Niida honke

Niida Honke Shuzo is a renowned sake brewery located in the city of Katsuyama, in the Fukui Prefecture of Japan. The brewery has been in operation since 1711 and has been passed down through 11 generations of the Niida family.

Niida Honke is famous for producing high-quality sake using traditional methods that have been passed down through the generations. They are particularly known for their use of a unique yeast strain called "Kokuryu," which is only used by the Niida family and is believed to have been cultivated for over 200 years.

Niida Honke sake has won numerous awards over the years, including gold medals at the National New Sake Competition, the IWC Sake Competition, and the U.S. National Sake Appraisal. Their sake has also been served at the Imperial Palace and was selected as the official sake of the G7 Summit held in Japan in 2016.

Niida Honke uses a number of traditional techniques to make their sake, including hand-polishing the rice to remove the outer layer, using natural spring water from the nearby mountains, and fermenting the sake at low temperatures to preserve its delicate flavors and aromas.

The current head of the Niida family and brewery is Koichi Niida, who has continued the family's tradition of producing high-quality sake while also introducing new techniques and innovations to the brewing process.

Niida Shizenshu
Renewed the package design on the occasion of the 50th anniversary. Environmental friendly package using reusable bottles. Designed with traditional Japanese character “hiragana” showing our hope on the future. Simple but yet beautiful. Good for health and it tastes so good that it permeates through your body and soul. New “Niida Shizenshu”.
Rice: Non-fertilization / pesticide-free (Toyonishiki, Kame-no-o, Gohyakumangoku, Yume-no-kaori, Koshihikari) Mother water: local well water from Takenouchi (mineral-rich / moderately hard) Kumidashi yondan shikomi, Shizenha kimoto shubo shikomi (Kimoto school yeast starter)
Odayaka
One of their popular sake products is the Odayaka Junmai Ginjo.
Odayaka Junmai Ginjo is a type of premium sake made from high-quality rice and pure water from the Miyagi mountains. It is classified as a Junmai Ginjo, which means that it is made with rice that has been polished to at least 60% of its original size, and no alcohol or other additives are added to the final product.
The name "Odayaka" means "calm" or "serene" in Japanese, which reflects the smooth and delicate taste of this sake. It has a clean and crisp flavor with a slightly dry finish, and is best served chilled. It pairs well with a wide range of dishes, including seafood, sushi, and Japanese-style hot pot.
Niida Honke's Odayaka Junmai Ginjo has received several awards for its quality, including a Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge in 2017 and a Silver Medal at the Fine Sake Awards Japan in 2019. It is a popular choice among sake enthusiasts and is widely available both in Japan and overseas.
Rice: Non-fertilization / pesticide-free (Chiyonishiki, Miyamanishiki, Gohyakumangoku, Yamadanishiki, Omachi) Mother water: spring water from our own mountain (low-mineral / soft), Shizenha shiro koji (white rice malt) shubo shikomi.
Niida Kijoshu
Kijoshu is a special type of sake that is made using a unique brewing method. In regular sake production, water is added to the fermentation mash at various stages to regulate the alcohol content. However, in kijoshu production, a portion of the water that is added is replaced with more sake, resulting in a higher alcohol content and a sweeter flavour. This process results in a rich, luxurious sake that is perfect for special occasions.
Niida Honke Kijoshu sake is known for its exceptional quality and distinctive taste. The range includes several varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile. For example, the Kijoshu Echigo Genshu is made using locally grown rice and is characterised by its deep, complex flavor with notes of dried fruit and caramel. The Kijoshu Yamahai is fermented using a traditional method that results in a bold, robust flavor with hints of umami.
Overall, Niida Honke Kijoshu sake is a true connoisseur's sake that is ideal for savoring on its own or pairing with rich, flavorful foods. Its high alcohol content and sweet, complex flavor make it a great choice for special occasions or as a luxurious gift.