The secret of deliciousness Why Niigata sake is delicious
Commitment to sake brewing
Compared to sake from other prefectures, sake brewing in Niigata is very luxurious.For example, how to use rice.At the sake brewery, we spare no Initiatives to turn brown rice into white rice and then polish it.Remove the surface nuka and use the starch from the rice core.Polished rice is polished even better, leaving only the really good parts to make clean sake.Therefore, the amount of alcohol that can be made is very small.
Niigata sake continues to focus on taste and quality rather than quantity.
Commitment to water
"Water" is an important element that is indispensable for making delicious sake.The water in Niigata Prefecture is soft spring water that flows from the high mountains of Echigo.This soft water makes the sake soft and mellow.
Niigata Prefecture's sake breweries are based on this wonderful water, so every sake is delicious.
Relentless research on alcohol
Niigata has many institutions that support sake brewing techniques. At the Niigata Prefectural Sake Research Institute, specialists conduct research and provide guidance to sake brewers, and actually brew sake based on the results of their research. In 1984, the Niigata Sake School was opened, which is the only school in Japan that trains mid-career sake brewers.
Echigo Toji's Initiativess
In sake breweries, the people who make sake are called brewers (Kurabito), sake men (Sakaotoko), or young people.And the master is called Toji.Niigata Prefecture is the hometown of Toji, who has the largest number of sake technology groups in Japan.Here, they continue to refine their traditions and new techniques every day, and they are famous in Japan, "Echigo Toji".
The characteristic of Niigata sake: "Light and refreshing"
Niigata sake is known as "light and simple." Light and simple means clean, refreshing, leaves no aftertaste, and you never tire of drinking it. Niigata sake also plays a role in bringing out the flavor of food.
It opens cleanly and disappears.The sharpness of fireworks is a characteristic of Niigata sake.
Great environment for sake brewing
Niigata's distinctive cold winters are an important factor in making delicious sake. Snow cleans the air. Clean air is a very important factor for the growth of koji mold and yeast, which are essential for sake. Niigata's winters also experience gentle changes in cold with no extreme temperature differences. This allows the sake to develop naturally. This is one of the reasons for the fine quality of Niigata's sake.
Niigata's strengths
As you all know, Niigata is famous for its rice production. The rice used for sake brewing is special rice called sakamai or sake brewing rice. Representative sake rice varieties from Niigata include "Koshitanrei" and "Gohyakumangoku", which are specially cultivated by farmers.
The light and mellow taste comes from the deep connection between Niigata's sake breweries and farmers.
Abundant types that can be enjoyed by type
There are many types of sake in Niigata.Fruity Ginjoshu, Junmaishu with a rich aroma and richness, and Honjozoshu that is refreshing and easy to drink.There are also fresh sakes that are not heat-treated.Niigata is rich in seafood and mountain products, and you can enjoy a choice of sake that matches your cuisine.
Fans who support sake in Niigata
The number of Niigata sake fans is increasing year by year.It is said that many people are drawn to the deliciousness of Niigata sake once they drink it.So far, many associations of people who love Niigata sake, such as the "Niigata Prefecture Sake Party" and the "Sake Enjoying Association", have been launched.
Even now, the popularity of Niigata sake is supported by a large number of people who love Niigata sake, such as "Niigata Sake Master".