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Rihaku
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Rihaku Rice Trays
Rihaku Rice Trays
Country of Origin: Japan
Location: Shimane Prefecture
People: Mr. Mitsuo Yoshioka, Master Brewer (Toji)
Supplier: http://www.vineconnections.com


Rihaku Shuzo was founded in 1882 in Matsue City in Shimane, although it was not until 1928 that the name Rihaku was adopted. Rihaku was a famous poet in China, and is also known in English as Li Po. Rihaku lived from 701 to 762, and was known for his fondness for the bottle. He was a kind, open-minded, wandering poet that was famous for drinking a lot before writing. He was known to have said, "I drink a bottle, and can write 100 poems." We make use of Rihaku's poems and phrases in our brochures and on our labels, and quote him often. Several of our sakes are named with phrases from the great poet's words.

Their current president, Seijiro Tanaka, has been at the helm since 1987. Besides running Rihaku Shuzo, he stays actively involved in many other sake-related projects, both within Japan and without. His efforts have helped make Rihaku and other sake available in other countries like Hong Kong and the US. "I feel it is part of my life's work to spread the good word about sake, the culture that goes along with it, and of course Shimane as well," he says with a modest smile. Each year, we brew about 3000 koku of Rihaku sake. That is 540 kiloliters of nihonshu. The small amount allows them to focus on each and every drop that is made, enabling us to create just the sake we want to create.

Their current toji, Oosako Osanobu, is the 6th toji at their kura. He is of the Izumo toji school, which is centered here in Shimane (the region was long ago known as Izumo). Interestingly enough, their first two toji (who were father and son) were not Izumo toji, but rather Bitchu toji, from nearby Okayama. Mr. Osanobu is aided by seven other experienced brewers. They combine traditional technique and skill with modern state-of-the-art custom-made equipment to create sake that is the pinnacle of their art.
Items
Rihaku (1.8 L) 'Dreamy Clouds' Tokubetsu Junmai Nigori Net Price — —
Rihaku (1.8 L) 'Wandering Poet' Junmai Ginjo Net Price — —
Rihaku (300 ml) 'Dance of Discovery' Junmai Net Price — —
Rihaku (300 ml) 'Dreamy Clouds' Tokubetsu Junmai Nigori Net Price — —
Rihaku (300 ml) 'Wandering Poet' Junmai Ginjo Net Price Reviews —
Rihaku (720 ml) 'Dance of Discovery' Junmai Net Price — —
Rihaku (720 ml) 'Dreamy Clouds' Tokubetsu Junmai Nigori Net Price — Downloads
Rihaku (720 ml) 'Origin of Purity' Junmai Ginjo Genshu Net Price Reviews —
Rihaku (720 ml) 'Wandering Poet' Junmai Ginjo Net Price Reviews Downloads
Reviews
Rihaku (300 ml) 'Wandering Poet' Junmai Ginjo
Rating: Good

Starts off with a mushroom note, with cedar and cereal elements. Straightforward, with a hot finish. 

- The Wine Spectator (5/31/2013)

Rihaku (720 ml) 'Origin of Purity' Junmai Ginjo Genshu
Rating: Very Good

An herbal style, with a crisp edge to the powerful flavors of ripe apple, thyme and cilantro. 

- The Wine Spectator (5/31/2013)

Rihaku (720 ml) 'Origin of Purity' Junmai Ginjo Genshu
Rating: 90

(Gold Medal, Exceptional) Clear with a polished platinum cast. Aromas of cinnamon rice pudding, maraschino cherry, and delicate anise follow through on a silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with good depth and balance. Finishes with a long, praline, Asian pear, toast, and lemongrass accented fade. A delicious, subtly complex and elegant sake that would be a nice introduction to the category

- Beverage Testing Institute (6/15/2010)

Rihaku (720 ml) 'Wandering Poet' Junmai Ginjo
Rating: Good

Starts off with a mushroom note, with cedar and cereal elements. Straightforward, with a hot finish. 

- The Wine Spectator (5/31/2013)