"The Engine of our Hometown" - Thinking Globally, Acting Locally -

The Shinjuku based Genkai restaurant, established in 1928 and known for its dedication to Mizutaki, a traditional Japanese dish resembling a chicken hot pot, has been proudly serving our barley shochu and sweet potato shochu to its esteemed clientele for several years. This privilege has been made possible through our longstanding association with President Yano.

 

During the viewing of a YouTube video featuring Mr. Sujitaro Tamabukuro, a renowned comedian, he was observed relishing the delectable combination of our barley shochu expertly blended with the traditional milky white soup that has been a signature dish at Genkai since its inception. The sight of his enjoyment truly emphasised the irresistible allure of this culinary fusion.

 

“I must say, I was genuinely impressed to learn about this unique drinking technique. Rest assured, I will certainly give this "unconventional serving method" a try at the next possible occasion !” (Comment from the President)

 

Bakushu (麦秋) denotes the early summer season when wheat ears reach maturity, signalling the arrival of the harvest period. In the fields of Ieno and Mochizuki, located in Usuki City, the original barley variety known as Toyono Hoshi, specifically cultivated for shochu production in Oita Prefecture, has now acquired a resplendent golden hue, marking a successful harvest following its initial planting last autumn. The diligent farmers responsible for this endeavour are Mr. Minato, an esteemed old classmate of the president, and Mr. Mouri, a former employee of Usuki City Hall. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the remarkable transformation of this harvest into our exquisite barley shochu, Tsunezo in the coming months.

At the 2023 Kumamoto Regional Taxation Bureau - Liquor Appraisal, our sweet potato shochu, Tsunezo, was bestowed with the prestigious Honour Award. Two types of Tsunezo were entered, exhibition numbers 100 and 101, each winning the award. This esteemed recognition was granted to our submission.
Tsunezo is meticulously crafted using locally grown sweet potatoes from Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, specifically the renowned Beniharuka variety, affectionately known as "kanta-kun." Additionally, the fermentation process incorporates yeast sourced exclusively from Oita. As such, Tsunezo proudly embodies the rich heritage and deep connection to the esteemed Oita region.

We had the opportunity to visit the fields where the original barley variety for shochu production in Oita Prefecture, known as Toyono Hoshi, is cultivated. Located in Mochizuki and Arata, Usuki City, this endeavour is overseen by Mr. Minato, the former classmate of Kuge Honten’s president.

 

Just three months ago, the Toyono Hoshi barley appeared as mere weeds, but it has now flourished into a splendid sight indeed. We eagerly anticipate the day when it will be transformed into our exquisite barley shochu, Tsunezo.

@chikara.awesome 最近ハマってる焼酎！#常蔵 #バリうま ? オリジナル楽曲 - ちゃんぽんちから

TikTok’s Mr. “Chanponchikara” (@chikara.awesome), A friend of Mr. Yutaro Hayashi, who is a member of the Usuki City Community Revitalisation Organisation and chairman of the theatre company Musica, posted a TikTok video with the caption - "Tsunezo tastes amazing !" We are very grateful !
The shochu that appears in the video is our barley shochu - Tsunezo.
Barley shochu - Tsunezo is brewed using a vacuum distillation method, reducing the amount of filtering required.

The barley variety Toyonohoshi was planted for the first time this autumn in Mochizuki, Ieno, Usuki City. The producers are our president’s old friend Mr. Minato, and Mr. Mori (previously of Usuki City Hall).
It is exciting to imagine that this time next year we will be transforming it into our own barley shochu - Tsunezo.

 

Coincidentally, as I was taking some photos of the field Mr. Minato happened to pass by ! He told me, “The black dori pole pennant flags are highly effective in deterring ducks from eating and damaging the crop.” He also mentioned, “at this time of year we carry out mugifumi, the act of treading the barley, although I use a mechanical roller.”

Charles, one of our clients based in Hongkong, sent us a picture of his dog Pei Dan, posing with our barley shochu - Tsunezo Breeze. In the background, you can see the Hong Kong cityscape.

 

The production of our Barley Shochu is now in full swing.
The sound of Mozart can be heard around the shochu brewery.
We are eagerly anticipating the final product.