Old Sake Bottle

[SGGHays]

Hello,

This past weekend I came across an old sake bottle stored in my basement. I believe it has been there for many years and I was wondering if someone could please help me determine what the bottle says and where this sake comes from. I've taken screenshots of the bottle to help. Any assistance is appreciated.

 

[Mike Cash]

It is from the Kenbishi Sake Brewing Company, located in Kobe City and founded in 1505. The particular sake is labeled "Kuromatsu" (Black Pine).

Bar codes didn't come into general use in Japan until the 1980s, so it is unlikely to be older than that. There is some text cut off in the picture showing the barcode, below and to the left of it. That may show the date. Could you photograph that part, please?

 

[SGGHays]

Thank you for the information Mike, here is a picture of the barcode:



Is this something that would be worth drinking still? Does the value increase?

 

[Mike Cash]

May 14, 1996

I know nothing about sake, but I can't imagine the years have harmed it any. This isn't the premium brand of the distillery (think Johnny Walker Red instead of one of the pricier colored labels like Black or Blue) so I doubt that it has any greatly increased value. Perhaps someone who actually knows something about sake will wander by and can give you a better answer.