This is the second installment of our FOODEX 2025 series.
We’ve always had a soft spot in our hearts for Iwate Prefecture, “Land of Kappa.” Tono City, Iwate, you see, is where those mischievous little reptiloids hold court. Take our word for it: you can search the back alleys of Kappabashi, but you probably won’t find any there!
Hence, it was a joyous occasion when we spotted Kikunotsukasa’s, a sake brewery that’s been around since 1772, booth at FOODEX this year. Actually, doubly so, as we have written about their sake before. See https://drinkingjapan.org/2023/01/13/kikunotsukasa-shuzo-%E8%8F%8A%E3%81%AE%E5%8F%B8%E9%85%92%E9%80%A0-innocent-40/
We will be writing about two of their other offerings in the near future, but this week’s will focus on Shichifukujin Junmai Daiginjo. Shichifukujin (七福神) translates as “Seven Lucky Gods,” which nicely sums up how we felt during the tasting process. This nihon-shu has an ABV of 15%, a polishing rate of 50%, and a subtle fizz (no, it is not a sparkling sake). It is clear and very pale yellow. There is vanilla on the nose. On the palate the initial sweetness spreads slowly and a slight bitterness appears during the long finish. This adds a degree of complexity. The mouthfeel is also noteworthy.
Drinking Japan 