Jim, closely connected to Sakai Shuzo brewery, candidly shares his profound bond with Gokyo sake. He dives into the brewery's rich history and its deep-rooted ties to the Yamaguchi community. Listeners are treated to vivid descriptions of local attractions like the Nishiki River and Kintaikyo Bridge, alongside tasting notes of their iconic sake. Jim also discusses innovative brewing practices, challenges with soft water, and the allure of the kimoto method, reflecting on how tradition meets modernity in Yamaguchi’s sake landscape.
Gokyo’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients from Yamaguchi exemplifies its strong ties to the community and regional pride.
The brewery's innovative experimental approaches, such as unique sake made with miso koji, showcase its dedication to both tradition and creativity.
Deep dives
Transition to Autumn Sake
The conversation highlights a shift in the availability of autumn sake, particularly Hiaroshi, which is now being released later in the year compared to previous years. The hosts share their personal experiences related to seasonal sake preferences, noting how the hot summer weather influences their desire for autumn flavors. They emphasize that Hiaroshi truly shines during cooler evenings, ideally paired with comforting autumn foods like seasonal dishes and movies. The changes in release schedules may reflect a growing awareness of seasonal appropriateness among brewers.
Exploring Sakai Shuzo and Gokyo
The episode focuses on Sakai Shuzo, a renowned brewery celebrated for its Gokyo sake, which is synonymous with the local identity of Iwakuni. The hosts recount their personal connections to the brewery, including memorable moments spent enjoying Gokyo's sake by the Nishiki River. They discuss the brewery's commitment to quality and its significant role in the local community, with its sake being widely recognized and loved by residents. Gokyo’s name, meaning 'five bridges,' pays homage to the iconic Kintaikyo bridge, further tying the brewery to its geographic and cultural roots.
Cultural Atmosphere and Local Identity
Gokyo stands out not only for its premium sake but also for cultivating a strong connection with the Yamaguchi community. The brewery relies heavily on locally sourced ingredients, using rice grown exclusively in Yamaguchi, which fosters a deep sense of regional pride. About 75-80% of Gokyo's sales occur within Yamaguchi, showcasing the loyalty of the local market and the brewery's integral role in the region. This community-oriented approach allows Gokyo the freedom to experiment with flavors and brew styles, as they remain rooted in the satisfaction of their local customer base.
Innovative Brewing Techniques
The hosts explore Gokyo's innovative approach to sake production, including a variety of experimental brews that challenge traditional practices. They discuss unique offerings such as sake made with miso koji or whiskey yeast, which exemplify Gokyo's adventurous spirit. The brewery's use of wooden fermentation tanks for kimoto brewing is highlighted as a testament to their dedication to traditional methods while pushing creative boundaries. This willingness to experiment has led Gokyo to achieve a balance between maintaining high-quality core products and producing diverse, limited-edition offerings that captivate both loyal drinkers and newcomers.
This is Jim’s moment to shine! The almost inevitable moment has come as Andy and Jim talk about a sake brewery close to Jim’s heart: Sakai Shuzo, home of iconic Yamaguchi label Gokyo. Learn about the brewery’s history, philosophy, and the unique ties between it and the local community… And, of course, the delicious sake that comes from them all. Listen along and imagine yourself sipping hiyaoroshi under the maple leaves along the lazy Nishiki River in this hyper-local episode of Sake Deep Dive.
Vocabulary
Kioke 木桶 - A wooden vessel, in this case a fermentation tank. Usually made of sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) wood.
Sotoji 総杜氏 - “Head toji,” a term used for breweries that have more than one facility headed up by a toji. The one toji to lead them all.
Nishiki 錦 - Silk brocade, specifically, but often a term used to give a nuance of luxury, excess, or “fanciness.” Sometimes also pronounced “Kin”
Obi 帯 - A kimono sash or strip/band of land. Sometimes also “Tai”
Kintaikyo 錦帯橋 - The famous five-arched wooden bridge over the Nishiki River. Could be translated “Sash of silk brocade.”