Takanoi Iono Tokubetsu Junmai

Takanoi Iono Tokubetsu Junmai (高の井 伊乎乃 特別純米) is made of Gohyakumangoku grown in Niigata and milled to 60%. Its sharp mouthfeel gradually gives way to a gentle aftertaste, like a balloon soaring out of a silvery white land.

The name "Iono" comes from the old name for Uonuma. The series' labels are decorated with scenes from Uonuma's traditional culture; the Tokubetsu Junmai displays the early spring Ballon Festival in Ojiya, Niigata.

The Iono (伊乎乃) series is a collaboration between wine importer Mottox Co. and Takanoi Brewery.

Takanoi Brewery, founded in 1955, is located in Ojiya, Niigata. In 1987, Takani was the first brewery in Japan to store sake in snow, with the entire tank buried in the snow. By storing the freshly squeezed raw sake, the unique maturation increases its softness and flavour while retaining its freshness.

Clean air is essential for sake brewing, which uses micro-organisms such as kōji and yeast bacteria. The winters in Ojiya are cold and humid, and the temperature is stable at low levels. The temperature in the brewery is almost constant at about 5°C throughout the day, with no extreme temperature changes. Sake brewed at low temperatures over a long period is managed by the master brewer and the brewery staff and grows gently and honestly. The result is a soft, fine-grained, light and mellow sake.

Visitors can tour the brewery with employees and experience the aromas and sounds of the brewing process. After the tour, they can sample and buy standard and seasonal sake at the brewery's direct sales outlet. The tours take place between 10:30 and 13:30 and are limited to ten people. Reservations are required.