Minakata Chōkarakuchi Junmai

Minakata Chōkarakuchi Junmai (南方 超辛口純米酒) is made of Yamadanishiki rice milled to 60%. Minakata (南方) is a brand named after Minakata Kumagusu, a naturalist and a "giant of knowledge" born in Kishū. This Junmai has an ultra-dry finish and a clean, sharp taste that brings out the umami of the rice, making it a sake that you can enjoy for its lingering aftertaste.

Sekai Ittō Brewery is located in Wakayama City. It was founded in 1884, when Minakata Yaemon (南方弥右衛門), the father of the naturalist Minakata Kumagusu, inherited rice warehouses from the former daimyō of Kishū and established a sake brewery. In 1890, Minakata Tsunenaga (南方常楠), Kumagusu's brother, took over the business. Initially producing 3,000 koku of sake, it quickly gained recognition, ranking 21st in national production. In 1907, statesman Okuma Shigenobu bestowed the name "Sekai Itto" (Uniting the World) upon the brewery's sake.

The company experienced significant growth, establishing breweries in Nishimiya, Hyōgo Prefecture (1910) and Saijō, Hiroshima Prefecture (1937). This expansion facilitated distribution throughout Japan, as well as to Korea and China. Following World War II, the brewery faced challenges, losing all production facilities in the 1945 Wakayama air raid. However, it quickly rebuilt and continued its operations.

Later, the brewery achieved significant milestones, including the launch of its flagship Ginjō "Ichi" brand, the construction of its headquarters on the historic site of the Gakushukan school, and the modernisation of its brewing processes. It garnered international recognition with the Platinum Award at Sake China for its Daiginjō Gokusen Minakata. The "Minakata" series, named after the brewery owner, became a cornerstone of its brand, and the company expanded its product line to include liqueurs and other beverages.