Sake for Valentine's Day♪Special feature on sake that goes well with chocolate! [11th Monthly Oshizo Ranking] Results announced!

11th Monthly Oshizo Ranking

■11th ranking theme
``Which sake would you like to pair with chocolate? ”

■Voting period
①Primary voting: 2/1~3
②Decisive voting: 2/5-7

Speaking of February, it's Valentine's Day! !
Every year, the streets are filled with various Valentine's day products, and the chances of getting your hands on chocolate will increase.♪

In this ranking, we have selected the sake that would go well with such sweet and enchanting chocolate, so please use this as a reference for Valentine's Day gifts or new pairing suggestions!

What is the monthly recommended store ranking?

What is the monthly recommended store ranking?“User voting type sake media”It is.
For each theme, everyone“I recommend it the most!”We will compile and announce the recommended stores that we felt!

By voting from everyone, you will be able to know the real "Oshizo" of each rather than the trend.
Why not discover recommended sake and sake breweries through this ranking and make your daily sake life even more enjoyable?♪

Voting benefits [present plan]

As a voting benefit, 8 people will be chosen by lottery from among the voters."Hands-on Sake - Recommended Sake"to deliverPresent planImplemented! !

This time, we will randomly deliver 3 types from these 6 pieces.♪

・Mitsutake Sake Brewery (Saga Prefecture) Mitsutake Handmade Junmai Sake 180ml
・Kobu Sake Brewery (Saga Prefecture) Kimagure Dragon 2021 180ml
・Mitsutake Sake Brewery (Saga Prefecture) Amber Mitsutake 3 year aged Junmaishu 180ml
・Wakatakeya Sake Brewery (Fukuoka Prefecture) Junmai Ginjo Kei 180ml
・Wakatakeya Sake Brewery (Fukuoka Prefecture) Junmai Za 180ml
・Baba Sake Brewery (Saga Prefecture) Junmai Ginjo Nokomi 180ml

The winners will be announced every time after the monthly Oshizo rankings have been tallied.Hands-on SAKE SNSWe will announce it!

After voting, people asked themselves, ``Will my favorite sake brewery come out on top?'' ``Will the giveaway sake win?''The appeal of the Monthly Oshizo Ranking is that you can enjoy double excitement and excitement.♪
Please feel free to vote!

11th Monthly Oshizo Ranking TOP3 results announced!

TOP3 of the 11th Monthly Oshizo RankingHere it is! !

Continuing from the previous ranking, it was once again in first place.Nishida Sake Brewery (Aomori Prefecture)！！
As expected, “Tazake” is very popular! !
When you hear about limited edition bottles of rice wine, it's only natural that you want it!

Won 2nd placeKiyamasa Sake Brewery (Mie Prefecture)It is still a popular brand that needs no introduction.
Just imagining the combination of the highest quality Junmai Daiginjo sake and chocolate will create an elegant moment.♪

3rd placeKobu Sake Brewery (Saga Prefecture)An innovative sake brewery that has a long history and is traditional yet unrestricted by boundaries!
We are attracting die-hard fans from all over the country with various projects.♪

This is the result of the TOP 10 below 4th place!
This time as well, there are many unique sake breweries, which makes for an interesting ranking!

Now, we will introduce the oshigura and oshisake that won the top 3 rankings.♪

[1st place] Nishida Sake Brewery

Aomori, the northernmost part of Honshu.
Nishida Sake Brewery's brewery is located in Aburakawa, facing Mutsu Bay, in the northwest of Aomori City.
Aburakawa, Aomori City, was once called “Ohama”.From Kamakura to the Sengoku period“Sotogahama” (Tsugaru Peninsula east coast area)It was the most prosperous port in the country.

During the Genroku period, there were Omi merchants in this area.The history of the Nishida family is that Saburoemon Nishida immigrated there and ran a kimono business for generations.
As time passed, in 1878, the first brewer, Rintaro Nishida, founded the company as a sake brewery.
Currently, it is the only sake brewery in Aomori City, brewing ``Kikuizumi'' and ``Tensake.''

Traditional Ginjo sake “Kikuizumi”

A representative brand that has been produced since its founding"Kikuizumi"。
To create a light and refreshing tasteThese are ``Daiginjoshu'' and ``Ginjoshu'' with the minimum amount of brewing alcohol added.
In the past, Kikuizumi had also produced honjozo sake, but in order to make it easier to understand and want people to drink better quality sake, they unified it as the current ``Ginjo sake'' while keeping the price low.

In Kikuizumi,“May the joy continue for a long time”This is a famous sake that fills the hearts of its drinkers with joy and has won gold awards many times at sake competitions across the country.

The phantom pure rice sake “Tazake”

Nishida Sake Brewery's signature sake has captivated sake lovers across the country for many years due to its delicious taste and popularity, which is difficult to obtain."Tazake"。

Denshu is written as ``rice field sake.''

