Houou Biden "Mikumari" Fly High Cloudy

Kobayashi Shuzo was established in 1872 along the historic road leading to Nikko's sacred mountain range in Tochigi Prefecture, in a village then known as Mitamura — "Beautiful Fields" — for its sweeping rice paddies and abundant pure groundwater drawn from the Nikko mountains. The brewery underwent a profound renaissance in 1995 when fifth-generation owner Masaki Kobayashi returned to lead the family business alongside his wife Mayumi, who assumed the role of Toji — one of an exceptionally small number of female master brewers in Japan. Under Mayumi's leadership, the brewery embraced deeply traditional methods: rice is still steamed in an enormous cast iron cauldron over direct fire, koji is made entirely by hand, and drip-press filtration relies on gravity alone. The brand name Houou Biden reflects the brewery's spirit — "Houou" meaning the mythical phoenix, "Biden" honoring those beautiful fields of its birthplace.

Mikumari takes its name from the Shinto deity who governs water sources and the distribution of flowing water — an apt tribute, as the sake is brewed using sacred spring water drawn exclusively from the historic shrines and temples of Nikko, a source entrusted to Kobayashi Shuzo alone. Brewed to Junmai Daiginjo grade from Yumesasara rice polished to 50% and fermented with the brewery's proprietary house yeast, Mikumari is a nigori unlike most — bottled close to its naturally pressed state through careful single-bottle pasteurization, it arrives silky and delicately cloudy rather than heavy or sweet. The nose carries soft muscat, green apple, and citrus, while the palate offers a clear, clean entry with gentle Japanese-style sweetness, bright grapefruit acidity, and savory umami that builds gracefully before finishing crisp and refreshing. A premium and elegant nigori that sets a new standard for the style.