Tamagawa Shizenjikomi Junmai Yamahai Ōmachi Muroka Namazake 2022 BY

Tamagawa Shizenjikomi Junmai Yamahai Ōmachi Muroka Namazake 2022 BY (玉川 自然仕込 純米酒 (山廃)雄町 無ろ過生原酒 2022BY) is made of Ōmachi rice milled to 66%. It is made following the Yamahai method without adding pure yeast cultures. The yeasts are exceptionally vigorous, so the average level of alcohol for these products at pressing is well over 20%. They are all enjoyed for their potent, complex flavours centred on the core of acidity and umami.

The 3U version comes in different rice strains: Kitanishiki rice (“Red Label”) and limited editions with Yamada Nishiki, Gohyakumangoku and Ōmachi. The Ōmachi version is brewed sweet. Combining the sweetness with the characteristic umami richness of this venerable rice strain makes for a unique and intense-flavoured sake. 3U stands for "undiluted," "unpasteurized," and "unfiltered" junmai.

Kinoshita Shuzō, in Kōyama, Kyōtango, Kyōto Prefecture, was founded in 1842 by the fifth head of the Kinoshita family, Kinoshita Zenbei (木下善兵衛), who reportedly used the harvest from almost thirty hectares of rice fields and the copious spring water gushing from the mountain behind the brewery.

The hereditary name Zenbei was passed down to the 6th and 7th generations. Then the company was led by the 8th, 9th and 10th generations (Sentaro, Zenichiro and Juichi, respectively) before being handed on to Kinoshita Yoshito, the current president and the 11th in line.

The brand name Tamagawa can be translated as "Jewel River." The name is thought to refer to the Kawakamidani River, which flows by the brewery. The character 玉 (tama) means a jewel and has sacred implications in Japan's native Shinto. 川 (kawa or gawa in compound words) means river.