As the name suggests, it means a rice field where rice is harvested, the source of sake.We do not use any brewing alcohol or sugars produced outside of Japanese rice fields.This is a umami-tasting junmai sake that strongly emphasizes the flavor of rice.

Before the war, Nishida Sake Brewery only produced pure rice sake.
In 1970, the previous chairman, Kotaro Nishida,
“We want to return to the origins of sake and create authentic sake that conveys the taste of the rice fields.”
With this in mind, we began brewing pure rice sake.
After that, it took three years to commercialize the product, and in 1974, ``Tenzake'' was born.

At first, it did not sell well and was sluggish, but in 1981, seven years after its release, it won the best sake contest in Japan in the magazine Tokusengai, which sparked its popularity.
Since then, it has gradually gained recognition, including winning first place in the same magazine's "warm sake category."“Sake is delicious no matter how you drink it!”It spread nationwide.

President Tsukasa Nishida, a legend who drives the popularity of rice wine

What has been driving the popularity of rice wine for many years is“Aomori Legend”President Tsukasa Nishida, who is famous as

President Nishida, who was born in Aomori City, worked for a major electronics manufacturer after graduating from university."I want to work in the countryside"He started thinking about this and changed his job to his wife's family's Nishida Sake Brewery.
After that, he became managing director and then president in 2004.

Since I joined the company from a different industry, I had some difficulties working in sake brewing at first, but on the other hand, I was able to enjoy the unique skills of a career change group.Ideas that are not bound by “industry common sense”will bring about reforms at Nishida Sake Brewery.

In order to stabilize the quality of alcohol, we started by installing air conditioning in the storage area, and built a large refrigerated warehouse that can store 150,000 1-sho bottles.
We streamlined work flow by introducing a transportation crane to reduce the burden on brewers.

President Nishida is
「Customers will judge that if the same sake is made every year, it tastes worse than last year.
In order to accommodate these changes, we always make small changes every year in terms of raw materials, equipment, technology, etc.」

As he says, he has always set his goals on the unconventional and continues to evolve with new ideas.
This nimble and flexible ability to respond is perhaps the secret to the brewery's continued popularity.

In recognition of this achievement, in 2023,President Nishida is in the autumnReceived the Medal with Yellow Ribbon.
This is an achievement worthy of the name of a legend in Aomori and the local sake industry.
I look forward to the future evolution of Nishida Sake Brewery!

Sake that goes well with chocolate “Tasake Kijoshu Valentine Day”

Tasake's Valentine's Day limited edition bottle is Kijoshu! !

Regular sake is made from rice, rice malt, and water, but Kijoshu is unique in that it uses sake as part of the water.
This causes the sake to undergo fermentation once again in the mash, making the finished sake thick, rich, and sweet.

And, the sake used in this Tasake Kijoshu is a luxurious specification called “Tensake Special Junmai Sake”!

This year's sake has a sake content of -30, which is super sweet and has a rich taste, but the acidity tightens it up, making it a refreshing drink.
The rich yet not overpowering taste is just one word.
It goes great with chocolate, so why not give it as a Valentine's gift?♪

■Voters' recommendations■

Mr. N.A/Tottori Prefecture

I drank it for the first time around Valentine's Day last year. Since it is Kijoshu, it is sweet, so I think it would be even more delicious when paired with dessert.

■Tasake Kijoshu Valentine DaySpecs■

[Nishida Sake Brewery]
〒038-0059
46 Ohama, Amurakawa, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
TEL: 017-788-0007
HP:http://www.densyu.co.jp/

[2nd place] Kiyasho Sake Brewery

“Now”…If you like Japanese sake, you've probably heard of this brand!

The brewer, Kiyamasa Sake Brewery, was founded in 1818 (first year of the Bunsei era) in Nabari City, Mie Prefecture.
The first generation Shohachi Onishi took over the sake brewery ``Hotiya'' and changed the name to ``Kiya Tadashi'', which had previously been a lumber dealer.
The store and main building, which retains the atmosphere of those days, has been designated as a registered tangible cultural property.

Since its establishment, "Takasago", "Masamune Takaichi” has been brewed, and is the sixth generation brewer."Yukatsu Onishi"He launched the Jikon brand in 2005.

Kiyamasa Sake Brewery's sake brewing efforts areDon't be satisfied with the status quo and keep making improvements.”With this motto, we combine traditional manufacturing methods, careful preparation, and modern technology.

In addition, the climate and natural features of the Iga Basin, where the brewery is located, are suitable for sake brewing.We use spring water from the Nabari River for the brewing water and Yamada Nishiki from Iga for the rice, making the most of the benefits of nature and capturing the terroir of Nabari in our bottles.

