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Nanbu Bijin –
Ancient Pillars
"Very pale color. Complex, subtly saline aromas of
lemon, lime zest, white rose and mint; also in a high-pitched, rather
“northern” style. Very suave on entry, then rich and fine-grained, with
terrific aromatic lift in the middle palate. Broader than the Divine
Droplets: this really spreads out and melts into the tongue. Finishes
very long, with noteworthy finesse. The alcohol here is actually a
rather high 17.9%. This brewery is built around the well that supplies
its water." 94 points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,
Online Only, Aug. 2007
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Quality Grade:
Junmai
Daiginjo
(at least 50% of rice grain polished away)
Seimaibuai:
35% (65%
of rice grain polished away)
Rice:
Yamada
Nishiki
Nihonshu-do: +3
Alcohol: 17.9%
Acidity: 1.4
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Tasting Notes: A
prominent fragrance, a clean and fresh taste, with flavor deep into the
recesses. Truly one of the "Rolls-Royces" of Sake.
Brewery Name:
Nanbu Bijin (founded in
1915).
Brewery Location:
Iwate Prefecture
Toji (Master Brewer):
Mr. Hajime Yamaguchi
Notable Facts:
Their toji has
been with them since 1964 and has won countless awards. In 1992, he was
selected by the Ministry of Labor as one of the "100 Great Craftsmen".
Nanbu Bijin brews only about 200 kiloliters of sake a year, which allows
them to control quality to suit their high standards. The brewery is
literally built around a well that supplies the pristine water for the
sake brewing process.
About the Name:
the
kura (brewery building) is a gorgeous, all-wood, traditional structure.
Its ancient , thick pillars and their
shining dark color convey the long history of the place.
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