“BORN” Katoukichibee Shouten

Some people may see the photo and say, “I know this Japanese sake!” The BORN sake brand has been exported from Fukui Prefecture to more than 100 countries. It is brewed by Katoukichibee Shouten, which started making Japanese sake in 1860 and had operated as a money-changing merchant for more than 160 years before that. Thus, Katoukichibee Shouten has now been brewing sake for 165 years and has a history of more than 325 years. The current head of the family, who is also the CEO of the company, is the 11th generation to run the historic business.

The brewery focuses on the junmai sake style, which uses only rice, yeast, water, and koji. Brewing uses Yamada Nishiki rice grown by contract farmers in Hyogo Prefecture as well as Gohyakumangoku and Sakahomare rice grown locally in Fukui Prefecture. The most modern rice polishing machines are used to polish the rice down to an average 34%, one of the lowest rice-polishing ratios among Japanese breweries. This polished rice is brewed with in-house yeast and underground water that originates in the Hakusan mountain range, which is drawn from a depth of approximately 180 meters.

Once brewed, the sake is not immediately shipped. Instead, it is left to mature at below 0 degrees Celsius for at least one year and up to 10 years or more maximum. During this maturation period, it develops into a rich and extremely flavorful Japanese rice wine. The brewery takes great care when shipping domestically or abroad to ensure that the sake does not experience any sudden change in temperature that might affect quality.

The brewery’s sake had long been popular in its local region, but in 1926, it received an honorary award at a major national sake competition. Two years later, it was selected to be served at Emperor Showa’s enthronement ceremony. At the International Sake Festival Toronto held in 1998 in Canada, the brewery’s BORN: ICE BERG received the grand prix award. Since then, the brewery’s sake products have received many prizes at international alcoholic beverage competitions, including top prizes. In 2024, the brewery received 57 gold medals in a single year, setting a new record. BORN is one of Japan’s best-known sakes and has been used for official toasts at state dinners and international events hosted by Japan.

Katoukichibee Shouten produces authentic Japanese sake with a particular focus on the junmai style. If you come across BORN, please give it a try and experience this delicious sake for yourself.

The town where Katoukichibee Shouten is located still retains signs of its eighteenth-century prosperity. The brewery also houses its own retail store, and the BORN Machiya Gallery, which exhibits historical materials about the brewery, is nearby. If you find yourself in Japan, how about a tour of Fukui Prefecture and a visit to our brewery?

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