As part of an international expansion program, Japanese Sake brand Toyo Bijin is launching its four signature sakes in Australia, making its debut exclusively in Kuro Bar & Dining next month.
The family-run brewery, whose name translates to “Eastern Beauty”, was established in 1921 by the Sumikawa Family. Having operated for more than 100 years, it has cemented itself as one of the country’s leading sake brands.
Sake is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting rice that has been polished to remove the bran. Its brewing process involves converting starch into sugars and fermenting alcohol. The drink can be served chilled, at room temperature or warm, depending on the type of sake and season.
Takafumi Sumikawa, the fourth-generation toji (chief brewer), seeks to take the business to new heights and combine heritage with innovation.
“We are dedicated to making sake that resonates with our Japanese DNA and has the roundness, sweetness, and umami of the rice used in its production,” says Sumikawa.
Toyo Bijin sakes are also served in leading Michelin Star restaurants worldwide, including Sushi Wakon (Tokyo, Kyoto), Sushi Sakai, Gion Sasaki, Sushi Gyoten, and – according to Sumikawa – are best enjoyed in wine glasses.
“It is our hope that the magnificent, fruity aroma will make people who have never had sake before familiar with it,” Sumikawa concluded.
