Shinginshu represents a breakthrough in sake brewing, where an innovative rice polishing method enhances the drink’s purity and flavor. This unique approach has caught the attention of sake connoisseurs and breweries alike, offering a new perspective on how rice can shape the perfect brew. To explore its intriguing history and the impact on the world of sake, read on.
What is Shinginshu?
Shinginshu (真吟酒) refers to a type of premium sake in Japan, characterized by its high-quality ingredients and careful brewing process. The term “Shinginshu” translates to “True Ginjo” or “Authentic Ginjo” sake, and it typically refers to sake made with highly polished rice and fermented at a cooler temperature. Locals often enjoyed this chilled or at room temperature to fully appreciate its delicate flavors and aromas. It’s a sought-after sake among connoisseurs for its craftsmanship and the expertise required to make it.
Shinginshu History
In the early 1990s, Tomio Saito, then Chief of the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau’s Appraisal Office, introduced “flat rice polishing,” a method that removes only the unwanted parts of the rice. And this results in cleaner, more delicate sake. Although there were challenges in implementing this method, the development of new polishing machines has led to a gradual increase in its adoption by sake breweries. Satake later coined the term “Shingin” to encompass the rice, sake, and technology. It is associated with flat rice polishing, marking the beginning of a revolutionary approach to sake brewing.
Shingin Polishing Brings New Life to Locally Grown Eating Rice
Shingin rice polishing is a versatile method suitable for both sake rice and table rice. This makes it possible for breweries to utilize locally grown rice for brewing. This approach is being embraced by Suzuki Sake Brewery in Fukushima, which uses rice from Namie—a town heavily impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake—for its sake “Iwakikotobuki.” By adopting Shingin, the brewery can craft clean, high-quality sake even with rice polished to 65%, fulfilling local hopes to revive Namie’s sake-making tradition. The resulting product is praised for its Muscat-like aroma and exceptional taste.
What is the new rice polishing technology?
The new rice polishing technology, “Shingin Polishing,” focuses on the shape of the rice during the polishing process. Unlike traditional spherical polishing, Shingin Polishing leaves the rice in its original shape, resembling a flat, rugby ball-like form. This method effectively removes proteins that cause unpleasant flavors in sake. This allow a ginjo sake made from rice polished to 60% to achieve the same aroma and flavor. As a daiginjo sake made from rice polished to 40%. Satake’s new technology, referred to as “Shingin Polishing,” enhances sake quality by efficiently refining the rice for cleaner, more refined taste.
Different Shinginshu Products
Daigourei Junmaishu Shingin Polished 720ml
A solid, dry sake with a rich rice flavor, offering excellent value for money and ideal for pairing with meals.
Daigourei Junmaishu Shingin Polished 1800ml
A dry, flavorful sake with a rich rice taste, providing great value and recommended for enjoying with meals.
Shirakiku Light #51 KOUBOU KOI 720ml
A sake made from delicious Koshihikari rice, symbolizing a ray of light, with the goal of delivering a superior, heartwarming experience.
FAQ
- What’s Shingin-shu?
It’s sake made with the latest flat rice polishing tech, “Shingin Seimai.” It’s known for its clean taste because it efficiently removes protein from the rice.
- How’s it different from regular sake?
Even with a higher polishing ratio than before, it has less off-flavors and tends to be clearer with lower amino acid levels. It’s also popular as a sake to drink with meals because it doesn’t overpower the food.
- Can you use Shingin Seimai with any kind of rice?
It depends on the type and condition of the rice. To get the best quality sake, it’s important to choose the polishing method that suits the rice’s characteristics.
Conclusion
Shinginshu is a remarkable innovation in the world of sake, offering a cleaner, more refined taste thanks to its unique rice polishing method. As this cutting-edge technique continues to gain popularity. We hope you’ll have the chance to try Shinginshu in Japan, experience its exceptional quality, and discover a new level of enjoyment in sake.
To fully appreciate the refined taste of Shinginshu, we recommend pairing it with delicate dishes like sashimi, grilled fish, or light tempura, which will complement its clean and smooth flavors perfectly.
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