And now

The sixth generation brewer, Yuikatsu Onishi, who gave birth to the present.
After graduating from Sophia University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, I started working as a researcher at a dairy company.
After leaving the company, he studied sake brewing at a brewing laboratory in Higashihiroshima before returning to the brewery.
After spending two years brewing sake under Tajima Toji, one of Japan's four major chief brewers, he made his debut as a chief brewer.

I brewed it as my own brand.NowIt is.
This is a Buddhist Zen teaching, and the name was inspired by a hanging scroll in the parlor of the storehouse, meaning ``to live in the present to the fullest, without getting caught up in the past or the future.''

The fresh and juicy taste that harmonizes sweetness and sourness has quickly become popular, and it is naturally extracted from the mineral-rich brewing water, raw rice, and koji."Bitter"It seems that there is also a commitment.
This bitterness tightens the mouth, and its complexity is said to harmonize with the meal.

The sixth generation brewer is

"At first glance, it seems that humans make alcohol, but in reality, good alcohol is produced by nurturing microorganisms such as koji mold and yeast. We prepare the environment for this."

As he says,Creating this environment is the secret to creating a sake that has the smoothness of an elegant ginjo sake, yet is easy to pair with meals.

Sake that goes well with chocolate “Jikon Junmai Daiginjo NABARI”

This Junmai Daiginjo is named after the city of Nabari in Mie Prefecture, where the brewery is located.

The production volume of Yamada Nishiki in Mie Prefecture isRanked 13th in the country, but in terms of special rice ratio3rd place nationwideThat's extremely high.
The reason for this is Mie Prefecture's soil, climate, and the experience of its producers.

``NABARI'' is our ``current flagship'' brewed with Yamada Nishiki from Nabari, which boasts the highest quality in Japan and is made by taking advantage of Nabari's natural features.
Its ability isSo much so that it is offered in first class on ANA international flights!

It has a gorgeous flavor, a rich texture, and is not heavy.
An overwhelming presence worthy of today's highest peak.
It's a drop of bliss that you'll want to drink on special occasions.

■Voters' recommendations■

Mr. N.S/Osaka Prefecture

I tried it at a sake bar and fell in love with its gorgeous aroma and ease of drinking.
I think it's a luxurious combination for someone like me who loves sake and chocolate.

■Now Junmai Daiginjo NABARI Specs■

[Kiyamasa Sake Brewery]
〒518-0726
314-1 Honmachi, Nabari City, Mie Prefecture
HP:https://kiyashow.com/

[3rd place] Kobu Sake Brewery

In the first year of Genroku (1688), at Bizen Hamajuku in Kashima City, Saga Prefecture.Founded.
During the Edo period, it flourished as a post town on the Nagasaki Kaido Tara Sumikan (Tara Kaido), and as a port town overlooking the Ariake Sea, the sake brewing and seafood processing industries continued to flourish even after the Meiji era.

Since its founding, Kobu Sake Brewery has been brewing brands such as "Kinpa" and "Mitsubu", and is one of the best breweries in Saga Prefecture."Kobu School"The brewery has produced so many master brewers that it is even called the ``chief brewer.''
In sake production, we also focus on ginjo, winning numerous awards at competitions.In recent years, we have received high praise at numerous competitions sponsored overseas, including the gold medal at the IWC (International Wine Challenge), the world's most prestigious competition.

In 1994, he started making shochu,"Invitation to the demon world"It has become the brewery's signature product and has won awards at Monde Selection, National Liquor Competition, etc. for many years.

Innovation from tradition

Kobu Sake Brewery isOur corporate philosophy is ``Sake brewing is about developing people.''"Innovation from within tradition"With this slogan, we accurately grasp the trends of the times, and while preserving the age-old tradition of sake brewing, our young brewers are brewing sake that is in line with the times.
Among these efforts, the one that took the world by stormManga collaboration projectis particularly impressive.
So far, we have developed numerous collaborations with ``Fist of the North Star'', ``City Hunter'', ``Kodoku no Gourmet'', and ``Salaryman Kintaro''.
In recent years, the collaboration with "Uma Musume Pretty Derby" has become a hot topic.

Sake that goes well with chocolate “Kimagure Dragon Kijoshu 2023”

What is Kimagure Dragon?Ryuichi Yoshida, the chief brewer at Kobu Sake Brewery, brews only one brew a year.【Brewing the sake you want to try the most right now]This is a brand that was launched based on this concept.
Therefore, even if the brand is the same, the quality of sake will have completely different tastes depending on the year.

Kimagure Dragon in 2023 will challenge Kijoshu!
The theme is"Rich Ina Miz ~ Mizuho Country Kanro"
Prepared with water (miz), rice (rice), and sake
It is a rich and very luxurious sweet sake.

