IN TERMS OF DRINKING, KYUHEI OFTEN EMPHASIZES THAT YOU SHOULD TASTE HIS SAKE USING A WINE GLASS—REMEMBER THIS! WHEN POURING INTO THE GLASS, THE CLEAR COLOR OF THE SAKE IS PARTICULARLY ATTRACTIVE IN A WHITE WINE GLASS. THE AROMA HAS THE CLASSIC SWEETNESS OF YAMADANISHIKI, SIMILAR TO THAT OF A HONEYDEW MELON. THE INITIAL TASTE IS VERY ELEGANT, WITH PEACH AND HONEYDEW MELON AROMAS, ACCOMPANIED BY THE SCENTS OF GRASS AND ROSE PETALS GLIDING THROUGH THE MOUTH. IN THE MID-TO-LATE STAGES, THE FLAVOR BECOMES CLEAR, WITH A SLIGHT HINT OF THE SWEETNESS AND ACIDITY OF CITRUS PEEL. THE FROZEN SAKE SLIDES DOWN THE THROAT, MUCH LIKE THE BRISKNESS OF WHITE LIQUOR, YET RETAINS THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SAKE. IT'S DELICIOUS, AND IT'S A PERFECT MATCH WITH WESTERN CUISINE!

The brand name "Ninokoji Kyoheiji" originates from the 15th-generation owner and brewer of the sake brewery, Hisao Kunoji. He is deeply passionate about researching French wines, believing that wine, like sake, is a brewed beverage and that both place great emphasis on the quality of their raw materials (rice vs. grapes). Since wine has gained international acclaim, he believes sake can achieve the same. Therefore, he has drawn many references from wine-making methods in terms of brewing and expression techniques, most notably by indicating the production year of the sake rice on each bottle. In 2010, Kunoji purchased a piece of farmland in Kuroda-cho, Hyogo Prefecture, to grow his own sake rice and understand how it changes with variations in soil and environment. In 2015, he also bought a vineyard in France for his employees to research and produce red wine. He hopes to learn from each other's brewing experiences between wine and sake, sparking new inspiration. As an extremely passionate brewer, it's no wonder he can create such exquisite sake.

Kubonji is brewed by Mansei Shuzo located in Nagoya. The brewery was established in 1647. Although it has a very long history, it did not become widely known until the Kubonji brand was launched in 1997. After its birth, Kubonji has been ranked first/second in the saketime sake rankings in Aichi Prefecture for a long time and is well worth trying.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY KYOHEI BUT LACKED THE OPPORTUNITY? OR DO YOU FIND IT DIFFICULT TO GET STARTED WITH KYOHEI'S FRENCH WINE NAMES? EVERYTHING CAN START WITH THIS KOSHU NISHIKI EAU DU DÉSIR!