Reviving a Samurai's Legacy through Sake
In the heart of sake production, the Sendai Isawa Family Katsuyama Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. stands tall with a rich heritage of over 330 years. This brewery has served as the official sake maker for the historic Sendai Domain, a feat initiated by the influential feudal lord, Date Masamune. The brewery has recently introduced a remarkable creation: RYOAN LEGEND 2012 Junmai Daiginjo-DOUBLE UMAMI FINISH - Umami Grand Cru.
Craftsmanship Steeped in History
RYOAN LEGEND epitomizes the dedication and authenticity that defines Katsuyama Sake. Crafting this sake involved a meticulous process that drew inspiration from a recipe over three centuries old. The hallmark of this craft is utilizes a unique centrifugal pressing technique that doubles the umami compounds of the rice. The sake undergoes a rigorous 12 years of ice aging at remarkably low temperatures to develop its flavor profile fully.
Honoring Tradition and Culture
Date Masamune's legacy of leadership and cultural patronage shapes the essence of Sendai, reflected not just in its sake but also in local crafts like Sendai Tansu. As the designated brewery of the Date family, Katsuyama honors its historical roots while contributing to the global sake community.
A Testament to Excellence in Sake
Katsuyama Sake Brewery is recognized internationally, having secured several prestigious awards. The Junmai Ginjo "Ken" was a standout winner in the SAKE COMPETITION of 2015 and 2016, and it was honored as Champion Sake at the 2019 London International Wine Challenge. Adding to its accolades, Junmai Daiginjo "Den" achieved the President Sake title at a refined competition in France. Notably, the flagship Junmai Daiginjo "Akatsuki" scored an impressive 95 points by a top wine authority, marking it as a leader among new entries.
Introducing RYOAN LEGEND 2012
The saké is aptly named after Heizaemon Isawa, a pivotal figure in the brewery's history, who significantly contributed to Sendai's development. Heizaemon is celebrated for restoring Zuih?-ji, the ancestral temple of the Date family, thus preserving traditional Japanese culture. The RYOAN LEGEND embodies Sendai's cultural heritage and the innovative spirit inherited from the samurai ethos.
Traditional Techniques Meet Innovation
Crafted using historical methods reminiscent of the Edo period, this sake emphasizes the significance of umami. By unlocking the full potential of rice, it achieves a remarkable smoothness with a rich finish that pays homage to the gourmet traditions of sake making. Sourced from 2012 Yamada Nishiki Special A rice, cultivated in the nutrient-rich soils near Mount Izumigatake, the sake proudly reflects its local terroir.
The Unique Presentation of RYOAN LEGEND
Presented beautifully in an artisan-crafted Sendai Tansu, this exclusive release features only 50 limited sets, offering a true tasting experience of premium handcrafted sake.
Key Features of RYOAN LEGEND 2012
RYOAN LEGEND encompasses a blend of exceptional elements, including:
- Ingredients: Domestic rice, Rice Koji made from domestic rice
- Polishing Ratio: 35%
- Rice Variety: 100% Yamada Nishiki
- Alcohol Content: 16%
- Volume: 720ml
- Storage: Refrigerated (acceptable at room temperature during transport)
- Brewmaster: Mitsuaki Goto
- Recommended Serving Temperature: 8–14°C
- Price: ¥1,000,000 (excluding tax)
- Sales: Limited to 50 bottles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RYOAN LEGEND 2012?
RYOAN LEGEND 2012 is a premium Junmai Daiginjo sake that revives a 300-year-old recipe combining traditional techniques with modern taste.
How long has Katsuyama Sake Brewery been in operation?
Katsuyama Sake Brewery has been creating sake for over 330 years, serving as the official sake maker for the Date family in Sendai.
What makes this sake unique?
This sake is unique due to its intensive aging process and the traditional crafting methods that release double the umami components of the rice.
Is RYOAN LEGEND widely available?
Only 50 sets of RYOAN LEGEND 2012 are released, making it a rare and exclusive product for sake enthusiasts.
What rice is used in RYOAN LEGEND?
The sake is crafted using 100% Yamada Nishiki rice, well known for its quality in premium sake production.
