The high-quality sake made by the toji (master brewer) using water and rice from Bichu seems to have high potential, yet feels relatively unknown.
I want more people to experience, taste, and enjoy it.
I attended the event "3rd Bichu Jizake Festival SAKE Be!!" held with the passionate wishes of a small izakaya that loves Bichu sake, which is irresistible for sake lovers.
Overview of "3rd Bichu Jizake Festival SAKE Be!!"
The "3rd Bichu Jizake Festival SAKE Be!! (hereafter, Bichu Jizake Festival)" was held on June 10 and 11, 2023, at Geibunkan Hall Square.
The first event was held in 2019. Following the 2022 event held after three years, this is the third edition.
With approximately 5,100 attendees, significantly surpassing the 4,000 from 2022, many people of all ages, from children to seniors, gathered to taste and enjoy.
Enjoyable atmosphere with delicious sake and food
The venue had 20 booths in total, with 15 Bichu sake breweries and 2 brewing companies, along with 3 booths for sweets.
60cc cups priced at 300 to 500 yen made it affordable to enjoy various Bichu sake.
Each booth featured a brewery paired with a delicious food spot related to that brewery, totaling 17 booths.
The clever setups to promote the local area were exciting.
For those who cannot drink alcohol, there were booths offering sweets as well.
On the second day, the booths were so popular that signs indicating sold-out items could be seen.
The dining area, with over 530 seats, was filled with the smiles of many people.
The fragrant smells and the lively atmosphere heightened the excitement.
Holetsu Sake Brewery
First attracted by the impact of the name, I stopped by "Holetsu Sake Brewery."
I was recommended three types of unfiltered sake, and I purchased one called Sakuraholetsu Aki Hikari Junmai Ginjo Namagenshu.
The rice used for sake produced in Okayama is famous for its Omachi rice, which originated in Okayama, and the improved variety Yamada Nishiki, but Aki Hikari rice is rare.
When I tasted it, it was dry yet refreshing with a solid aftertaste.
Perhaps the underground water from the upper reaches of the Ukankawa River brings out the umami.
Mabi Bamboo Grove Brewery
In addition to sake, there was also local beer.
I immediately stopped by "Mabi Bamboo Grove Brewery" and purchased the sparkling beer "Sasa."
I was satisfied with its fruity and refreshing taste.
The management announced its withdrawal from beer brewing, facing a crisis of survival, but thanks to support from the community, it seems they have restarted with a new location and management since spring 2023.
Food and event booths including sweets
Sweets were also available, and on the first day only, the lemonade stand "KURASHIKI LEMONADE STAND Moka Lemon" participated to support children with cancer.
In the United States, June 12 is celebrated as Lemonade Stand Day to raise awareness for childhood cancer.
In Japan, the event was held on the same dates, June 10 and June 11, 2023.
On both days, it was held in 27 locations across 17 prefectures nationwide.
▼ Of course, "delicious food" was also gathered.
Local breweries set up booths close to their locations.
There were yakitori and hamburgers, and the relationships between them were also noteworthy.
There were also coffee and sweets corners, allowing those who cannot drink alcohol to enjoy themselves.
▼ A mini concert by the local orchestra, Kurashiki Citizens' Wind Orchestra Green Harmony, was also held.
▼ There were also colorful and unique "guinomi works" exhibited by students from Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts.
Conclusion
I was surprised to see so many people of all ages gathering for a sake event.
Drinkers also need to make an effort to enjoy the sake. Tasting and criticism are not necessary. Let's enjoy Bichu sake!
I believe the words and challenges of the organizers resonated with many people, creating a space filled with smiles.
I was also able to connect with the various stories of the breweries, brewing companies, and delicious food spots that participated.
Respecting the makers and feeling their passion while enjoying a drink is an exceptional experience that enriches the heart.
Let's all enjoy Bichu sake together.
The next event is scheduled for June 8 and 9, 2024.
Please make sure to attend then.
Data for the 3rd Banjoy Bichu Local Sake Festival SAKE Be!!
| Name | 3rd Banjoy Bichu Local Sake Festival SAKE Be!! |
|---|---|
| Date | June 10, 2023, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM June 11, 2023, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Location | 1-18-1 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Geibunkan Plaza |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Participation is free |
| Website | Banjoy Bichu Local Sake |
