Retsu Junmai Daiginjō Sparkling Nigori

Retsu Junmai Daiginjō Sparkling Nigori (洌 純米大吟醸 発泡にごり) is made of Dewasanzan rice (21% kōjimai) and Yamadanishiki (79% kakemai) milled to 50%. The yeast is a blend of two types of Yamagata yeast called KA and 16-1. Brewed using Yamagata yeast strain No. 16-1, it has a restrained aroma and sharp, well-defined flavour profile. Rather than being shipped immediately after production, this sake is aged to allow its character and complexity to develop over time. The production process is labour-intensive, reflecting a focus on careful maturation.

The brewery describes the aroma as delicate and understated: a faint note reminiscent of fresh apple is followed by a gentle spread of sweetness and umami across the palate. Despite its classification as a Junmai Daiginjō, the sake exhibited a relatively sharp finish.

The SMV is listed at +9.0, indicating a relatively dry profile; however, the overall impression was not excessive dryness. It displays a balanced integration of sweetness, umami, acidity, and sharpness. The serving temperature is versatile: when chilled, it offers a crisp and refreshing character, while room-temperature or warmed servings tend to enhance its depth and roundness. Suggestions include enjoying it chilled as an aperitif or gradually warming it to room temperature to accompany a main course, highlighting its evolving flavour profile.

Tōkō Brewery in Yonezawa, Yamagata, has been operating continuously since 1597. Its beer is brewed in Kojima Sōhonten (小嶋総本店), which later became a purveyor to the Uesugi Family . The brewery and the adjacent Tōkō Sake Museum are just a stone's throw away from Yonezawa Castle.

Kojima Sōhonten was founded by Kojima Yazaemon in 1597 when he established Kojima Sakaya. During that time, Yonezawa was a territory of the Gamō clan, and Kojima Sakaya was responsible for brewing sake and running a pawnshop. Six years after the foundation of Kojima Sakaya, the Tokugawa shogunate was established in Edo. At the beginning of the Edo period , Uesugi Kanekatsu was assigned to relocate to Yonezawa. The Uesugi clan then remained in charge of the domain until the end of the Edo period.

Under the Uesugi clan, Kojima Sakaya became a purveyor to the family as a sake brewer. Even after alcohol prohibition began during a famine, they were among the few brewers permitted to continue operation. Kojima Sakaya has been operating in the exact location since at least the middle of the Edo period. In 1757, due to his contributions to the Uesugi clan and Yonezawa, Kojima Yazaemon was awarded the position of ward head and the family was permitted to use surnames and carry swords. Since then, the Kojima family has been treated as samurai and, in the Meiji period , is said to be shizoku (a descendant of a samurai).

Kojima Sakaya, the private industry of Kojima Yazaemon, became a stock company as Kojima Sōhonten in 1952. The name "Kojima Sohonten", meaning "the original", was chosen as more brewers, wholesalers, and retailers of alcohol products in Yonezawa named "Kojima" appeared. Most of these other companies were run by relatives of Kojima Yazaemon.

The Tōkō Sake Museum has the largest brewery exhibition in Tōhoku. It is housed in an original building built using the traditional method, which uses no nails. The brewery was later awarded the Yonezawa City Scenery Award. The Crown Prince and Princess visited the museum in 2003, and the 23rd Kojima Yazaemon (the current chairman) personally escorted them.

Tōkō won first place in Daiginjō in the International Wine Challenge 2014 sake competition, the world's largest yearly wine competition. The brewery received the award in London. Since then, it has been exported to more than ten countries.