Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai
Nanbu Bijin Brewery (formerly known as Kuji Brewery) began it’s existence as a sake retailer in 1902 and then began brewing sake in 1915. The current owner of the brewery is Mr. Hideo Kuji, but it is his son Kosuke Kuji that has really become the “face” of Nanbu Bijin over the past few years. Slated to become the 5thgeneration brewery owner, Kosuke travels the world spreading his passion for sake with great enthusiasm.
Nanbu Bijin is a small family run brewery located in Iwate prefecture. They employ only six or seven kurabito (the people who actual brew the sake) with a total of about twenty-five workers in all. “Nanbu Bijin” translates to “Southern Beauty” which is a little strange because Iwate prefecture is located in the Northern part of Japan, not the South. Turns out the “Nanbu” part of their name is actually in reference to the Nanbu Samurai clan which ruled the region that includes Iwate prefecture.
Using 100% locally grown Gin-Otome sake rice, Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai is produced to accentuate the flavor of rice to its fullest. Although officially branded a Junmai, it is actually milled to a Ginjo level of 55%. By eliminating the carbon filtration and storing below 41 degrees F, Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai retains its lively fresh aroma and clean flavor. This sake drinks smooth with ripe fruit flavors of melon and pear.
Sake Facts
Grade: Tokubetsu Junmai
Seimaibuai: 55%
Rice: Gin Otmoe
Yeast: #9
Nihonshudo (SMV): +5
Alcohol: 15-16%
Acidity: 1.5
Brewery Facts
Brewery Name: Nanbu Bijin Brewery
Brewery Founded: 1902 (1915)
Brewery Location: Iwate Prefecture
Toji (Master Brewer): Mr. Hajime Yamaguchi
Brewery President: Mr. Hideo Kuji
Thanks for posting this informative piece on Nanbu Bijin Junmai. This is some good stuff! I’ve actually been to the Nanbu Bijin brewery up there in Iwate. Again, thanks for sharing.
Glad you liked the info. Nanbu Bijin makes really good sake and we hope to visit the brewery some day as well.
Thanks for the great info! Nanbu Bijin Daigingo is amazing! What are the flavor differences between the Daigingo and Junmai?
Sorry for the delay in our response. It’s been crazy around the shop this month because of Christmas.
Both the Tokubetsu Junmai and the Daiginjo are great sake that we recommend to customers. The Daiginjo is a higher quality sake and it shows in it’s flavor. The Daiginjo is smoother, cleaner and has a more balanced flavor profile than the Tokubestu Junmai. But you will pay more for this quality as the Daigjinjo is noticeably higher in price than the Tokubestu Junmai.
Thanks for your comments and supporting the shop!