Kochi's alcohol. Japanese sake, craft beer, chestnut shochu, and even sake cups that you can't put down.

When you think of a prefecture famous for sake, what comes to mind? In fact, Kochi Prefecture in the Shikoku region is a place where the sake culture is deeply rooted, alongside the rice-producing Tohoku region and Kyushu, which is known for its shochu.
This time, we will be talking about the alcohol situation and culture in Kochi Prefecture. We will also introduce some of Kochi's popular alcoholic beverages, so please use this as a reference for choosing your alcohol.

The alcohol situation in Kochi Prefecture, known as a place with many heavy drinkers

Kochi Prefecture ranks first in drinking expenses

Kochi Prefecture is a land where alcohol culture is deeply rooted. It is said that there are many people who like alcohol, and the prefecture is ranked number one in terms of the amount spent on alcohol . Many historical figures also liked alcohol, and in particular Yamauchi Toyoshige, a feudal lord active during the late Edo period, is known for calling himself "Kujirakai Suikou (Holy King of the Whale Sea)."
Kochi's alcohol culture has developed alongside its food culture. Due to its location, Kochi Prefecture is a place where you can harvest both seafood and mountain produce, and Kochi's alcohol is characterized by the fact that many of its flavors are perfect for pairing with meals . There are many light, dry sakes with a crisp flavor that are loved nationwide. If you like dry or acidic sake, you should definitely check out Kochi's alcohol.

Craft beer is also popular in Kochi Prefecture

Sake is not the only alcohol produced in Kochi. The number of craft beer breweries in Kochi is increasing, and the alcohol culture is growing day by day.
Many of Kochi's craft beers are made with a particular focus on the unique flavors of Kochi, using locally produced ingredients and brewing with water from the Niyodo River . There are also companies that produce fruit-flavored, easy-to-drink beers that are not available from major manufacturers. In addition, some producers have even moved to Kochi from overseas and started making craft beer.
Kochi's craft beer culture is expected to continue to grow in the future. If you are interested in various types of alcohol, not just local sake and Japanese sake, be sure to give Kochi's craft beer a try.

The famous chestnut shochu is also produced in Kochi Prefecture.

In addition to sake and beer, Kochi Prefecture also produces shochu. Particularly famous is the unbranded chestnut shochu "Dabada Hiburi." This brand has even been featured on JAL's international flights for in-flight sales, and is well-known throughout Japan and the world. Dabada Hiburi shochu, made using Shimanto chestnuts, has a sweet aroma and is highly rated even by people who don't like alcohol very much. It is difficult to obtain and is known as a phantom shochu, but if you visit Kochi or see it in a store, be sure to give it a try.

A must-see for dry sake lovers! 7 delicious local sakes from Kochi Prefecture

1. Suigei Junmai Daiginjo Man

• Type of sake: Junmai Daiginjo sake
• Manufacturer: Suigei Brewery
• Raw rice: Yamada Nishiki
• Rice polishing ratio: 30%
• Alcohol content: 17%
• Price: 720ml ¥11,000 (tax included)

Suigei Shuzo's Suigei is a sake marked by a whale label . It is one of the leading brands of Tosa, and was named after the feudal lord of Tosa at the end of the Edo period, Yamauchi, who called himself "Kujiraumi Suikou." It is a high-quality sake brewed with underground water from the Niyodo River, and has a light, dry taste with just the right amount of acidity .
Junmai Daiginjo Man is one of the high-end collection of the Suigei brand, and is very expensive, costing over 10,000 yen per bottle . It is a Junmai Ginjo sake made with Yamada Nishiki rice, and is a sake suitable for parties and as a gift.

2. Bijoju Special Junmai

• Type of sake: Special Junmai sake
• Manufacturer: Hamakawa Shoten
• Raw rice: Not disclosed
• Rice polishing ratio: 60%
• Alcohol content: 15%
• Price: 720ml ¥1,430 (tax included)

Bijofu originally means "good looking man." In today's terms, it has a similar nuance to "ikemen." Hamakawa Sake Brewery's sake, which has been given this name, has a dry base that is typical of Kochi, but also has a refined finish .
Bijofu Tokubetsu Junmai has the fullness of rice that is characteristic of pure rice sake, and can be paired with a wide range of dishes. This sake also pairs well with Western food, so it is sure to be a great addition to your everyday dinner table.

