A Doburoku Brewery is born in Asakusa, Tokyo! -A place to nurture the younger generation who will be responsible for the future of sake- Vol.1

In June 2020, the Doburoku Brewery Konohana Brewery opened in Asakusa, Tokyo. Mirai Nihonshuten conducted an interview to support the new brewery that will be responsible for the future of sake.

■ Koji room is also fully equipped! A full-fledged brewery that takes on challenges

The biggest feature of Kobana Brewery is the attached koji room. This is a unique attempt for a Doburoku brewery in Tokyo. By making our own koji, which is very important in the sake brewing process, we are able to achieve a rich variety of flavors.

Originally, there were no plans to complete the koji room, but Mr. Okazumi, the first brewery head, thought that "using ready-made koji would inevitably narrow the range of flavors." “Once the koji becomes constant, we have no choice but to tweak other variables.

In addition to koji, Kobana Brewery is also taking on challenges. In general, if the rice-polishing ratio is high, the rice will not dissolve easily, resulting in a bland taste. However, at Kobana Brewery, under the theme of “no rice polishing,” they are making trial and error on a daily basis to find out how they can make delicious doburoku using rice with a rice polishing ratio of 90% .

It's still in the trial and error stage, so you can enjoy a new and updated taste every time you buy "Hanagumori" ( 2,200 yen, tax included)! The charm of "Hanagumori" is that you can enjoy the same taste only at that moment, and you can enjoy the change of taste by continuing to chase.

In addition, there are many other commitments such as three-step sake brewing, sake brewing techniques such as sake yeast, and no additives that are not required to be labeled. Konohana Brewery is a challenging brewery that aims to make doburoku that is widely popular!

■ As a step-up place for young brewers

While the number of young people who aspire to brew sake is increasing due to the sake boom in recent years, the hurdle for such people to brew independently is extremely high.

Konohana Brewery was established as a place where young people who want to be independent in the future can gain experience in brewing and sales at Konohana Brewery, and learn how to obtain a license and how to raise funds.

It seems that the owner's idea is that "the world of sake will become more interesting by opening breweries all over the country."

By regularly changing the brewer's head, constant change is born at Kobana Brewery, and the ideal is that each brewer's individuality accumulates like a gradation. The current brewer is scheduled to become independent in 2021 , and we are always looking for candidates for the next brewery!

■ Brewery tours are also available at any time

With the desire to let more people know about sake and fermentation, Konohana Brewery also serves as a familiar spot in Tokyo where you can learn about fermentation in depth. During business hours, you can observe the brewing process through the glass at any time!

If you want to hear a more detailed explanation, the brewmaster himself will hold a tour for you. If you contact us in advance, we will respond as much as possible.

There is no doubt that this tour will be irresistible for sake lovers! Even if you are not very familiar with sake, there is no need to worry as the head brewer will carefully explain it to you. It is a valuable spot where you can easily visit a sake brewery in Tokyo.

■ You can also eat and drink at the attached bar!

The adjoining store, ALL(W)RIGHT All Right CAFE & SAKE Bar, always sells doburoku made at the brewery. We also have local sake and craft beer from all over the country, so you can enjoy it with delicious food.
I'm looking forward to seeing how it will become more and more powerful as a spot that can be casually enjoyed not only by those who visit Asakusa, but also by those who live in the area.

■Enjoy it with snacks at Mirai Nihonshuten

You can enjoy "Hanagumori" not only at Kibana Brewery, but also at Mirai Sake Store.

Mirai Nihonshuten's recommended pairing dish is deep-fried prosciutto ham and cheese. There are many other alcoholic beverages and dishes prepared, so please ask the staff at the store.