Sake Fair 2022
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Sake Fair 2022
24 (Fri) June – 8 (Fri) July 2022
@ Times Square Atrium, Harbour City, ifc mall and New Town Plaza stores
Welcome aboard the city’super Sake Fair Bus. The bus will let you travel Japan with your taste buds, taking you on different routes that visit various types of breweries, from namazake and fruit liqueur to sparkling sake and other sakes from different prefectures. Have a great trip.
Sanyo-Kyushu Line: A Trip to Hiroshima’s 2 Major Sake Breweries
The Sanyo-Kyushu Line covers both Okayama and Saga Prefectures, offering beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea along the way. If you have made your way to the Seto Inland Sea, then you must also visit Hiroshima, where you can find not only plump, creamy oysters and the famed “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, but also plenty of not-to-be-missed local sakes. All aboard the Sanyo-Kyushu Line for a trip to Hiroshima, where you’ll discover its amazing sake offerings.
First Stop: Fujii ShuzoFujii Shuzo is located in Hiroshima’s Takehara City, fondly known as the “Japanese Mediterranean”. Thanks to the year-round warm climate and abundant groundwater, the brewery won first place in the first National Seishu (Sake) Competition with its “Ryusei” sake. The brewery is still committed to brewing mellow sake using the Kimoto method of cultivating natural lactic acid bacteria.
Recommended: Ryusei Hattan 50 Kimoto Junmai DaiginjoWith a light, fruity aroma, this dry sake complements sweet and sour dishes very well. Can be served chilled or at room temperature, or enjoyed warm to accentuate its mellow umami.
Second Stop: Imada ShuzohontenImada Shuzohonten is the only brewery still using Hattanso, a local rice variety originating from Hiroshima that is extremely hard to grow. Fukucho sakes have a smooth, mellow flavour and are very easy to drink. Also, the sake is bottled immediately after the brewing process and pasteurised only once, which preserves its aroma and freshness.
Recommended: Fukucho Hattanso Hybrid Kimoto Junmai GinjoUsing innovative hybrid Kimoto technology to express the unique character of traditional sake rice Hattanso, this sake has a complex taste and depth of flavour without compromising the aroma of ginjo
Niigata Line: Discover Niigata’s 3 Major Sake Breweries
In Japan, Niigata is the prefecture with the most sake breweries. “Niigata Sake No Jin” is a major annual local event, gathering different Niigata breweries with various local sake on display – no doubt a must-visit for sake fans.
Even though you can’t attend this year’s event, you can still hop on the Sake Bus towards Niigata Prefecture to visit a few exceptional breweries and experience the local sake culture.
First Stop: Asahi ShuzoEstablished in 1830, Asahi Shuzo is one of Niigata Prefecture’s largest sake breweries. The brewery employs strict temperature control to ensure excellent aroma and flavour of its creations.
Recommended: Asahiyama Tenrai Junmai DaiginjoCrafted using Niigata’s Koshitanrei rice, this sake has aromas of ripe apple and banana, and is pleasant on the nose with a delicate, elegant flavour.
Second Stop: Hakkai JozoLocated in Uonuma City, which is famous for its high-quality water and rice, Hakkai Jozo has become one of Japan’s well-known sake breweries thanks to its exceptional sakes. All of its sakes are created using the ginjo-sake brewing method, which lends a subtle, elegant taste that is great for food pairing.
Recommended: Hakkaisan Snow Aged Junmai Daiginjo Vintage 2019Aged in low-temperature snow chambers at about 3℃ for two years, this sake has a smooth, rounded texture and is full of complexity.
Third Stop: Kaetsu ShuzoFounded in 1880, Kaetsu Shuzo makes sakes with a mild rice aroma.
Recommended: Kirin Yamada Nishiki Daiginjo ShizukuMade with Yamada Nishiki rice from Hyogo Prefecture and a polishing ratio of 35%, this sake was dripped naturally from cotton bags without applying extra pressure. This gives the sake a delicate, silky mouthfeel and a lingering aftertaste.
Hokuriku Scenic Line: Katoukichibee Shouten
Japan’s Fukui Prefecture is home to spectacular cliffs, coastlines and the natural wonder of Tojinbo. What’s more, the local rice is also very famous, so it’s no wonder that Fukui Prefecture has many sake breweries. Today, let’s visit Fukui’s Katoukichibee Shouten and sample two of its most popular sakes.
About Katoukichibee ShoutenEstablished in 1860, this brewery has been using traditional methods to make junmai sakes and ageing them at ice-cold temperatures for a long period of time. Its sakes are served at Japanese royal family events and the brewery has gained an international reputation.
Star SakesThis was the first daiginjo on the Japanese market, launched in Showa era year 43 (1968). Matured for three years at 0°C, this sake has an elegant, full, fruity aroma with a smooth texture and rich flavour.
With floral nuances of white lily, this elegant junmai daiginjo is light-bodied and well balanced in sweetness and acidity. Both its first impression and aftertaste are dominated by fruity aromas.
