Did you know that Japanese rice wine (sake) is manufactured in every prefecture of Japan and that local sake (Jizake) have characteristics specific to their region?
This interview is dedicated to all international fans of sake who have been restricted from visiting Japan due to the coronavirus pandemic..

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Honda Shoten's guiding principle in sake brewing is that "the taste of the rice is key in brewing rice wine." Most of their sakes are brewed from the "Yamada Nishiki" rice grown in Hyogo's Special A region, which produces the best quality rice.

Additionally, they have recently studied the soil for "Yamada Nishiki" cultivation, unraveling the soil's special features and unique components in different areas within the Special A region. They are using this knowledge for their sake brewing.

The taste and quality of wine can vary wildly depending on the region and vineyard that the grapes are from. The same goes for sake.
Honda Shoten is a brewery on a quest to unravel the Terroir of Yamada Nishiki.

The ultimate sake set for discovering how terroir impacts taste!
These 3 bottles of sake are brewed using the same method from the "Yamada Nishiki" rice grown in Honda Shoten's 3 different Special A regions, namely "Yashiro," "Tojo," and "Yokawa."

I tried it, and you can really tell the difference.
"Yashiro" exhibits the gentle and well-rounded taste peculiar to Yamada Nishiki, with minimal bitterness and astringency for a light finish.“Yashiro” exhibits the gentle and well-rounded taste peculiar to Yamada Nishiki, with minimal bitterness and astringency for a light finish.
"Tojo" has the perfect balance of tastes.“Tojo” has the perfect balance of tastes.
"Yokawa" has an intense flavor and high acidity.“Yokawa” has an intense flavor and high acidity.

The labels show the cross-section of the respective soils, so you can line them up and appreciate them visually, which will give you a better perspective on the differences.

"What is delicious?" It is different in every era and for every person. However, giving taste an identity connected to the land's natural features and cultures leads to dreams and romanticism, which will elevate it to a "Great Sake" that stands the test of time. That is why Honda Shoten is pursuing Terroir. We are also developing new types of rice for brewing sake. What kind of rice is it?
　 "It's still a secret. But do look forward to it!" he said.