PRODUCER PROFILE /
ARIMITSU SAKE BREWERY
Located in Aki City, Kochi Prefecture, where the Akano River and its renowned sweetfish can also be found, this relatively small brewery brings a playful and adventurous spirit to their craft. Some might have you believe that the name of their flagship range, Akitora – ‘The Tiger of Aki’ – is an ode to the the Hanshin Tigers baseball team, who use Aki City as their spring training grounds, but don’t be fooled – the name actually derives from Aki Kunitori, a feudal lord from the 16th Century with a fierce reputation who once resided in the local castle. Their sake, by contrast, adopts a welcoming demeanor with its mild flavor profiles.
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AKITORA Yamadanishiki 60% Polished Junmai
With a flavor slightly evocative of banana, giving way to clean savory notes and a refreshing aftertaste, each mouthful of this sake becomes a captivating voyage. Use of the traditional fune-style press demonstrates a level of meticulous care in brewing this sake compared to mainstream producers. Best enjoyed when chilled to 10°C, served in a broad, shallow vessel, and sipped as the temperature gradually rises, in order to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors.
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AKANO Niwatazumi Junmaiginjo
Part of the sister brand to the popular Akitora, the term niwatazumi encapsulates the poetic nature of rain water and its ephemeral passage from placid pool to rushing stream. This sake likewise adopts an unassuming nature before suddenly asserting itself on the palate. A subtle scent of banana rouses the appetite, followed by savory notes, a slight sweetness, and soft acidity – each of these elements harmonising to form an exquisite balance. A particularly good match for any cuisine featuring vinegar dishes.