Discovering 270 Years of History and Innovation: My Sake Brewery Experience at Chichibu Nishiki Yao Honten

On a cold winter morning, the mountains of Chichibu were hushed and still, enveloped in a mystical fog. In this nature-rich setting, I visited Yao Honten, the brewery of “Chichibu Nishiki,” which has a history of over 270 years.

Established in 1749: The Famous Sake “Chichibu Nishiki” Nurtured by Chichibu’s Climate

Founded in 1749, “Chichibu Nishiki” is born in Chichibu, a place blessed with all the conditions necessary for delicious sake brewing: high-quality water from the Arakawa water system originating from Mt. Kobushigatake, clear air, and a climate with large temperature differences.

While preserving the traditional taste and methods, the new flavors created by modern craftsmen have received high acclaim both domestically and internationally, including seven consecutive gold awards at the National New Sake Awards. It is truly a local sake that can only be made here, a fusion of Chichibu’s climate and the skills of its artisans.

Tasting Experience of Four Unique Varieties

At the tasting corner, I sampled four types of sake:

• Ginjo Sake Masuya Rihei: Fruity and floral aroma, with a refreshing taste.
• Special Junmai Sake: A well-balanced flavor with a strong umami from the rice.
• Kameguchi Sake Honjozo Unfiltered Nama Genshu: Rich and powerful, allowing you to fully enjoy the original umami of sake.
• Kasumi Junmai Sake Unfiltered Nama Genshu: Characterized by a fruity acidity reminiscent of white wine. This year, it has a stronger acidity than usual, with a crisp taste.

The rice used is all Miyama Nishiki from Nagano Prefecture. The unfiltered nama genshu has an alcohol content of 19%, the highest limit for sake. I felt the strength of Chichibu Nishiki in its rich flavor.

The staff at the tasting corner recommended drinking these rich Chichibu Nishiki varieties on the rocks. I tried it, and the rich flavor was mellowed, making it easier to drink.

A Globally Recognized Flavor: “Chichibu Nishiki Junmai Daiginjo Shijun”

“Chichibu Nishiki Junmai Daiginjo Shijun,” which won an award at the French sake competition “Kura Master.” Although this was not included in the tasting, I would like to introduce it.

This luxurious sake uses 100% Yamada Nishiki from Chichibu, polished to 35%. It is truly the supreme sake, brewed with the abundant water of Chichibu. It is said to be exclusively distributed in Japan and France, so if you find it, be sure to get your hands on it.

Chichibu Nishiki is also trying its hand at various sake brewing methods, such as using Yamada Nishiki from contracted farmers in Chichibu and a craft series using Omachi from Okayama Prefecture.

Enjoying the Aftertaste of Chichibu Nishiki with Sake Soft Serve Ice Cream

After the tasting, I enjoyed sake soft serve ice cream made with Chichibu Nishiki. It has a subtle sake flavor and a refreshing taste.

The History and Romance Told by 200-Year-Old Wood

In a corner of the brewery, wood that was used more than 200 years ago is on display. It is said that the wood, which was used as a sake brewing tool, was used to repair the brewery. I felt a sense of romance in the historical wood.

At Chichibu Nishiki Yao Honten, you can not only taste delicious sake but also experience the history and culture of sake brewing. Please come and experience the charm of Chichibu Nishiki.