2023 Special Edition:
10 Sets Only
Gokujo the 9th: A Sake Project
By 5 Middle-Aged Brewers in Pursuit of Their Dreams
Most sake brewers are an artist. They like talking about dreams and philosophy, and treating their sakes as art pieces. So, when tasting a sake, it is always more fun to learn the story behind. And in Nagano, there is a sake project, “Gokujo”, that has recently caught the eyes of many sake fans. Led by 5 middle-aged brewers in pursuit of their dreams, brewing their own sakes under the same rules every year.
2023 is the 9th year of this ten-year plan. The epidemic has not hindered their commitment and determination, but aroused their enthusiasm for sake. With the theme of "と金（Pawn promotion）" ※ this year, the brewers hope that they can keep improving and bring more good sakes to every sake lovers.
※What is と金?
と金 means 'pawn promotion' in Japanese chess 'Shogi'. 'と' is the pawns on the chessboard, and it is also a chess with low attack ability. But as long as it meets the rles and upgrades, it can be transformed into 'gold generals' with greater attack power.
と金 means 'pawn promotion' in Japanese chess 'Shogi'. 'と' is the pawns on the chessboard, and it is also a chess with low attack ability. But as long as it meets the rles and upgrades, it can be transformed into 'gold generals' with greater attack power.
2 Spirits: Ambition & Terroir
Brewing Rules
Since 2015
“Gokujo”, translated as “59 Brewing”, is a 10-year project co-launched by 5 sake brands from Nagano Prefecture: Hokkou Masamune, Ikioi Masamune, Sekizen, Moto Oi No Matsu, and Fukumuryo. Their brewers were all born in Showa 59 (1984) and share the same dream – make an iconic sake of the era and promote Nagano sake to the whole Japan. So, since 2015, the project has been started with the aim of getting more people from other regions to taste Nagano sake while polishing their brewing craftsmanship. Each year, a new theme is set and each brewer produces a sake based on it with a designated Nagano rice and 59% rice polishing ratio. Since different rice is used each year, the taste also differs. Together with the meaningful concept, the project has attracted the support of many sake lovers, so every year once the new edition is released, it is gone quickly.
Enthusiasm worth applauding! Theme of 2023 : Pawn promotion
The brewers hope that in the 9th year, they can still keep their true heart and continue to improve, providing better sakes to sake lovers all over the world. Therefore, the theme of this year's Gokujo is ''Pawn promotion'' to express that they wish to keep moving forward.
This year, they choose to use ''Kinmon Nishiki'' as as the main ingredient. With each brewer employing different brewing methods and yeasts, although the same rice is used with the same rice polishing ratio of 59%, the taste and style of their sake is so different. As a sake lover, let’s support these 5 dreamers by tasting their sake and find out our favorite.
Gokujo Limited Edition 2023
''Pawn promotion'' SET
(Free Delivery)
''Pawn promotion'' SET
(Free Delivery)
Hokkou Masamune, Junmai Ginjo
(2023 Limited Edition)
(2023 Limited Edition)
From rice washing, koji making, brewing, to fermentation management, the brewing process has been completely evolved. Completely breaking away from traditional methods, it is the latest masterpiece of Hokkou Masamune.
Ikioi Masamune, Junmai Ginjo
(2023 Limited Edition)
(2023 Limited Edition)
The soft aroma and delicate taste allow you to enjoy the rich taste brought by Ikioi Masamune.
Sekizen, Junmai Ginjo
(2023 Limited Edition)
(2023 Limited Edition)
As strong as a flower rooted in the ground, but also as light as flying catkins at the same time, which is a unique expression that only dandelion flower yeast can bring.
Moto Oi No Matsu, Junmai Ginjo
(2023 Limited Edition)
(2023 Limited Edition)
Strict selection of yeast and design of sake spec. With elegant aroma, it is an outstanding junmai ginjo with a good balance between sourness, sweetness and umami.
Fukumuryo, Junmai Ginjo
(2023 Limited Edition)
(2023 Limited Edition)
The junmai ginjo that combining music with sake brewing. This year, the brewery takes Felix Mendelssohn's third symphony as the theme, brewing a mature bitterness like the prologue of the music.
Gokujo is having their promotion in Tokyo again this year, so Saketora team certainly seized the opportunity to find out the details of their lastest products!
For those who want to know more about Gokujo, watch the clip below for details!
