Sake Industry News. Issue #171.
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Sake Industry News. Issue #171.
The God Of Sake, Ishikawa brewer’s association, haccoba Making New Thais, Mizutani Shuzō rebuild, HAYASHI (囃子) non-alcoholic sake, All Aboard The Sake Train, 44° Latitude North (Hokui 44) and more!
Welcome to Issue #171 of SIN.
The first shiboritate shin-shu are already appearing on the market, letting us know that the brewing season is well underway for many breweries.
As we said this time last year, it’s an interesting time on the sake calendar when matured autumnal hiyaoroshi sake finds itself sitting alongside the freshest of fresh, zippy new sake, begging the question: just what are we supposed to be drinking right now?
Nevermind. There’s no need to let the calendar dictate what you drink. Enjoy what you like, when you like. That’s our motto.
And now for the news…
True Recognition For The God Of Sake
Ishikawa- Naohiko Noguchi, the legendary 93-year-old brewer widely regarded as one of Japan’s most influential figures in modern sake brewing, has been selected for recognition as a Living National Treasure (Ningen Kokuhō) for his expertise in ginjō sake production.
The recommendation, announced by Japan’s Council for Cultural Affairs on October 16, marks the first time an individual has been selected for this prestigious designation in the field of traditional lifestyle culture.
Noguchi began brewing at a youthful 16-years old and became tōji at Ishikawa Prefecture’s Kikuhime at just 28. He went on to become one of the pioneers of commercial production of ginjō sake in the 1960s, well before its widespread popularity. With more than 70 years of brewing experience, he continues to oversee production at the Naohiko Noguchi Sake Institute in Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, where he trains seven apprentices. His recognition represents a significant milestone in the preservation of traditional Japanese sake brewing craftsmanship.
Source - Nikkei | Yomiuri
JG: Not to flex, but I have had the privilege of meeting and cooperating with Mr. Noguchi a handful of times over the past ten years or so. It’s awe-inspiring to just be in the same room - and admittedly, a bit intimidating. And he is still actively brewing! Clearly, he is most deserving of the designation; congratulations to the Living National Treasure Mr. Naohiko Noguchi.
Ishikawa Comes Together
Ishikawa- So, apparently Ishikawa Prefecture’s brewer’s association was split into five separate regional associations. We found this out by learning that as of October 1 they have merged to create a single organisation, the Ishikawa Prefecture Sake Brewers Association...
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