Toyoka Orange Label Junmai Ginjō (Hitogokochi 59%, Muroka Namagenshu 2025)

Toyoka Orange Label Hitogokochi 59% Junmai Ginjō (Nagano D Yeast), Nakadori Muroka Namagenshu 2025 (豊賀 オレンジラベル ひとごこち59% 純米吟醸 長野D酵母 中取り無濾過生原酒 2025) is crafted by the husband-and-wife team at Nagano's Takazawa Sake Brewery and features 100% Nagano-grown Hitogokochi rice. Nakadori Muroka Nama Genshu means "middle-press" cut, bottled unfiltered, unpasteurized, and undiluted to preserve its raw, vibrant character. Polished to 59%, it opens with a gentle aroma of ripe grapes, followed by a harmonious palate where rich rice umami and natural sweetness are perfectly balanced by crisp 1.8 acidity. With its clean finish and balanced SMV of +1.0, this artisanal junmai ginjō offers a fresh, full-bodied experience that highlights the sophisticated brewing style of master brewer Kayoko Takazawa.

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 sake, especially the coveted "Toyoka," is prized by discerning connoisseurs and stands as a testament to Nagano's exceptional brewing heritage.

The name "Toyoka" derives from the single character "ka" (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 Toyokanome, a deity currently enshrined as Toyouke no Okami at the Geku (Outer Shrine) of Ise Grand Shrine . She made sake, said to cure all illnesses with a single drink, and is said to have brought happiness to many people. The legend of Hagoromo Tennyo, which is connected to sake, caught Kayoko's eye. She named it "Toyoka," combining her own name and her passion for sake brewing.