The beginning of spring has passed, and although it is spring on the calendar, the cold days continue.
In recent years, the number of "Kura Opening" events hosted by sake breweries has been increasing nationwide, and we have been seeing more of them in the news.
In Okayama, many sake breweries hold "Kura Opening" events, and Kumaya Brewery's "Ishichi New Sake Festival" is one of the first to be held in Okayama Prefecture, making it an event that attracts many sake fans every year.
There were interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic (in 2021 and 2022), but this year (2024) marks a return to normalcy.
I will report on the delicious new sake and must-try gourmet food.
What is the "Ishichi New Sake Festival"?
The "Ishichi New Sake Festival" was held on February 11, 2024 (Sunday) from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Kumaya Brewery in Hayashi, Kurashiki City.
- Paid tasting corner
- Sales of the new sake "Kanshibori" available only on that day
- Free amazake
- Various food stalls, etc.
It is an event where you can enjoy delicious sake and gourmet food.
Since it is a sake event, you cannot go by car, but there were free shuttle buses from Chayamachi Station and JR Kurashiki Station on the day.
I visited the "Ishichi New Sake Festival"
I arrived almost at the same time as the opening at 9:00 AM, and despite it being right after the opening, it was already bustling with many customers, with a long line at the reception for the limited sale of "Kanshibori".
Free amazake was also being served.
As expected from a brewery's amazake, the rich flavor with the effective koji (fermented rice) was very delicious. It was well received by those who cannot drink alcohol and children.
For the tasting of new sake, you purchase a ticket (500 yen) at the reception and enjoy three types of sake selected by the brewery in the paid tasting corner at the back.
After finishing, you can choose another three types at the refill tasting corner.
If you find a sake you like from the tasting, you can purchase it at the sales corner.
Those who are familiar can buy their favorite sake here and enjoy it in the dining area at the back.
Although it may seem like an event that only those who like sake can enjoy, the dining area at the back, which focuses on local gourmet food, is well-equipped, so I think people of all ages can enjoy it.
Brewery Limited Sake "Kanshibori"
Brewery Limited Sake "Kanshibori" is exclusively sold at the New Sake Festival every year, making it akin to Beaujolais Nouveau.
True to its new sake nature, it has a very refreshing taste, easy to drink without any peculiarities, but the alcohol content is slightly high, making it a dangerous drink for someone like me who is not good with alcohol.
Additionally, the sake shown in the photo, "Gonouchi," is named after the area where Kumaya Brewery is located (Gonouchi District, Kurashiki City) and is made using Asahi rice harvested in this area, making it a soulful bottle.
Okonomiya
Okonomiya is an okonomiyaki restaurant located in the Kojima area.
They often participate in various events and have a booth at Kumaya Brewery's New Sake Festival every time.
The proprietress and her daughter were skillfully cooking amidst the busyness.
When I mentioned that I would write about it, they said, "Make sure to promote us well" (laughs).
Enjoying large, fluffy Akashi-yaki outside in the cold.
The aroma of the dashi (broth) was incredibly appetizing.
In addition to Akashi-yaki, takoyaki and tako-ten were also available for sale.
At the restaurant, you can enjoy various menu items, so I would like to visit the actual store next time.
Galyu Tatsumi
Galyu Tatsumi is an izakaya located in Okayama City, focusing on game dishes.
This time, "Inokotsu Shoyu Chuka Soba" and "Momotaro Chicken Karaage" were offered.
The Chuka Soba is generously priced at a limited price of 700 yen.
It looks like a typical shoyu tonkotsu ramen, but the chashu is made with wild boar meat, giving it a chewier texture compared to pork.
Although the soup is rich, it has a drinkable flavor, making it perfect for finishing off a meal with alcohol.
Conclusion
Around 11:30 AM, Mayor Ito Kaori of Kurashiki City also attended the event.
The "Ishichi New Sake Festival" has been held for over a decade now.
In the early days, it was an event known only to a few, with people often saying, "I didn't know there was a sake brewery in such a place!"
However, through tasting promotions at Aeon Mall Kurashiki and Ario Kurashiki, as well as expanding sales channels outside the prefecture, the "Ishichi" brand has gradually become more recognized.
I believe it has now become one of the representative events of the region.
I have also known the sake brewery well since I was a child, and I am very pleased to see more and more people coming to the event each time it is held.
The nearby area is called "Shin Kumano-yama," centered around Kumano Shrine, and is a historically significant place surrounded by ancient shrines and temples.
May the sake brewing that has been passed down in such a place continue to thrive in the future.
Thank you, President Antani!
I am looking forward to next year's event.
Ishichi New Sake Festival Data
| Name | Ishichi New Sake Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | February 11, 2024 (Sunday) 9 AM - 3 PM |
| Location | 705 Hayashi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free admission |
| Website | Kumaya Sake Brewery (Okayama Tourism WEB) |
