Limited Edition
This is the flagship sake and first release of the limited brand KINO which was developed by Gensaka in 2021 based on the concept “return to farming” which is the literal translation of the Japanese Kanji characters for KINO 帰農. Gensaka believes that ultimately most industries including sake brewing has its origins in agricultural practice, so they developed this limited edition to support the continuity of rice farming in their region and particularly the cultivation of Ise Nishiki, a rice of local origin that was previously thought to be extinct. Above all Gensaka wanted KINO to be evocative of its rural origin, and to acknowledge that sake would not have been born without rice cultivation.
The sake rice Ise Nishiki which is thought by some in Mie to be one of the roots of Yamada Nishiki is a heritage grain with no cross breeding that was revived by Gensaka in 1989 after it disappeared from use after the 1940’s due to difficulties growing the tall rice plants and harvesting it. A group of local Mie sake breweries are intent on preserving the genes of Ise Nishiki by supporting its cultivation locally as it carries the history of their region.
This sake is made with traditional kimoto starter technique and has no additives during fermentation relying on the microorganisms in the brewery to produce this Junmai with flavours of steamed rice and grain, nuts and some spiciness from the high acidity. A calm, mellow sake expressing umami with a medium body, smooth and rounded mouth feel and a long finish.
- Brewery: GENSAKA SAKE BREWERY
- Classification: Junmai
- %ALC/VOL: 16%
- Net Volume: 720ml
- Rice: Organic Ise Nishiki grown in Mie Prefecture
- Rice Polishing Ratio: 65%
- SMV: Undisclosed
- Serve: Cold | Room Temp | Warm
- Matching Food: Braised and Grilled Meats; Barley Risotto, Pan-Fried Chicken, Offal, Giblets.