Best of Nation & Double Gold Medal
Given to KANBARA
"Bride of the Fox" by the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
This is a BIG DEAL people, this competition has the most comprehensive sake category among all wine competitions! I was fortunate along with a few other Texans to visit the brewery in Japan last February - way cool! Also, for those of you who attend the Live from Japan sake seminar last April, Dr. Sato was one of our visiting guests and is the mastermind behnd Kanbara.
A few facts about Bride of the Fox...
Quality Grade: Junmai Daiginjo (at least 40% of rice grain polished away)
Rice: Gohyakumangoku
Alcohol: 16.5%
Tasting Notes: Intense aromas of grilled nuts, pistachio and a hint of warm liquid cocoa. In the mouth, the flavors follow through with nuts and melon as it heads for a crisp finish, and then just a hint of lingering sweetness. It is at once savory and sweet, and has enough power to make it a great match with a wide variety of food pairings. A truly distinctive sake.
Brewery Name: Kaetsu Shuzo (founded in 1880) Brewery Location: Niigata Prefecture
Toji (Master Brewer): Mr. Yamaga Kenichiro - he has been brew master there for 6 decades.
The story behind the name: This wonderful sake was inspired by local legends about mysterious lights that appeared on nearby Mt. Kirin in the distant past. Locals claim the lights are paper lanterns carried in the fox-bride procession. This mysterious event is celebrated in Niigata every year in the fox-bride festival. Kaetsu uses rice grown on the high plains and pure mountain water to brew superior sake, both rich in aroma and clean in taste.
Cheers - Ali
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