VIP Kuheiji Sake Personal Private Tour. 九平次 Kuheiji since 1647. First Japanese sake ever served in 3 Michelin Stars restaurant in Paris (2006). Mr. Kuheiji Kuno is the 15th generation of Kuheiji. He is the mastermind and legend behind my favorite Kuheiji sake. His philosophy and innovative approach to sake is mind-blowing. He came up with the idea of serving premium sake in wine glasses. He entered into the terroir and planted his own rice by himself for his sake. He's the Top 100 Most Respected Japanese People in 2007. Despite of his fame, he's very down-to-earth and friendly. He's also quite an art collector.
Kuheiji-san invited me to visit his Sake Brewery in Nagoya. I was so thrilled. When I saw him again in Nagoya, I had tears in my eyes. I am a big fan of his sake. The building about 200 years old used to be the family house. Matei-san showed me the brewing process and toured the facility in detail. I also got to exclusively taste the unpasturized Betsu Atsurae, which was just bottled today. It's fruity with notes of pear. Everything was mind-blowing. I really appreciate the fine premium quality sake, but after the tour, I get to appreciate all the hard work behind it even more. Tour is by invitation only and not open to public.
 |
| Authentic Kyoto Garden |
 |
| Nama Betsu Atsurae (unpasturized) bottled the same day |
 |
| Nama Betsu Atsurae (unpasturized) bottled the same day |
 |
| Kuheiji-san & Matei-san |
 |
| Take Home Gift |
 |
| Kuheiji-san has a lively personality |
