The name Chiyomusubi (eternal bond) that has accompanied the brewery’s journey from its beginnings, describes perfectly its character, one that values relations with local producers who keep centuries-old traditions alive, preserving the culture of the region. It is this unbreakable bond between the brewery and the local population, in my view, that allows Chiyomusubi to stand out among others through its rare and high-quality ingredients.

This month I will introduce the beauty and the products of this fascinating brewery in detail. Let me now take you on a journey to Chiyomusubi brewery!

 

The location

Arriving at Sakaiminato Station after a relaxing journey on a scenic train, visitors are welcomed by a peculiar and curious scenery. At the exit of the station, stand the Yokai (monsters) that populate the popular manga Kitaro, ready to welcome those who step foot in this eccentric city.

But there is nothing to fear! These adorable monsters are a homage to the writer of the manga, Mizuki Shigeru, who was born and raised in this city. Kitaro Road especially, where Chiyomusubi stands, is like a window to a different dimension, one that gives vistors the feeling of being transported into the manga itself. Everywhere are Kitaro-themed things, from statues to objects to restaurants. 

A recommendation to every visitor would be to try finding all the Kitaro-themed objects in the city. While it sounds easy, there are plenty hidden where you do not expect them, so it is more difficult than it sounds!

It is perhaps this fun atmosphere, popular both among children and adults, that brings many to step foot into the city.

After looking at the little monsters, one is suddenly left speechless by the presence of a giant ferry! While being a small city, Sakaiminato has an international and ever-expanding port that connects it to cities all over the world. 

Although the atmosphere created by the Yokai around the city creates a truly enjoyable and fun, there is much more to Sakaiminato. Despite being a very small city with only thirty-three thousand inhabitants, this city is the third biggest fishing spot in Japan, making it a must visit for seafood lovers! The city is nicknamed "the kingdom of maguro", and as such is well known for its tuna as well as crabs, which are just a small part of the excellent culinary scene of this city.

 

The Sakes

What makes Chiyomusubi Shuzo special, in my eyes, is the unparalleled fascination and respect for the local products and the people behind them.

It is exactly this love for Sakaiminato that allows them to create sakes with the freshest flavours and with unparalleled notes of originality.

This is the reason why they leave their sakes unfiltered. Every product maintains their original flavours and textures to provide customers all over the world with the feeling of drinking something that has been freshly made in front of their eyes.

And it is true, no matter where you are, opening the bottle transports you to the brewery, taking you on a journey to Japan through the sake’s fresh and natural flavours. A dream indeed for sake lovers who live outside of the country!

How can they achieve these results, you ask?

Bottling the sake unfiltered helps but, that the attention that goes into choosing and sourcing the ingredients plays a key role too. Let me explain how:

First, the water not only comes from nearby mountains, ensuring both freshness and quality but it is also sourced by hand by the brewers themselves that go to the mountains every day to collect it themselves. A clear proof of this brewery’s dedication to the terroir!

Second, the rice that is used by Chiyomusubi in their sakes belongs to a variety that can only be found in the region of Tottori, making it without doubts a unique product in Japan. 

This rice, known as Goriki, hides the most fascinating story that truly shows the brewery’s connection to the land!

Its production was in fact discontinued for years after the Second World War due to the difficulty that farmers faced in producing this variety of rice, renowned to be hard to be cultivated. After years and years of research and trials, its production was restored by local producers, becoming now a symbol of the region of Tottori and a base for Chiyomusubi’s beloved sakes.

And let me tell you; this effort is translated in every single bottle, that conveys thousands of emotions in a single sip.

The Japanese name "強力", meaning "power and strength" indicates the strength of this type of rice, so expect deep flavours that you cannot find anywhere else!

Third, the brewery operates with an utmost respect for the traditional sake-making processes, which are then combined with adjustments from the brewery to create original but comforting flavours, easily accessible to everyone.

This can be seen in the production of the yeast in the brewery itself (a key ingredient that determines the taste of the sake- and what better than homemade!);

the fermentation done following ancient traditions and using traditional tools;

and the cooling of the rice done by hand by the brewers to ensure a smooth and tasty finish.

The result? A combination of original flavours with comfortable notes and the highest-quality finish, worth a whole journey on a ferry!

 

The pairings

Being in one of the most important fishing spots in Japan, Chiyomusubi is surrounded by an array of fresh products from the sea, which makes seafood the primary pairing for their sakes. But there is no need to worry, the brewery offers plenty of options to accompany sweets and meat-based meals as well, allowing to bring a taste of Japan to meals around the world!

There is so much I could recommend from this brewery, but I will only introduce a few products here that I believe should definitely be tried out:

Chiyomusubi Junmai Ginjo Goriki 50: Made with the unique Goriki Rice, it has summery notes of pineapple and strawberry, and is an extremely versatile sake, perfect for every occasion. It goes perfectly, in fact, with Asian dishes such as sweet and sour pork and yakitori but, complements softer flavours such as tofu and different types of vegetables.

Chiyomusubi Sorah: An aromatic sparkling with notes such as mint and other botanicals, this is a refreshing sake perfect for a summery meal at the beach. Pair with seafood, oyster and salmon tartare to  bring out all the flavours of these dishes.

Chiyomusubi Umegatari: A natural plum sake with touches of red shiso, hibiscus tea, mint, lemongrass and hints of marzipan, this umeshu is a journey on the palate. Exquisite on its own enjoyed either chilled, with ice or even mixed with some soda for a relaxing evening at home.

Chiyomusubi Ultra Peach: A very summery and refreshing drink made with 40% peach juice, this sake provides you with the feeling of eating sweet Japanese peaches. Perfect enjoyed on its own, whether straight, on the rock or mixed with soda to bring a taste of Japanese summer to your day.

Chiyomusubi Ultra Yuzu: Made with 25% of natural yuzu, this is a fantastic drink for warm and sunny afternoons. Enriched with notes of grapefruit, earl grey tea and jasmine flowers, it has a full fruity flavour that transports one to a garden in full bloom. It is an exquisite option for picnics of afternoon tea, especially with sandwiches, cakes and scones.