Beer, shochu, and liqueurs you can only buy in Shinjo Village! 4 unique alcoholic beverages from the village [Okayama]

Beer, shochu, and liqueurs you can only buy in Shinjo Village! 4 unique alcoholic beverages from the village [Okayama]の画像

Shinjo Village , a small village in northern Okayama Prefecture , has been recognized as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Japan." This village offers special alcoholic beverages made with locally sourced ingredients that can only be found here. These beers, shochu, and liqueurs are made with ingredients such as the local specialty glutinous rice Himenomochi, flavorful Koshihikari, and the rare fruit Sarunashi, which has a short season and low yields. We'll introduce four of these specially selected products, including popular items that sell out immediately after release every year and new items being introduced this spring.

2024.04.02

"Haru" Glutinous Rice Shochu: Enjoy the sweetness and aroma of Hime-no-mochi

This rice shochu is made with Himenomochi, a type of glutinous rice that is a specialty of Shinjo Village. Brewed with domestically grown rice koji and distilled at atmospheric pressure, it fully brings out the sweetness and aroma of the glutinous rice. The name "Haru" (sun) evokes the image of Shinjo Village, where the year begins with spring after a long winter. True to its name, which evokes the light of sunlight, this shochu is characterized by its light mouthfeel. It is distilled by skilled master brewers at Tago Honke Brewery, a brewery founded over 350 years ago in Tsuyama City , Okayama Prefecture . It is available in two varieties: a 35% undiluted shochu with no water added after distillation, and a 25% shochu with water added to adjust the alcohol content. The different alcohol contents are indicated by calligraphy on the label. The undiluted shochu can be aged to allow the flavor to change over time.

Glutinous rice shochu HARU 35% (720ml) / 2,100 yen, Glutinous rice shochu HARU 25% (720ml) / 1,600 yen

"Koshihikari Beer" is a gorgeous and impressive drink that goes well with meat dishes!

This craft beer uses koshihikari rice from Shinjo Village as a secondary ingredient. The deep golden color of this beer is a popular American pale ale style. The flavor, with its distinct koshihikari flavor and a distinct sweetness that stands up to the gorgeous hop aroma, combines the best of hops and rice! It makes a great impact at first sip and pairs well with meat dishes and other strong-flavored dishes. It is brewed by Mimasaka Beer Works in Katsuyama , Maniwa City , Okayama Prefecture .

Koshihikari beer (330ml) / 500 yen

"Sarunasi Liqueur - Madoka" made with the luxurious rare fruit harvested in the village

First available in early April 2024! This new face in Shinjo Village alcohol is a liqueur made from the rare fruit of the Shinjo Village pear, which is said to be the ancestor of kiwifruit. Produced by Tako Honke Brewery. Harvested in the previous fall, the wild pear is soaked with rock sugar for six months, then flavored with rice shochu, resulting in a mellow, gentle taste that combines the fruitiness with the smoothness of rice. Mixing it with carbonated water adds a refreshing touch, making it even easier to drink. Available in two sizes: a stylish 520ml slim bottle and a 180ml round bottle, perfect as a small souvenir. Approximately 250 bottles will be sold this season. While supplies last, they will be sold out.

Madoka Sarunasi Liqueur (520ml) / 1,380 yen, Madoka Sarunasi Liqueur (180ml) / 690 yen

"Sarunashi no Sato" is a rare beer that is only available during the Gaisen Cherry Blossom Festival.

Sarunashi no Sato, a beer brewed using wild pears grown in the mountains of Shinjo Village, is characterized by its refreshing aroma and clean finish. Due to the limited harvest of the wild pears used as raw material, only about 1,500 bottles are brewed each year. It is brewed by Kibi Doteshita Beer Brewery in Okayama City. It was first released in time for the Gaisen Cherry Blossom Festival, a spring tradition in Shinjo Village , and is a rare gem that sells out every year during the festival. In 2024, sales will begin on March 30th. It can be purchased in front of Shinjo Daikokuya (Sarunashi no Sato Shinjo Co., Ltd.) on Gaisen Sakura Street .

Sarunashi no Sato (330ml) / 650 yen

Limited quantity! Limited time! Rare ingredients! Special sake from Shinjo Village

Shinjo Village sake has a special feel to it, with limited quantities, limited purchase periods, and rare ingredients. With the exception of events, these sakes can only be purchased in the village. Be sure to visit the village and get your hands on some of their special sake.

HARU glutinous rice shochu, Koshihikari beer, and Madoka Sarunasi liqueur (released in early April 2024)

Gaisen Cherry Blossom Festival *2024 period: March 30th (Sat) - April 14th (Sun) ... Sarunashi Village

Shinjo Sugai Residence ※Drinks served with meals at the hotel include glutinous rice shochu Haru and Koshihikari beer

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