Work was carried out in Biei, Hokkaido, to unearth unprocessed Japanese sake that had been aged in the snow for about two months during the winter.
Takasago Sake Brewery, a sake brewing company in Asahikawa City, ages freshly squeezed Japanese sake for about two months every year in tanks buried in the snow on the outskirts of Biei Town.
On the 18th, six employees dug out two tanks containing 5,000 liters of Junmai and Junmai Ginjo sake that had been buried in the snow on January 5th.
Each tank was about 3 meters high, and after digging out about half of it, the brewer opened the lid and tasted it right away.
According to the sake brewing company, by covering the tanks with snow, the temperature is kept between -2 degrees Celsius and 0 degrees Celsius, which allows for stable aging and a mellow taste.
Yoshihisa Morimoto, the master brewer, said, ``The work was difficult due to the heavy snow, but I'm relieved that it was completed successfully.The finish is dry and refreshing, but has a mellow taste, so many people have enjoyed it. I want it,” he said.
The sake, which has been aged in the snow, will be shipped all over the country starting next month.