Marumoto Brewery: A special CSW saké tasting

5/13/13 -

(Niichiro Marumoto harvesting rice)

This Wednesday (May 15), we will be happy to welcome Niichiro Marumoto to Chambers St. Wines for a special in-store saké tasting from 6 – 8 pm. Marumoto-san represents the sixth generation of brewers at the historic Marumoto Brewery in south-western Japan and has been instrumental in guiding the estate towards organic certification.Our friend Midori from Joto Saké will also be here to help translate and answer questions.

Founded in 1867 in the Okayama prefecture in Japan, the Marumoto brewery has earned the nickname “the Farmer’s Brewery,” because the farmers who grow the rice also brew the saké. Most large-scale saké breweries (and often smaller breweries as well) buy their rice from large farmers or rice brokers, who typically use generous amounts of pesticides and fertilizers to increase yields. The Marumoto brewery is committed to growing their own rice and eliminating the use of chemicals in their fields. They grow 100% Yamada Nishiki rice (considered the best saké rice in Japan), with a focus on lower yields, and a careful cultivation style called “san-ou,” which ensures that nutrients are channeled to the grains, rather than the leaves and stalks. They are also one of the first breweries to pursue organic certification, and are set to convert the entire estate to organic farming in the coming years.

Join us on Wednesday if you’re in the area between 6 – 8 pm, or check out the tasting notes and order some online if you’re interested!