■Voters' recommendations■

M.M/Saga Prefecture

The Kimagure Dragon series produces sake with an interesting concept that is filled with the thoughts of the brewer.
Last year's Kijoshu had a very good aroma, and it was like eating ripe fruit.
I think the level of planning and quality of Kijoshu is very high.

■Kimagure Dragon Kijoshu 2023 Specs■

[Kobu Sake Brewery]

〒849-1322
2421 Hamamachi Otsu, Kashima City, Saga Prefecture
TEL:0954-62-3033
HP:https://www.kinpa.jp/

List of sake breweries voted in the first round and their favorite voices

A total of 14 breweries were nominated in the first round of voting!
Thank you for participating in the ranking this time!

Not only the limited edition bottles available at events, but also regular products that can be paired with chocolate makes you feel the potential of sake!

voice of encouragement

Mr. N.S/Aomori Prefecture

[Sake: Miura Sake Brewery Toyosaka Patisserie Sake]
It is quite sweet with a sake content of -40, but the sweetness is elegant and fluffy.
This is a drink that goes well with chocolate and sweets.

Mr. M.K/Toyama Prefecture

[Oshizake: Ryujin Sake Brewery Oze's Thawing ~Padlock of Love~]
Not only is it fragrant, slightly sweet, and delicious, but its cuteness makes it perfect for events such as Valentine's Day.
Oze's melting snow is always delicious, but this design is especially cute and I like it.

Mr. K.N/Saga Prefecture

[Sake: Ryuhei Hayashi Sake Brewery Zanshin Special Junmai Omachi 60]
It had a bitter chocolate-like cacao scent, and I thought it would go well with chocolate.
He received the highest platinum award at France's world-famous competition "Clammaster".

Mr. K.O/Hokkaido

[Oshizake: Shiraki Kosuke Shoten Daruma Masamune 5 Year Old Sake]
The aged feel of old sake seems to go well with chocolate.

Breakdown of ranking voters

By age group

gender ratio

place of residence

Sake consumption frequency

Summary

What do you think of the ranking of sake that goes well with chocolate?♪

This time's TOP3 are

[1st place]Nishida Sake Brewery“Tasake Kijoshu Valentine Day”

[2nd place]Kiyamasa Sake Brewery“Now Junmai Daiginjo NABARI”

[3rd place]Kobu Sake Brewery“Kimagure Dragon Kijoshu 2023”

This is the result.

``Tazake Kijoshu'' is brewed with local sake, ``Jikon NABARI'' is brewed with the highest quality Yamada Nishiki from Nabari, and ``Kimagure Dragon'' is filled with the master brewer's commitment and passion.
All of these sakes have attractive backgrounds, and they are famous sakes that make you want to enjoy their taste.
And I would like to enjoy the rich marriage with chocolate.♪

Sake is a gift of Japanese culture that has the potential to harmonize with a variety of ingredients.
How about spending an elegant moment with chocolate once in a while?

In the future too“Oshizo culture”We will continue to spread the word, so please look forward to the next monthly recommended brewery ranking.♪

You can view past monthly recommended store ranking articles here!
↓　↓　↓

List of past monthly recommended storehouse ranking articles

Alcohol to give to colleagues at a farewell party

■Next theme: Alcohol to give to colleagues at a farewell party
■Recruitment period:① Primary Oshizo voting period: March 1st to March 3rd
② Final voting period: March 5th to 7th (everyone votes for the favorite brewery voted for in ①)

“Then this is definitely the place to go!”If you think so, please join the ranking and vote!
We look forward to your vote!

How can I participate in the monthly ranking?

“I want to spread my Oshizo more!” “I want to share my Oshizo with other people!” etc.
If you are interested in the monthly recommended store ranking, you can easily vote by following the steps below.

Would you like to work together to create a ``Oshigura culture'' and boost the sake industry?

It doesn't matter how famous you are or what prefecture you live in.
We are looking forward to your vote.♪

■Monthly Oshizo ranking recruitment period
①Primary Oshizo voting period: From 20th to 23rd of every month
② Final voting period: 25th to 27th of every month (everyone votes for the favorite brewery voted in ①)
■Tally announcement: Announced on each SNS and website at the beginning of every month.
■Presentation location：
・Hands-on SAKE Instagram
・Aisake Cream Instagram
・Hands-on SAKE HP

STEP 1

Register Hands-on SAKE official LINE.

STEP 2

Open the "Monthly recommended brewery ranking" tab in the menu and tap "Vote for this month's recommended brewery ranking."

STEP 3

Enter the voting details for the primary storehouse.

With the creator"Connect"
The thoughts of the creator"Peek"
our worldview"Spread"

Cheers with a hands-on pose again next time!

Jun sake writer While I am involved in manufacturing, I am also a sake writer.
I discovered the deliciousness of Japanese sake and was completely hooked.
I would like to spread the culture of Japanese sake.♪

Hobbies: Glasswork, traveling, futsal

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