I enjoyed sake at a sake brewery with a history of nearly 300 years. I had only seen the exterior before because a comedian had visited in a TV show, but the inside was easy to navigate thanks to that. There were many types of sake available, as well as sake jelly. The interior of the brewery had a museum-like atmosphere with signs and rooms that exuded history. I tried a limited edition "Origarumi" of the popular brand "Kan-hokuto" which was easy to drink with a good finish and taste. The water in this area is also clean, so the sake here is delicious. The location is convenient, right along the main street with a big sign, and a parking lot right next to it.

Established in the 14th year of the Kyoho era, the sake brewery "Kanhokuto" located in Iizuka. The name of the brewery is derived from the shrine near the brewery called "Hokuto-gu," which enshrines the Big Dipper, and during the essential process of making ginjo sake called "kan shikomi," the head brewer and all the brewery workers visit the shrine to pray for a successful sake-making season. The brewery was named after this shrine. Here, a group called "Aka-ne-kai" was formed to make sake more accessible, and they have a program where members can participate in sake brewing activities over the course of a year. This year, I had the opportunity to join as a member and observe the sake making process. I witnessed and participated in the process of steaming rice for brewing. It was an early morning start for brewing... I learned that this process is essential for creating delicious sake. After the tour, we enjoyed a meal and tasted the freshly made Kanhokuto sake at a social gathering. The sake is made using the clear water from the headwaters of the Onga River and only the "Tama no Mizu" spring water that flows in the brewery, resulting in a smooth and delicious sake. In particular, the Kanhokuto Junmai-shu "Shibien," which expresses the four seasons, has a refreshing taste that has been passed down through generations. At the brewery's shop, you can purchase Kanhokuto sake and merchandise. I bought a bottle of Kanhokuto Junmai-shu "Tama no I," which has a gentle flavor that can be enjoyed cold or warm. Additionally, I purchased freshly squeezed sake lees, which enhanced the flavor when consumed.

September 2017. Daytime - Kan Hokuto Junmai Sake 720ml for 1905 yen (excluding tax). A sake brewery in Kama City, Fukuoka Prefecture. When you see the sign for Sake Hayashi (Sugitama), you can't help but stop by. It's an announcement that the new sake is ready. I believe that the deliciousness of sake is thanks to the sake brewery, not the restaurant. Here, you can taste almost all types of sake. The atmosphere inside the sake brewery is charming, with many awards displayed. Fukuoka sake may not be very famous, but they say it's "the most delicious sake in Fukuoka even at the age of 60 in 30 years." It feels like they are working hard. I bought the best-selling sake they recommended. - Kan Hokuto Junmai Sake (3.3) Fresh and sweet on the palate. Wet and sweet. A slight sharpness from the rice comes in halfway through. The interesting change from a gentle taste to a gear shift. The stimulating sensation of rice slowly spreads and fades away. The aftertaste leaves a sweetness and freshness. In short, it feels like a trendy, watery, easy-to-drink sake. I think it's currently being promoted among Fukuoka sake. I wish I could have tried the raw sake. I didn't know about Kan Hokuto, but it seems to be from the (old) Tamanoi Sake Brewery. I know Tamanoi.

Located in Iizuka, Fukuoka Prefecture. Established in the 14th year of the Horeki era, this sake brewery draws clear underground water from the source of the Onga River, raised by the brewers like their own children. Like the Big Dipper shining brightly in the northern sky, this handmade brewery boasts a refreshing and deep flavor. As a member of the "Akane-kai" organized by this brewery, I have been participating in a year-long experience of making sake with only women. Starting from planting Yamada Nishiki rice and making sake vessels in April two years ago, the fourth and final session was a sake bottling experience. Unfortunately, due to the influence of COVID-19, our plans were canceled last year and this year. Instead, we received products from the brewery, including the seasonal series of the Junmai Ginjo sake "Shibi-en" and the brewery's branded sake vessel. Particularly, the spring and winter versions of the Shibi-en Junmai Ginjo sake, known for its pleasant spiciness, were included. I recommend this dry sake series to those who love sake from the bottom of their hearts. I am grateful for the thoughtful gesture of sending us so much during this difficult time, and I look forward to continuing to support the brewery in the future.

I participated in a bus tour of Sankitoh, located at 1036-1 Okuma-cho, Kama City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It is a famous sake brewery in Fukuoka Prefecture. In this cold season, they make sake in the traditional way, focusing on local Kama rice and water. The brewery has a history of three hundred years, previously known as "Tamanoi Sake Brewery" and "Sankitoh Sake Brewery". First, we visited the Hokuto Shrine next door. We climbed quite a few stone steps, prayed for a safe journey and the continued prosperity of Sankitoh, and hoped for delicious sake. We then entered the brewery, listened to explanations about the sake-making process, and toured the facility. After the sake-making explanation, we were able to bottle unpasteurized sake as a souvenir to take home. The lunch box was quite luxurious, with sashimi included, making it a perfect accompaniment to the sake. The packed lunch was also delicious. I tried Yamada Nishiki sake rice for the first time, and it had a unique taste that made me think, "Is this how it tastes?" Most people may not have eaten Yamada Nishiki rice, so it may not be a big deal, but it made me realize the depth of Japanese sake even more. We were able to enjoy a range of sake, from Junmai to Daiginjo, and dine in a room designated as an Important Cultural Property, with all-you-can-drink options. It was a fantastic experience, and I would love to come back next year.

Located in Iizuka, Fukuoka Prefecture, this sake brewery was established as "Tamanoi Shuzo" in the 14th year of the Kyoho era. They draw pure underground water from the majestic Mount Bama and Mount Umi in the Hikosan range, through the clear Kama River. Renamed "Kan Hokuto" over 32 years ago, this sake has become well-known and loved by the locals. The brewery formed a women-only group called Akane Kai 8 years ago, where members participate in sake brewing for a year. In addition to their traditional sake varieties like "Kan Hokuto" Junmai Daiginjo, they have introduced a new product called "Kan Hokuto Spicy Junmai Sake Shi-bi-en" which is released seasonally, including a "summer limited edition". The label design is stylish and the sake has a refreshing light taste with a sharp finish. They also sell sake lees-filled bread, available in two flavors: black bean paste and white bean paste. The bread is made with generous amounts of Hokkaido red beans, giving it a rich flavor. The moist and flavorful sake lees dough wraps around the filling, providing a satisfying and substantial bite. The sake is excellent, but the bread is also delicious!

This is truly delicious sake.