A Heritage Steeped in Tradition
Nestled amidst the serene beauty of the Chikugo Plain, where the meandering Oishigawa River flows into the mighty Chikugo River, lies the Miinokotobuki sake brewery. Established in 1922, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Japanese craftsmanship. Guided by an unwavering commitment to quality since its inception as a rice merchant, Miinokotobuki has garnered a reputation as a premier producer of junmai sake, accounting for over 90% of its total output.
Rooted in tradition, yet embracing innovation, Miinokotobuki masterfully blends time-honored techniques with scientific insights and a touch of artistry. The brewery's dedication extends beyond the local community, as it strives to introduce the exquisite flavors of Mita-gun sake to a global audience.
The name "Miinokotobuki" pays homage to the three revered springs in the Mita region, renowned for their pristine water, essential for crafting exceptional sake. "Mi" signifies the three springs, while "kotobuki" embodies the Japanese concept of "blessing." Thus, "Miinokotobuki" can be interpreted as "blessing from the three springs of Mita County."
Embracing Quality over Quantity
A pivotal moment in Miinokotobuki's history unfolded in 1982. The then-president, Shigeyasu Inoue, embarked on a transformative journey to Bordeaux, France. Inspired by the dedication and passion of French winemakers, Inoue-san envisioned a new direction for Miinokotobuki, one that championed quality over quantity.
This bold decision led to a remarkable transformation. Miinokotobuki shed its focus on mass-produced sake and wholeheartedly embraced the art of junmai sake brewing. Adhering to the principles of "locality," "quality," and "originality," the brewery meticulously sourced locally grown rice from Fukuoka Prefecture, meticulously crafting sake that consistently garnered critical acclaim.
A Spirit of Innovation and International Recognition
In 1997, the mantle of leadership passed to the current president, Tadatsugu Inoue, who infused the brewery with a spirit of innovation and experimentation. Under his visionary guidance, Miinokotobuki became the first brewery in Kyushu to revive the ancient "yamahai" brewing technique. Additionally, Inoue-san ventured into the realm of wine yeast, meticulously fine-tuning acidity to achieve a harmonious balance.
With a steadfast focus on crafting sake that seamlessly complements Japanese cuisine, Inoue-san actively engages with fellow brewers, fostering a collaborative exchange of knowledge and expertise. This spirit of camaraderie is evident in the brewery's close relationship with Takagi Shuzo, renowned for its legendary sake brand, Jūyondai. As a testament to this connection, Miinokotobuki holds the distinction of being the sole brewery in Kyushu to utilize Jūyondai's prized "Sake Mirai" rice.
Today, Miinokotobuki stands as a beacon of excellence. Led by the fourth-generation kuramoto toji(onwer and brewing master), Tadatsugu Inoue, and his dedicated team of five kurabito, they meticulously craft "Miinokotobuki" and "Biden" brands, producing a total of 800 koku (approximately 150,000 liters) annually. Their unwavering dedication has garnered the brewery widespread recognition, not only within Fukuoka Prefecture but also across Japan and internationally.
A testament to Miinokotobuki's exceptional quality is the accolade bestowed upon its "Miinokotobuki Junmai Daiginjo," which garnered an impressive 91 points from the world-renowned wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. This remarkable achievement propelled the sake into the spotlight, garnering international acclaim.
Further solidifying its reputation, Miinokotobuki has consistently secured regional trophies at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) Sake division for two consecutive years. Additionally, the brewery boasts an exceptional 95% entry rate in the Zenkoku Shinshu Kanpyokai(Most historical sake competition), a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence.
Miinokotobuki Junmai Ginjo O Karakuchi +14 is the talk of the town, and for good reason. This exceptional sake has captured the hearts of enthusiasts around the globe, and it's easy to see why.
The story behind this sake is as intriguing as its taste. Renowned manga artist Takehiko Inoue, the creator of the beloved basketball series Slam Dunk, is a passionate fan of Mitsui no Kotobuki sake. In fact, he was so enamored with the brand that he even named a character in his manga after the sake – Mitsui Hisashi. This homage inspired the sake's unique label design, which features a basketball jersey motif, further solidifying its connection to the sport.
This sake's popularity skyrocketed following the release of the Slam Dunk movie in late 2022, and it quickly became nearly impossible to find, both in Japan and internationally.
A Pioneer in Innovative Sakemaking
Minokotobuki is renowned not only for its exceptional taste but also for its innovative approach to sakemaking. The brewery is constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible, experimenting with unique techniques and ingredients to create truly groundbreaking sakes.
Among their most notable creations are:
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Sakes made with wine yeast: These sakes offer a unique flavor profile that bridges the gap between the worlds of wine and sake.
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Batonnage: This sake is produced using the "sur lie" method, where the lees (dead yeast cells) are not removed and are instead stirred (batonnage) for a month, imparting a rich, complex flavor.
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Sakes made with terroir-focused, pesticide-free Yamada Nishiki rice: These sakes showcase the distinct characteristics of the land where the rice is grown, resulting in truly unique expressions of Yamada Nishiki.
Miinokotobuki's unwavering commitment to innovation and exceptional quality has cemented its reputation as a pioneer in the sake industry. With each new creation, they continue to captivate and amaze, leaving fans eagerly awaiting their next masterpiece.
