Japanese Sake Products
Information on hundreds of Sakes, including photos of bottles, spec sheets, and brewery information
Born Gokuhizo Junmai Daiginjo
Born Gokuhizo Junmai Daiginjo
Class: Junmai Daiginjo
Rice: Yamada Nishiki
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 35%
Brewery Location: Fukui
Food Pairings: Dishes prepared with butter, cheese and/or olive oil, as well as Japanese cuisine.
Tasting Notes: Born Gokuhizo was originally produced in 1968 with a rice polishing ratio of 40%, which translates to a 20-30% polishing ratio by today's standards. This was an incredible feat at the time since rice polishing technology was not as advanced as it is today, and breweries were submitting competition-grade sake with a 50% polishing ratio to the Annual Japan Sake Awards. Born Gokuhizo was the first Junmai Daiginjo sake commercially available in Japan in 1968. Born Gokuhizo is currently produced with a 35% rice polishing ratio due to improvements in rice polishing technology.
A splendid and elegant mélange of fresh and dried fruits, florals, spices, and earthiness on the nose. Smooth, round, and lush on the palate with a broad structure. Impact after impact, this sake carries the unique complexities characteristic of Born sake. This sake is a masterpiece that showcases the prestige of its historical brewery.
Awards:
2002 - 14th International Sake Festival, Sake Art Award & 1st Place Grand Prix
2022 - International Wine Challenge, Gold
2023 - Los Angeles International Wine Competition, Best of Class
2023 - Texsom Awards, Gold
Size: 720ml
Location: CA Distribution
Brewery: Kato Kichibee Shoten
Founded: 1860
Profile: Originally operating as a money exchange business and very deeply involved in the affairs of the community, in 1860 the village headman and founder became involved in sake brewing. For eleven generations, they have carried the Kichibee name, and in 1866 registered the name as a trademark. In Sanskrit, "Born" is translated roughly as purity/striking truth, and represents the brewery's strong belief in second changes and karmic rewards for hard work. In the beginning of the Showa era, the emperor used Born sake for Japan's ceremonies, festivals, and guests as Japan's representative brand.
