Beat the Winter Chill with Atsukan　　　　　　　 Warm Sake

Hello everyone!

Have you successfully managed to beat the winter blues where you are? In past newsletters, we’ve shared with you some of our favorite winter-beating tips, such as Dango Jiro soup and onsen hot springs, to help ease the
brisk temperatures of the season. Today, we’ve got another trick to help eliminate the winter chill from your
bones: Atsukan hot saké. Atsukan specifically refers to saké warmed at 50 degrees and is one of the many
wonderful ways to accompany a late-night izakaya meal of skewered chicken grilled over a charcoal grill.

With warmed saké, each slight temperature increase releases subtle notes within the rice alcohol, enhancing the aroma, sweetness, and umami that may go unnoticed when chilled. If you’re looking to pick up a bottle to make your own atsukan at home, head to one of our smaller, boutique breweries for Oita’s rich sake selection that
utilizes pure groundwater and locally produced rice from the region.

Kuncho Sake Brewery, located in Hita’s charming Mamedamachi district, is one of the many breweries in Oita
known for its fine selection of saké. This brewery was founded in 1703, with five separate breweries still in
operation since the Edo Period, which continue to create their superior line of saké varieties today. Not all sakes
are created equal, however, with some better suited for the warming effects of Atsukan. Ask one of the shop
staff for their top atsukan recommendation from their wide variety of saké sold in-store, or try one of the saké
tasters available at the brewery’s tasting counter.

One of the easiest methods to make atsukan at home is with a pot of water and decanter with sake. First, bring your pot of water to a gentle boil, then turn off the heat before placing your sake decanter (preferably a ceramic bottle) in the pot for a few minutes. Next, check the bottom of your decanter — if the bottom of your decanter
feels hot, your sake temperature should be just right, drawing out all the full-body flavors quintessential to
atsukan.

We look forward to the day when you can try this heart-warming Atsukan experience for yourself. As always,
stay safe, as we remain hopeful for better travel in Oita in 2022.