3. Kure Dry Junmai

• Type of sake: Junmaishu
• Manufacturer: Nishioka Sake Brewery
• Raw rice: Matsuyama Mitsui from Ehime Prefecture
• Rice polishing ratio: 60%
• Alcohol content: 16%
• Price: 720ml ¥1,375 (tax included)

Kurei is a sake that is pronounced "kure". It is produced by Nishioka Shuzo, a historic brewery founded in 1781, and this sake is produced in small quantities and is a limited edition sake.
Kurei Dry Junmai is an extremely dry sake with a sake meter value of +10.0 , and is a must-try for connoisseurs who like dry sake. Its refreshing spiciness is delicious when served hot, and it pairs exceptionally well with hearty Tosa cuisine.

4. Tosatsuru Junmai Daiginjo

• Type of sake: Junmai Daiginjo sake
• Manufacturer: Tosatsuru Sake Brewery
• Raw rice: Yamada Nishiki
• Rice polishing rate: 40% or less
• Alcohol content: 16-17%
• Price: 1,800ml ¥5,892 (tax included)

Tosatsuru Sake Brewery is the largest sake brewery in Kochi Prefecture. Tosatsuru Junmai Daiginjo is a popular Junmai Daiginjo sake among the Tosatsuru brand. It has a refined aroma typical of ginjo sake, with a strong body and an outstanding drinkability.
It's a delicious drink served chilled, and tastes even better when paired with nigiri sushi or tempura .

5. Kameizumi Junmai Ginjo Genshu CEL-24

• Type of sake: Junmai Ginjo sake
• Manufacturer: Kameizumi Brewery
• Raw rice: Hattannishiki
• Rice polishing ratio: 50%
• Alcohol content: 14.5%
• Price: 720ml ¥1,875 (tax included)

Kameizumi is a sake brewery that specializes in using sake rice and yeast from Kochi. They offer a wide variety of sakes made with a variety of sake rice and yeast, resulting in a rich variety of flavors.
Kameizumi Junmai Ginjo Genshu CEL-24 is made using Kochi yeast called CEL-24. It has a refreshing fruity taste and a white wine-like aroma . It is an elegant sake that you will want to enjoy in a wine glass.

6. Minami Special Junmai

• Type of sake: Junmaishu
• Manufacturer: Minami Brewery
• Raw rice: Matsuyama Mitsui
• Rice polishing ratio: 60%
• Alcohol content: 15-16%
• Price: 720ml ¥1,500 (tax included)

Minami no Tokubetsu Junmai is a mellow and sharp sake that is typical of Kochi. It is made using yeast from Kochi Prefecture and has a high sake meter value of +8. It is a sake with a juicy umami and rich flavor, so it goes well with dishes with a rich flavor such as simmered dishes .
It's also great value for money, so we recommend it to those looking for a daily drink that goes well with meals. We especially recommend it to those who like dry drinks.

7. Bunkajin Risoul Junmai Ginjo Sake

• Type of sake: Junmai Ginjo sake
• Manufacturer: Arisawa Co., Ltd.
• Raw rice: Not disclosed
• Rice polishing ratio: 50%
• Alcohol content: 16-17%
• Price: 720ml ¥1,705 (tax included)

Bunkajin is made in small batches at a small brewery in Tosa, and is unfiltered. It is stored at -5 degrees Celsius to maintain high quality.
The brewers of Risoul Junmai Ginjo Sake do not disclose the rice used or the sake meter value, as they want people to drink it without preconceived ideas . Also, while the Bunkajin series is characterized by many unpasteurized sakes, Risoul has a slightly lower alcohol content.
It is a sake with a modest and elegant ginjo aroma, and is fresh and refreshing. It goes particularly well with fresh fish such as bonito from Kochi.

Popular alcoholic drinks in Kochi, including chestnut shochu and craft beer

From here, we will introduce alcoholic drinks other than sake that are popular in Kochi Prefecture.

Dabada Firefly

• Type of alcohol: Chestnut shochu
• Manufacturer: Mute Mukan
• Alcohol content: 25%
• Price: 1,800ml ¥2,680 (tax included)

Dabada Hiburi is a chestnut shochu that was introduced in 1985 as a local product of the Kitahata region of Kochi Prefecture. This area is known as the chestnut-producing region of Kochi Prefecture. It is characterized by using 50% chestnuts as an ingredient, resulting in a shochu with a subtle sweet chestnut aroma. As it is a rare chestnut shochu, it is now well-known at a national level.
Dabada Hiburi is a shochu that can be enjoyed on the rocks or straight, but it can also be mixed with hot water or soda. It is also available in a mini bottle, and is a very popular souvenir from Kochi.

