽、淡丽，与烤肉和鸡肉等丰盛菜肴相得益彰。也可尝试一下有创意的鸡尾酒来提升你的夏日聚会吧——将等份的柠檬水或苏打水与白川乡浊酒混合，调制出一杯令人愉快的夏日鸡尾酒吧！