Introduction to Zuiyo — a Japanese brewery

Zuiyo is a sake/shochu brewery in Japan that was founded in 1867 in Kawashiri. Zuiyo got its name on the 1st of January a few hundred years ago, with 'Zui' meaning prosperity and 'yo' meaning hawk, which also signifies prosperity. This was also the inspiration behind Zuiyo's logo.

Sakes are usually paired with food, hence the taste profile of sakes greatly matters and can differ between regions in Japan. For example, food in Kyushu is generally thicker and more flavourful, resulting in more flavourful sakes in that region. On the other hand, food in Niigata has a cleaner and smoother flavour, resulting in smoother sakes produced in that region. Since Zuiyo is founded in Kawashiri, Kumamoto, they make sakes that pair well with food in that region. Sakes made by Zuiyo are also made from 100% groundwater.

In today's article, we will be introducing some signature products from Zuiyo!

Product Highlights

Zuiyo Honjun Junmai Sake (瑞鷹 芳醇 純米酒)

Zuiyo Honjun Junmai Sake (瑞鷹 芳醇 純米酒) is brewed with quality rice from the Kumamoto Prefecture rice and Ah Sou's spring water. This results in its full body, very smooth texture, and sweet, fruity flavours.

Product Details:

• Rice Polishing Ratio: 65%
• SMV: +6
• Alcohol: 15-16%
• Taste Profile: Rich

Food that pairs well with this sake would be any meat or seafood dishes!

An interesting fact about this sake — the taste profile of this sake changes according to its temperature. It is refreshing when enjoyed chilled and sweet when enjoyed warmed/hot.

Try it: Zuiyo Honjun Junmai Sake

Zuiyo Junmai Daiginjyo Gin (純米大吟醸)

Zuiyo Junmai Daiginjyo Gin (純米大吟醸) comes in three variations — gold, silver and copper. This beverage uses Yamada Nishiki, which is the highest-grade rice. This rice is taken from Fukuoka and Kumamoto, still premium but less premium than taken from Hyogo.

GOLD Junmai Daiginjyo Gin

Zuiyo Junmai Daiginjyo Gin GOLD (金) uses more Hyogo Yamada Nishiki, which results in a more sophisticated taste, making it smooth and easier to drink.

Product Details:

• Rice Polishing Ratio: 38%
• SMV: +4
• Alcohol: 16%
• Taste Profile: Spice
• Recommended Temperature: on the rocks, chilled, room temperature

SILVER Junmai Daiginjyo Gin

Zuiyo Junmai Daiginjyo Gin SILVER (銀) uses Yamada Nishiki from Fukuoka and Kumamoto.

Product Details:

• Rice Polishing Ratio: 48%
• SMV: +1
• Alcohol: 16%
• Taste Profile: Rich and Spice
• Recommended Temperature: on the rocks, chilled, room temperature

Try it: Junmai Daiginjyo Gin SILVER

COPPER Junmai Daiginjyo Gin

Zuiyo Junmai Daiginjyo Gin COPPER (銅) also uses Yamada Nishiki from Fukuoka and Kumamoto.

Product Details:

• Rice Polishing Ratio: 58%
• SMV: -1
• Alcohol: 16%
• Taste Profile: Dry and Spice
• Recommended Temperature: on the rocks, chilled, room temperature

I'm sure most of us are familiar with the mascot 'Kumamon', but for those who are curious and are new to it — Kumamon is popular for its cute appearance and is used as a mascot to promote goods and services from Kumamoto Prefecture! This leads us to another best-selling sake from Zuiyo, which is the Zuiyo Kumamon Cup Sake (瑞鷹 くまもとカップ).

Zuiyo Kumamon Cup Sake (瑞鷹 くまもとカップ)

Zuiyo Kumamon Cup Sake (瑞鷹 くまもとカップ) is dry but clean with a crisp, refreshing aroma and mellow taste. It also has a deep umami taste and is packed in a cup designed with the popular character "Kumamon". Meat and food that are rich in herbs and spices are also best paired with this sake!

Product Details:

• Rice Polishing Ratio: 75%
• SMV: +5
• Alcohol: 15%
• Taste Profile: Aromatic
• Recommended Temperature: on the rocks, chilled, room temperature, warmed, hot

Fun Fact! Inside this Kumamon Cup Sake is Josen Zuiyo, which is Zuiyo's best-selling and signature sake.

Try it: Zuiyo Kumamon Cup Sake

While most people know that Zuiyo produces good sake, did you know that they actually produce shochu as well?

New Product

Zuiyo Shochu Honkak Junga

Recently launched by Zuiyo — Zuiyo Shochu Honkaku Junga (瑞鷹 本格焼酎 [醇雅]) comes in one made from Rice (white) and one made from Barley (black). This allows the same beverage to have a wider range of taste profiles. The Rice Shochu Honkaku Junga provides a cleaner and fresher taste whereas the Barley Shochu Honkaku Junga provides a richer and umami flavour, suitable for people with more mature palates.

Product Details:

• Alcohol: 28%

This drink can be well paired by mixing it with water, fruit juice and other liquor. Mixing the Shochu Honkaku Junga with water is highly recommended, as it blends and compliments well with the taste profile of this beverage. The water gives it a milder taste but at the same time, enhances its aroma.

Summary

Zuiyo is a brewery founded in Kawashiri, Kumamoto, Japan that manufactures and sells alcoholic beverages mainly Sake, Shochu and Liqueur. For more than 150 years, Zuiyo continue to strive and produce good quality alcoholic beverages that are able to express and bring comfort to people's hearts.

Feel free to reach out to us for more enquiries regarding Zuiyo! In the meantime, which sake piqued your interest the most? If unsure, do visit our website to discover and start on your sake journey~