Shizuku Junmai Daiginjo “Silent Samurai”
Kansai (Kinki)
Shizuku” means “drops,” because the sake is not pressed, but rather allowed to drip out of cloth bags filled with the finished brew. Only the middle portion is bottled for sale. Shizuku daiginjos are soft, layered, and ethereal. This is a junmai daiginjo but maintains the Shichi Hon Yari style, which is earthy, dry, and bright.
Founded in the 1540’s, the Tomita Brewery is one of the oldest breweries in Japan and is now managed by the 15th generation of the family, Yasunobu Tomita, who is also the brewmaster. The Tomita’s named their sake Shichi Hon Yari, or “Seven Spearsmen,” after the leaders of the historic Battle of Shizugatake which was fought just outside their town of Kinomoto.
Ethereal and delicate in keeping with the shizuku (free run) method, but showing Shichi Hon Yari’s style with toasty notes of brown butter.
- Tamazakae rice is highly polished, and slowly fermented at a lower temperature.
- Sake is not pressed but drips out of cloth bags filled with the finished brew
- Only a small amount collected by this pressing method, this is a limited item
