The Big Dream of a Small Brewery that Awarded the Highest Award at KURA MASTER
For sake lovers, success on the international stage is not just a dream, but a moment that can become a reality. This is successfully demonstrated by “Chiebijin” from Nakano Shuzo, located in Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture. CHIEBIJIN Junmai-shu won the President’s Award, the top prize, at the prestigious KURA MASTER sake competition held in France in 2018, beating out fierce competition from 650 other brands. The value and prestige of this event is very high, as it is based on a very strict evaluation process in which top French sommeliers and officials from three-star restaurants conduct blind tastings.
The reason why “Chiebijin” won the award is because of its unique aroma and flavor. It is characterized by a fresh aroma with a hint of fresh apple, ripe fruit, and a gentle, soft rice sweetness, which are exquisitely fused to bring out the umami and a clear finish. This sake is truly a masterpiece to be enjoyed chilled in a wine glass.
Nakano Shuzo is a small but family-owned brewery that has been committed to quality since its establishment in 1874. With only eight employees, the new brand “Chiebijin-ちえびじん” was launched in 2009 under the leadership of Atsuyuki Nakano, the sixth president. In the background of this brand is a strong desire to produce delicious junmai sake and a desire to make the younger generation discover the wonders of sake. Chiebijin is carefully crafted using high-quality water and Yamada-Nishiki sake rice produced by local contract farmers, and is highly appreciated both in Japan and abroad.
The success of “Chiebijin” has shown that this small brewery can play on the world stage, contributing to the legacy and innovation of Japanese sake culture. The brewery’s commitment to preserving traditional methods and trying new ones has inspired many people. Believing in the infinite possibilities of sake, Nakano Sake Brewery continues to introduce its charms to the world against the backdrop of the rich nature and support of the people of its hometown, Kitsuki City. Through the awarding of the Chiebijin, this effort and passion proved that the world has recognized the diversity and depth of sake.
This glorious award is a shining ray of hope, not only for Nakano Sake Brewery, but also for small breweries throughout Japan, showing that success on the international stage is possible. The new chapter opened by Nakano Shuzo’s “Chiebijin” was a major step forward in spreading the appeal of sake throughout the global market. (Mr. Bacchus)
