From maker of koji to maker of sake
The Hachinohe Shurui Sake Brewery has its originsl in a family businessoriginally focused on making koji. The move from koji to sake production took place in 1889. In 1944, following a wartime government order, this business was incorporated into Hachinohe Shurui Sake Brewery, under which it operated as the Number Five Brewery.
A label with the freshness and lightness of apples
Both name and bottle allude to this sake’s distinguishing characteristic, iits pronounced aromas of fresh apples.
The choice of a and simple but elegant label design of three red apples is easy to understand – but what about the name?
A little Japanese and French goes a long way – “Ringo” and “Pomme” are the respective Japanese and French words for apple.
From the neck of the bottle, an apple leaf label swings gently – within is written a short story about “Ringo Pomme Pomme”, in the style of a children’s book.
“Once upon a time, a bee mistook a bottle of Ringo Pomme Pomme for an apple. Feeling slightly tipsy, the bee made his way back to the nest…”
One of the preeminent water sources in Aomori, soft water ideal for brewing
The brewery sources its water from 3 different wells located about the premises, overflowing with limpid water that is soft and perfectly suited for low-temperature, slow ferment.
Researchers at the top institutes consider them to be one of the top-class sources in the prefecture, no small feat given Aomori’s reputation – these are famous sources considered optimal for brewing.
Levels of minerals such as iron and manganese, which can have a negative effect on the brewing process, are incredibly low. Taking advantage of this, as well as Gonohe’s bitterly cold conditions in winter, which allow for a long fermentation at low temperatures, the resulting sake is extremely pure and transparent.
This famous water is used for each and every sake the brewery produces.
Base ingredients: nothing but rice and rice malt. Refreshing and balanced sake with a flavour of apples
Recently, low-alcohol, high-acidity styles of sake have been gathering attention in the sake world.
Backed up by the Toji’s years of research and experience, we have collaborated with Hachinohe Shurui to make a perfectly balanced sake. With apple flavours derived from careful yeast selection, a low ABV of 7%, high acidity, and a refreshing finish and a gentle, sweetness, it is the pride of Aomori Prefecture, the kingdom of apples.
Highly awarded at a range of competitions
Hachinohe Shurui is an Aomori brewery known for its main brands “Joku” and “Hachitsuru”.
It has gained increasing recognition in recent years having received awards at a number of ceremonies, including a gold medal at the National Research Institute of Brewing’s National New Sake Appraisal.
In 2019 in particular, the gold medals and first place awards received for the Joku Kinsen indicated the remarkable increase in quality at this brewery.
Notable Awards and Prizes for the Hachinohe Shurui Sake Brewery
National New Sake Appraisal.
2011: Awarded
2012: Awarded (Gold Medal)
2013: Awarded (Gold Medal)
2014: Awarded
2015: Awarded (Gold Medal)
2016: Awarded (Gold Medal)
2017: Awarded (Gold Medal)
2018: Awarded (Gold Medal)
2019: Awarded (Gold Medal)
2020: Awarded
2021: Awarded (Gold Medal)
IWC
2013 GOLD MEDAL – Hanaomoi Junmai Daiginjo
2013 SILVER MEDAL – Daiginjo
2015 BRONZE MEDAL – Junmai Ginjo
2016 SILVER MEDAL – Fukuyoka Junmai Yamahai-jikomi
2016 SILVER MEDAL – Hanaomoi Junmai Daiginjo
2017 BRONZE MEDAL – Hanaomoi Junmai Daiginjo
2018 Junmai Category SILVER MEDAL – Fukuyoka Junmai Yamahai-jikomi
2018 Daiginjo Category SILVER MEDAL – Daiginjo
2018 BRONZE MEDAL – Hanaomoi Junmai Daiginjo
2019 BRONZE MEDAL – Junmai Ginjo Kimoto-zukuri
