"Banquet Joy Bichu Sake Be!!" offers local sake and food from the Bichu region, including Kurashiki City.
After three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was held on June 11 and 12, 2022, in the square in front of Geibunkan Hall.
Eighteen stores (nineteen on June 12) including sake breweries, beer breweries, and sweet shops gathered, offering paid tastings as well as hamburgers, yakitori, crepes, and more.
This event started as a challenge from a small izakaya.
It seems that customers have been saying, "Why is Bichu's sake delicious but not well-known?"
Thus, the event was conceived with the desire to have local people drink local Bichu sake and learn about its deliciousness.
I, the author from Okayama, will introduce such an event.
Let's try some sake
Shops are lined up in the square in front of Geibunkan Hall.
Unfortunately, it was raining on the day of the interview, but tables, chairs, and tents were provided, so you can enjoy food and drinks at your leisure.
First, I decided to check out "Houretu Sake Brewery" which caught my eye.
There, I purchased a sake called "Junmai Ginjo Sakura Houretu."
Sakura Houretu uses "Omachi," one of the varieties of sake rice, and about 95 percent of Omachi is produced in Okayama Prefecture.
It is said that cultivation is difficult, and at one point, production decreased drastically, leading it to be called a phantom rice.
At Houretu Sake Brewery, they use 100 percent Okayama-grown rice with the desire to "have customers drink Okayama's sake grown in Okayama."
As I moved further in, I found "Kurashiki's craft beer" being sold.
This is from "Mabi Chikurin Beer Brewery," a relatively new brewery established in June 2011.
They grow 100 percent Kurashiki-produced beer using barley developed at Okayama University’s Resource Plant Research Institute and malt it in local Mabi.
They believe that using as many local ingredients as possible is a form of love for their hometown and the ideal form of craft beer.
I purchased a limited 20 liters of "Okayama Wajo."
Okayama Wajo is brewed with yeast from white peaches.
Also, Mabi is famous for bamboo, and bamboo powder is included, giving it a green color.
I can't even imagine what it tastes like.
I will savor it later!
As I was thinking about what to buy next, I suddenly noticed the words "limited sake" and "rare."
That was "Kikuchi Sake Brewing Co.,Ltd.'s" "Sanzen Daiginjo Origarami Namagenshu."
This sake was made specifically for this day, and while you can buy a bottle of other sake, this one can only be purchased by the cup.
It uses the highest quality sake rice "Yamada Nishiki," making it truly a rare sake.
As it started to rain, I went to the tent to relax and drink.
"Houretu Sake Brewery's" "Junmai Ginjo Sakura Houretu"
With a polishing ratio of 55 percent for "Omachi," it has a smooth finish, making it a sake you can keep drinking.
"Kikuchi Sake Brewing Co.,Ltd." "Sanzen Daiginjo Origarami Namagenshu"
Being "Origarami," it is cloudier compared to the earlier Sakura Houretu.
It had a fruity aroma, and the mellow umami of Yamada Nishiki was well balanced, resulting in a rich flavor.
"Mabi Chikurin Beer Brewery's" "Okayama Wajo"
This is the first time I have seen a green-colored sake.
It may be hard to convey in photos, but it looks even greener in person.
The flavor is fruity, thanks to the yeast from white peaches.
Originally, I am not very strong with alcohol, and I started to feel tipsy around here.
Now, let me introduce some snacks to go with the sake.
▼ First, I had fried shrimp.
The staff at the shop fried them fresh right before serving, so they were piping hot.
Perfect for a snack!
▼ Next, I had potato salad, which was sold by the "Kojima Okami-san Association."
I, who love potato salad and always order it at izakayas, found this potato salad to have a homely taste, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
▼ Next, I had the "Bisei Burger," packed with the seasonal flavors and umami of Bisei.
The Bisei Burger is the only original burger in Bisei Town, made entirely from handmade and natural ingredients.
The ingredients include Bisei pork patty, homegrown onions, seasonal vegetables from Bisei, and homemade pickled rakkyo.
When I tried it, it was quite filling, and the vegetables were crunchy and fresh.
The sweet and spicy sauce brought out the flavor of the Bisei pork, making it very delicious.
With this hamburger, you can fully taste Bisei.
Feeling full and pleasantly tipsy, I decided to stroll around the square again.
Student sale and exhibition of sake vessels
As I looked around a bit, I discovered that sake vessels were being sold.
Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts Faculty of Arts students majoring in glass and ceramics were conducting a sale and exhibition.
All of them are so impressive that you wouldn't believe they were made by students.
Many people were purchasing them.
For students, this is a great opportunity to receive feedback on their work in this way.
Also, drinking sake from your favorite vessel seems to enhance the flavor even more.
Music is Wonderful!
After walking for a while, I heard some music, so I headed in the direction of the sound.
Then, I found the members of the Niimi Wind Ensemble performing in the rain.
The Niimi Wind Ensemble is said to be actively involved in the community, performing mini-concerts at elementary schools and facilities mainly in the Aso region, as well as participating in various events.
The people around me and I myself felt joyful, and I was reminded once again of the incredible power of music.
Don't Forget to Buy Souvenirs
Although I usually don't drink much alcohol, I decided to buy some as a souvenir.
"Kihei Junmai Ginjo Nama Chozoshu" from Hiraki Sake Brewery
Hiraki Sake Brewery is located in Kamogata-cho, Asakuchi City, in the southwestern part of Okayama Prefecture.
The rice used for brewing sake includes "Omachi" and "Akebono," which are Bizen rice nurtured by Okayama's nature.
The sake I purchased is a limited edition junmai ginjo sake that has been fermented at low temperatures for a long time, similar to daiginjo sake.
It had a faintly gentle aroma and a smooth mouthfeel, resulting in a mild flavor.
Conclusion
This was the second time the "Banjoy Bichu Sake Festival" was held after three years.
Unfortunately, the first day I attended was rainy, but over the two days, about 4,000 people visited, surpassing the previous attendance of 1,600, showing that many people came.
I heard voices saying "fun" and "delicious" all around.
Not only those who love alcohol but also those who cannot drink can enjoy it fully.
It was great to learn about local Okayama Bichu sake and actually be able to drink it.
The next event may be held next year or later, but if you have the chance, please go and try Bichu sake.
Data on the Banjoy Bichu Sake Festival
| Name | Banjoy Bichu Sake Festival |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-18-1 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Geibunkan Hall Plaza |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | None |
| Homepage | Banjoy Bichu Sake Facebook Page |
