Previously, I posted that Jizake is sake made in a certain region. The sake I would like to introduce this time is a representative sake of Hokkaido Jizake. The sake is Kita no Katsu Taikai. And I would describe this sake as “This is the Jizake of Hokkaido”.
It is made by Usui Katsusaburo Shoten in Nemuro City, located at the easternmost tip of Hokkaido. The company is very unusual, as it does not have a website, and the company name does not include the words “brewery” or “kura”. I am also interested in this company, so I would like to visit it and write an article about it.
Now, let me tell you why I describe this sake as “This is the Jizake of Hokkaido”. 80% of the production of this sake is consumed in the local Nemuro area and the surrounding area. The remaining 20% is also consumed almost entirely within Hokkaido. It is a perfect example of local production and consumption, and a top performer of Jizake.
And this sake is really delicious. It has the perfect balance of umami, sweetness, and acidity. That said, it is not cloyingly sweet, and has a nice sharpness. It’s just perfect. Nothing to complain about.
Here’s a story that proves just how delicious this sake is. I visit my parents and siblings in my hometown several times a year. When I visit them, I bring along a famous premium sake for the home party. We usually start the party with a toast with premium sake, but after an hour, even though the premium sake is still there, Kita no katsu Taikai appears on the table. And everyone keeps drinking Kita no katsu Taikai until the very end of the party. This has happened many times. So, if you have the opportunity to visit Hokkaido and drink sake, I urge you to try Kita no katsu Taikai. I believe you will find that it will never disappoint.
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