TOSACO

• Type of alcohol: Beer
• Manufacturer: Kochi Campagne Brewery
• Alcohol content: approx. 5-6%
• Price: Standard 3-bottle set ¥1,950 (tax included)

TOSACO is a craft beer made with a focus on ingredients from Kochi. Its flavors are easy for people who don't like beer or women to try, and it offers a wide variety of beers, mainly ales. It is characterized by the fact that there are many products with flavors that can only be enjoyed with craft beer, such as "Rice White Ale," "Yuzu Pale Ale," and "Red Shiso Sour Ale."
In recent years, it has been gaining attention as a locally produced item, having been selected as a gift in return for hometown tax donations. Another point is that the store is taking various steps to please consumers, such as allowing regular purchases from the official website .

Tosazuru Early Picked Konatsu and Yuzu Liqueur

• Type of alcohol: Liqueur
• Manufacturer: Tosatsuru Sake Brewery
• Alcohol content: 8%
• Price: 500ml ¥1,450 (tax included)

This is a liqueur made from Tosatsuru Junmaishu. It is made with early-picked Konatsu and Yuzu juice from Kochi Prefecture, giving it a refreshing citrus flavor.
It is slightly sweet and easy to drink because it contains honey. The refreshing sourness goes perfectly with juicy meat dishes such as tandoori chicken.

Kochi Prefecture is also famous for its large-plate dishes and parlor games that can be enjoyed with alcohol.

What is Tōchi's specialty, Sarabachi cuisine?

Recently, Kochi's Sawachi cuisine has been featured on TV. Sawachi cuisine is a hearty dish with appetizers, sushi, desserts, and more all served on a large plate, but when you see it on TV, it seems a bit too elegant and uses too many high-quality ingredients. When it comes to Sawachi cuisine for Kochi guests, this is the standard. pic.twitter.com/6hYQZeTRdk

— Katsuo Human (@katsuo__2011) August 26, 2019

Kochi Prefecture has a food culture called Sawachi cuisine. Sawachi cuisine is a bold local dish in which seafood and mountain produce are generously served on large plates decorated with vivid pictures , and is popular among large groups at banquets and memorial services. The contents of the dishes are not specifically decided, and the style is to serve them in a bold manner, incorporating seasonal produce.
In Japan, there is a culture of enjoying a variety of meals with large groups of people, so there is a tendency to prefer alcoholic beverages that can be enjoyed with meals as they are versatile. At lively banquets, in addition to sake, beer, which is convenient for toasting, is also popular.
In recent years, the number of izakayas and restaurants offering "mini-sawachi" dishes that can be enjoyed by small groups has been increasing. If you are looking for food or snacks to go with your alcoholic beverages, be sure to check them out.

Kochi's unique drinking culture: the Beku Cup

If you come to my house now, you'll be forced to play the Baek Cup pic.twitter.com/wMhB8ub7m1

— Maa-san (@syoku_raku) January 31, 2022

Speaking of food and alcohol culture in Kochi, the ozashiki game "Bekuhai" is also famous. Bekuhai is a sake cup that cannot be put down until it has been drunk , and is played using sake cups with three designs: Okame, Hyottoko, and Tengu.
The rules are simple: you spin a top with a picture on it, and when it falls over, the person at the end of it drinks sake from a sake cup with a designated design .
It is famous as a game involving alcohol, and the Baek Cup itself is a popular souvenir. You should be careful not to drink too much, but if you want to experience Kochi's alcohol culture, it's definitely worth a try.

Popular sake from Kochi is highly rated by sake buying specialists

Kochi's sake is often of high quality, including luxury and premium sake. In many cases, Kochi sake is also available at specialty sake buying stores. Some rare brands can be priced at thousands of yen, so if you have sake you don't drink, consider using a specialty sake buying store before you let it go to waste. For example, specialty sake buying stores can turn the sake you find when sorting your collection or sorting your belongings into cash.
If you want to sell your alcohol safely and securely, choose a specialty store with professional appraisers who are knowledgeable about alcohol and have them appraise it. At Linkus, a specialty alcohol purchase store , we can appraise Japanese sake, shochu, and Western alcohol such as whiskey and brandy . Linkus' purchase service is free and free of charge to customers from all over the country, so please feel free to contact us first.
Linkus Kochi liquor purchase here

summary

Kochi Prefecture is a place where the alcohol culture has developed along with the food culture, and it is ranked number one among all prefectures in terms of the cost of drinking. The appeal of Kochi's alcohol is that it has a lot of dry, crisp flavor that goes well with hearty meals.
If you've read this article and are interested in Tosa sake or Kochi sake, be sure to take this opportunity to try it. There are also many other famous and popular alcoholic beverages besides sake, so be sure to check them out as well.