MIWA SHUZO DNA

Located in the mountains of Hiroshima Prefecture, Miwa Shuzo, the makers of Shinrai sake have been brewing sake for over 300 years. The subtle richness of their sake and elegant texture coming from the soft water used in the brewing process make this one of our favorite food pairing sake.

WATER

Shinrai uses two distinct water sources in their brewing process. Soft water drawn from a 15-meter well is used within the brewery and during the final stage of building the main fermentation. This soft water plays a crucial role in creating the refined texture and contributes to the smoothness in the sake. Conversely, hard water sourced from a 50-meter well is used in the fermentation starter and in the first  two additions in the sandan jikomi process. The unique properties of hard water contribute to the richness of the sake's flavor profile. By combining these two types of water, Shinrai achieves a harmonious balance that imparts rich flavors to the sake while also maintaining a smooth and elegant texture.

RICE

Miwa-san, the sake brewer at Shinrai, emphasizes the concept of expressing the region of Jinsekikogen through their sake. This dedication to regional identity is evident in their careful selection of locally grown rice varieties, Sendbon Nishiki and Hattan Nishiki, both of which are prefectural rice strains. Shinrai has established farm-direct contracts with local farmers who cultivate the rice specifically for their sake production. By using rice sourced directly from the region, Shinrai ensures that their sake embodies the essence of Jinsekikogen. The inclusion of these locally grown rice varieties imparts depth and layers of flavor to Shinrai's sake, further reinforcing its connection to the region and its unique terroir.

THE ULTIMATE FOOD SAKE

Shinrai sake is celebrated for its deep flavor and delightful acidity, rendering it an excellent companion for various types of food. One notable aspect enhancing its versatility with food is its adaptability to different serving temperatures that span from chilled to hot. The lighter styles of Shinrai sake exhibit a remarkable capability to complement not only lighter fare but also intense dishes from Indian to South East Asian cuisines. On the other hand, richer styles of Shinrai are ideally suited for pairing with yakitori, grilled dishes, and cheese. This adaptability and range of flavors make Shinrai sake a perfect accompaniment to a wide array of foods, enhancing the experience with each sip.

TERROIR

Expressing the terroir of Jinsekikogen in their sake is a paramount focus for the Shinrai brand. They achieve this by utilizing locally sourced rice and untreated, natural spring waters found beneath the brewery. However, Miwa-san, the sake brewer at Shinrai, takes the concept of terroir a step further looking to use the kimoto style in more of their sake production in the future. This traditional method relies on ambient lactic bacteria and yeast present in the brewery, allowing for a deeper connection to the local environment and its unique microbial flora.