Sake Trend July Newsletter
Imagine the joy I felt meeting Prof. Iga from Koedo Kagamiyama Shuzo, thanks to Suzuki Marketing!
Koedo Kagamiyama Shuzo's tale is steeped in heritage and passion. Founded in 1875 in Shintomicho and reborn in 2007 in Nakacho, this micro-brewery with just 5 dedicated artisans is not just a brewery; it's a revival of a legacy!
At the heart of "Little Edo (in Japanese, "Koedo" 小江戸）**," Koedo Kagamiyama Shuzo stands as a symbol of tradition and local charm, echoing the Tokugawa* era's majesty. Since 2007, they’ve woven the historical threads of Kawagoe into each bottle of sake, focusing on local resources and community roots and Koedo Kagamiyama Shuzo is the only brewery existed in this area.
The rebirth in February 2007 marked a new chapter, with the brewery committed to uncompromising craft. The team tirelessly refines their techniques to perfect the maturation of their sake, awarded for their innovative collaboration in agriculture-commerce-industry by respected ministries in September 2008.
Their secret? Pristine groundwater from the Chichibu*** mountains and premium rice, combined with the age-old Nanbu brewing techniques. Each batch of sake is crafted by hand with utmost dedication to quality, infused with a passion that you can taste.
Discover the magic in every sip with our exclusive selection, including the unique "Kagamiyama Wine-Yeast Junmai (second from the left)"! Ready to embark on a flavor adventure?
This sake boasts a unique wine-like aroma, thanks to wine yeast usage, opening with a sweet note akin to ice wine followed by a refreshing crisp finish. A must-try as an aperitif or paired with your favorite meat dish.
Are you ready to experience the deep-rooted flavors and history in every sip?
*What is Tokugawa?
The Tokugawa shogunate, established by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603, was a feudal military government that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. This period, known as the Edo period, was marked by strict social order, isolationist foreign policies ("Sakoku" 鎖国 in Japanese), and economic growth. The shogunate centralized power and maintained peace through a rigid class hierarchy and control over the daimyos (feudal lords). The Tokugawa era ended with the Meiji Restoration, which restored imperial rule and initiated Japan's modernization.
**What is a little edo?
**小江戸 (Koedo)** means "Little Edo," a nickname for Kawagoe due to its historical significance and well-preserved Edo-period architecture. Kawagoe, a key commercial hub near Edo (now Tokyo), retains traditional buildings and cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into Japan's past. This preservation and the city's nostalgic charm make it a popular tourist destination, reminiscent of old Edo.
*** What is Chichibu mounain?
Chichibu Mountain refers to the Chichibu-Tama-Kai Mountain Range, a range of mountains located in the Chichibu region of Saitama Prefecture, Japan. This range includes some prominent peaks such as Mount Buko and Mount Kumotori. Known for its rugged terrain and diverse flora and fauna, the area is popular for hiking and outdoor activities. The Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park encompasses this mountain range, offering scenic views and a range of recreational opportunities.
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Sake 101
What is Sake?
Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. It is often referred to as "rice wine," although its production process is more similar to brewing beer, involving the conversion of rice starches into sugars before fermentation. The brewing process involves polishing the rice, fermenting it with the help of koji mold and yeast, and then filtering and pasteurizing the resulting liquid. Sake can vary widely in flavor, aroma, and sweetness, and is enjoyed both warm and chilled (depends on each sake product)
What is Sake's Ingredient?
Sake is made from just a few key ingredients:
1. **Rice**: The main ingredient, which is polished to remove the outer layers and then fermented.
2. **Water**: Used in the brewing process and essential for the flavor and quality of the sake. Its purity and mineral content can significantly affect the taste.
3. **Koji Mold (Aspergillus oryzae)**: This mold is used to convert the rice starches into sugars, which are then fermented by yeast.
4. **Yeast**: Ferments the sugars produced by the koji mold, turning them into alcohol and contributing to the sake's flavor and aroma.
These ingredients work together through a complex brewing process to produce sake.
Sake 101
What is Sake?
Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. It is often referred to as "rice wine," although its production process is more similar to brewing beer, involving the conversion of rice starches into sugars before fermentation. The brewing process involves polishing the rice, fermenting it with the help of koji mold and yeast, and then filtering and pasteurizing the resulting liquid. Sake can vary widely in flavor, aroma, and sweetness, and is enjoyed both warm and chilled (depends on each sake product)
What is Sake's Ingredient?
Sake is made from just a few key ingredients:
1. **Rice**: The main ingredient, which is polished to remove the outer layers and then fermented.
2. **Water**: Used in the brewing process and essential for the flavor and quality of the sake. Its purity and mineral content can significantly affect the taste.
3. **Koji Mold (Aspergillus oryzae)**: This mold is used to convert the rice starches into sugars, which are then fermented by yeast.
4. **Yeast**: Ferments the sugars produced by the koji mold, turning them into alcohol and contributing to the sake's flavor and aroma.
These ingredients work together through a complex brewing process to produce sake.
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Highlights of the Evening:
- Exclusive sake tasting featuring a variety of fine selections
- Insightful talks from sake experts
- Delicious Japanese hors d'oeuvres
- Live entertainment
Why Attend?
- Support a great cause while enjoying a unique cultural experience
- Network with fellow enthusiasts and community members
- Explore and appreciate the art of sake making
Don't miss out on this opportunity to celebrate and contribute to the Japanese American Museum. Secure your spot today and join us for a memorable evening!
For more details and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.jamsj.org/
We look forward to seeing you there!