
Kobayashi Shuzo, founded in 1872 in Koyama City, Tochigi, named its brand Houou Biden to honor both the legendary phoenix (houou) and the fertile rice paddies (biden) surrounding the kura. The 'Kamesui' expression takes its name from the sacred Goshinsui spring water drawn from the Nikko mountain system, a soft, mineral-delicate groundwater that permeates the brewery's terroir. Under the direction of female toji Mayumi Kobayashi, the brewery shifted its focus almost entirely to junmai ginjo and junmai daiginjo grades, rejecting the addition of distilled alcohol. This Junmai Daiginjo showcases the aromatic richness and refined texture that have made Houou Biden one of the most sought-after craft sake brands out of Tochigi Prefecture.
Feb 05, 2024, 2:47 AM