Toyoka Natsu Junmai Shirakabanishiki

Toyoka Natsu Junmai Shirakabanishiki (豊賀 水色ラベル 夏純米 しらかば錦70% 長野C酵母 瓶燗火入れ 2022) is made of Shirakabanishiki rice grown in Nagano and milled to 70%. Takazawa Brewery uses Nagano C yeast. Toyoka summer sake offers a delightful drinking experience with a refreshing and creamy fruit aroma, greeted by a smooth, rich sweetness that gently expands, revealing a wonderful fruitiness.

Takazawa Shuzō, established in 1902 by Takazawa Ichisuke, a farmer, is a charming brewery nestled south of Obuse town in Nagano Prefecture. Its white-walled building, accented by black pillars, exudes a timeless elegance. While renowned for its flagship brand, "Yonekawa," Takazawa also crafts the limited-edition "Toyoka" specifically for the Tokyo market.

A unique family partnership drives the brewery, with Takazawa Kayoko, the daughter, serving as the tōji (brewmaster). Together with her husband, Takazawa Akihiko, she creates sakes that reflect their deep-rooted bond. Their brews have a delightful balance of sweet and tart fruit flavours, a citrusy undertone, and a surprising depth of character.

Takazawa Shuzō has garnered acclaim, even featuring in the famous sake manga, "Ippon—Happiness of Sake." Their sakes, especially the coveted "Toyoka," are prized by discerning connoisseurs and stand as a testament to Nagano's exceptional brewing heritage.

The name "Toyoka" derives from the single character "ga" (賀), which is Kayoko's name, and Toyokano-me (豊宇賀能売命), a celestial maiden who appears in Japanese mythology. This celestial maiden, known as the Legend of Hagoromo Tennyo (羽衣天女伝説), appears in the Japanese mythology "Tango no Kuni Fudoki" (丹後国風土記) and is said to be Toyoganome, a deity currently enshrined as Toyouke no Okami at the Geku (Outer Shrine) of Ise Grand Shrine. She made sake that was said to cure all illnesses with a single drink, and it is said that she brought happiness to many people with that sake. The legend of Hagoromo Tennyo, which is connected to sake, caught Kayoko's eye. She named it "Toyoga," combining her own name and her passion for sake brewing.