Sanyōhai Shuzō Banshū Ikkon Chōkarakuchi

Sanyōhai Shuzō Banshū Ikkon Chōkarakuchi (山陽盃酒造 播州一献 超辛口) is the brewery's flagship dry sake and the foundation of its "Extra Dry" series. Brewed as a Junmai from Hyōgo Kitanishiki rice polished to 60%, it is a modern interpretation of the classic chōkarakuchi style. A restrained aroma of steamed rice, cereals, and delicate herbs leads to a medium-bodied palate with pronounced umami and a crisp, refreshing finish. Rather than relying solely on high dryness, it balances texture, acidity and savoury richness, allowing the character of the rice to shine through. Designed to complement food, it is especially well suited to sushi and seafood, while its clean finish makes it a versatile companion to a wide range of Japanese cuisine.

Founded in 1837, Sanyōhai Shuzō is located in Shisō, Hyōgo Prefecture, in the heart of the Banshū (Harima) region, one of Japan's premier sake-rice growing areas. The brewery's flagship brand, Banshū Ikkon (播州一献), reflects its commitment to local ingredients: "Banshū" refers to the historic region, while ikkon means "a cup of sake", expressing the brewery's wish to craft sake that naturally belongs on the dining table. The brewery uses soft groundwater from the Ibo River basin together with Hyōgo-grown sake rice, including Yamada Nishiki, Hyōgo Kita Nishiki, and Hyōgo Yumenishiki. Today, it is run by the sixth-generation Tsubosaka family, while seventh-generation brewer Yuichi Tsubosaka has served as tōji since 2015. One of the brewery's distinctive features is its use of the historic Akenobe Mine as a natural cellar, where selected sake is matured year-round at a stable temperature of around 12°C.