Tasting Notes

 In a word, this is a perfectly centered Junmai sake that has all of the traditional full-bodied, rich, smooth, solid, and ricey characteristics of days gone by.  Dried mushroom on the nose; viscous and creamy in weight and texture; bright grapefruit notes on palate; crisp finish.

Shichi Hon Yari, “The Seven Spearsmen,” is named after the seven spearsmen who became legends at the battle of Shizugatake, which was fought outside the town of Kinomoto in 1583. After defeating his enemy with his seven lieutenants, Toyotomi Hideyoshi consolidated his power and unified Japan under one ruler.  The feudal era started its decline and the modern era with a central, federal government began.  Although the battle was fought centuries ago, the Tomita Brewery was founded before it. It wasn’t until decades later when they started shipping their sake to Edo, now Tokyo, the new capital of Japan, that they needed a brand name and took Shichi Hon Yari. 

Brewery Description

Founded in the 1540s, the Tomita Brewery is one of the oldest breweries in Japan and is now managed by the 15th generation of the family, Yasunobu Tomita, who is also the brewmaster. 

Yasunobu is committed to his local area, its history, food, and agriculture.  He has supported local farmers growing Tamazakae rice, a varietal that is indigenous to Shiga. By committing to purchasing stated amounts every year, he insures his farmer-partners that they will have a customer for the rice. He has also worked with them on developing new strains, such as Ginfubuki, which is a cross between Tamazakae and Yamada Nishiki, the most celebrated sake rice. Although we take pride in Taka Yamauchi of Huchu Homare reviving Watari Bune rice, Tomita-san has also contracted with local farmers to grow this rice. All of this innovation keeps local agriculture healthy and it gives Tomita-san more variety for making sake. 

Additional Information

Classification: Junmai

Prefecture: Shiga

Rice: Tamazakae

Yeast: Association No. 1401

Rice Polishing Ratio: 60%

Sake Meter Value: +4

Acidity: 1.8

Pressing: Fune

ABV: 16%

Size: 720ml