Navigating the earth of sake can be challenging, with all the specialised terminology and baffling versions. The good thing is, with the release of a new vegan-licensed sake sequence by Nagai Sake Brewery in Gunma Prefecture – the Mizubasho Artist Sequence – at the very least one particular determination bought a total large amount a lot easier.
You may well feel sake, made from steamed rice, koji and h2o, would all be vegan, but to get the liquid into its commonly crystal distinct condition, brewers use a fining agent. This can be an animal-derived merchandise these types of as egg white or gelatin, or an animal-cost-free products like charcoal or agar.

Nagai Sake Brewery has completed away with animal-dependent fining agents in its sake, to attractiveness to a wider audience. In 2019, 4 of the brewery’s flagship types received formal vegan certification, and the freshly released Mizubasho Artist Collection has ongoing the trend. The brewery is only the 2nd in Japan to receive the certification – which is approved by Japanese NPO Vege Challenge – along with Nambu Bijin brewery in Iwate prefecture.
With a few versions in the collection, you are certain to discover just one that satisfies you. The glowing sake (360ml, ¥1,200) is brewed like champagne with secondary fermentation in the bottle, ensuing in a peachy flavour and a silky effervescence. Meanwhile, the still sake (720ml, ¥1,300) boasts a succulent, wealthy mouthfeel with lychee and pear notes. The dessert sake (300ml, ¥1,000), on the other hand, delivers a sweeter taste that goes nicely with cheese. All are designed to pair with a assortment of international cuisines, just like a bottle of wine, so you really do not want to stress if Japanese food stuff isn’t on the menu.

The label on every bottle characteristics a comfortable pastel oil portray by Japanese artist Tsurutaro Kataoka. The artwork depicts a flower that grows in Gunma’s Oze Nationwide Park, but is sadly less than risk from climate improve. Nagai Sake Brewery has committed 5 per cent of all income from the Mizubasho Artist Series to a neighborhood task devoted to regenerating and guarding the flower.
The Mizubasho Artist Collection is now obtainable from these vendors.
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