Exciting Offer:During Sake Fair 2022, spend HK$5,800 or more on selected sake at city’super stores and receive city’super shopping vouchers valued at HK$200*. Limited quantities only, while stocks last.
Fruit Liqueur Cruise Line: 4 Must-try Japanese Fruit Liqueurs
Compared to sake, fruit liqueurs are sweeter and easier to drink, so they are great even for those who don’t usually drink alcohol. Today, let’s visit three popular breweries and discover different exquisite fruit liqueurs.
First Stop: Dewazakura ShuzoDewazakura’s name is inspired by “Dewa”, the ancient name of Yamagata Prefecture, and the magnificent view of cherry blossoms on Mount Maizuru. The brewery released its highly popular flagship sake Oka Ginjo in 1981 and has contributed a lot to the promotion of ginjo sake as well as the culture of jizake (local sake).
Dewazakura La France Pear Liqueur / Peach LiqueurMade with La France pears or peaches from Yamagata Prefecture, about 5.5 servings of pulp are added to each bottle to give the liqueur a rich, smooth texture and fruity flavour. Best served with ice or mixed with soda.
Second Stop: Nate ShuzoTo ensure high-quality sakes, owner visits and works closely with sake rice farmers to guarantee top-notch sake rice. What’s more, the water used for brewing is one of the best in Wakayama Prefecture, resulting in a clean, crisp sake like natural spring water.
Kuroushi Shitate Yuzu LiqueurBlended with Kuroushi jumani sake, shochu and fresh local yuzu juice, this liqueur’s crispness and fruitiness are well-balanced by lively acidity for a mild mouthfeel.
Third Stop: Saito ShuzoLocated in Kyoto Prefecture, Saito Sake Brewery uses soft water from the Fushimi area and high-quality rice to brew its sake. It was awarded the golden prize for 14 consecutive years in the National Sake Competition.
Eikun Ginjo Umeshu LightProduced using ginjo sake as the base, it expresses a lovely acidity and a refreshing sweetness, and is perfectly balanced.
AWA Sparkling Express: Sparkling Sakes for Celebrations
Celebrations call for a bottle of elegant sparkling wine with fine bubbles to elevate the occasion. Take a look at today’s sake discovery route and explore an array of fine sparkling sakes?
First Stop: Hakkaisan BreweryHakkaisan AWA Sparkling Sake
A sparkling sake with a second fermentation in-bottle, it has fruity aromas, elegant sweetness and a refreshing taste.
Second Stop: Dewatsuru ShuzoDewatsuru Ashitae Sparkling Junmai
Dewatsuru is a brand under Akita Seishu, established in 1865. It uses natural soft water to make beautiful sakes with soft, rounded textures. This sake is brewed with locally produced Akita rice, resulting in complex flavours with lots of depth. A nice aperitif that also pairs well with food.
Third Stop: Saito ShuzoEikun Bottle-fermented Sparkling Sake
Stored and fermented at low temperatures, this sake’s second fermentation is done in-bottle, with silky bubbles bringing an extra refreshing taste.
Exciting Offer:During Sake Fair 2022, spend HK$2,000 or more on selected sake at city’super stores and receive a city’super Limited Edition Sake Bus Toy*.Limited quantities only, while stocks last.
Namazake High-Speed Line: 3 Unique Namazake
Unpasteurised sakes contain active enzymes, which bring about dynamic fruity flavours and a robust, refreshing taste. If you’re a fan of namazake, don’t miss out on today’s tour to three major sake breweries where you get to savour popular raw sakes.
First Stop: Tenju ShuzoFounded in 1830, Tenju Shuzo benefits from the natural subsoil water from Mount Chokai, along with slow, low-temperature fermentation, making its sake fragrant and delicate.
Tenju Chokaisan Soukai Karakuchi Junmai Ginjo NamaA light and dry sake which displays a fresh fruitiness, vivid acidity and crisp finish.
Second Stop: Iinuma MeijoFrom a boutique brewery in Tochigi Prefecture, Sugata’s team take care of the sake delicately and carefully as if it is their own child.
Sugata Yakata Tokubetsu Junmai NamazakeMade from Ginpu sake rice cultivated in Hokkaido, giving a fresh aroma and clean palate.
Third Stop: Marumoto ShuzoThe brewery has been growing its own rice to make sake since 1987. In 2008, it released a sake made purely from organic rice.
Chikurin Kansei Junmai Daiginjo Nama GenshuA winter limited edition inspired by starry sky on a cold night and brewed with the own-planted Yamada Nishiki, this sake has a refreshing flavour with a soft sweetness.
*Under the law of Hong Kong, intoxicating liquor must not be sold or supplied to a minor in the course of business.
*根據香港法律，不得在業務過程中，向未成年人售賣或供應令人醺醉的酒類。
*Terms & conditions apply.
^Promotional products are available at selected stores only. While stocks last. The above product details are subject to change without prior notice. Photos are for reference only.