Savour Sake from the Land of Sand Dunes in Japan, Tottori
Yes you read that right, sand dunes in Japan. Located in the Chūgoku region of Honshu, Tottori Prefecture (鳥取県, Tottori-ken) is the least populous prefecture in Japan. On this Honshu shoreline stretched along the Sea of Japan lies the beautiful Tottori Sand Dunes that covers over 30 square kilometres of the coast to the north of the city centre.
An extended horizon as the desert meets the sea.
Source: Amusing Planet
The Only Sand Dunes You Can Find In Japan
The Tottori Sand Dunes, also known as the Tottori Sakyu were formed over thousands of years ago through accumulation of sediments deposits from the Chugoku mountains carried by the Sendai River. Tides, sea currents and wind raise the sand from the bottom so it never looks the same for an extended period of time - a shapeshifting landscape.
Top of Tottori Sand Dunes - Panoramic view of crystalline water awaits you as reach the top of the sand dunes. ©yukihipo - stock.adobe.com
An alternative perspective, away from the hustle and bustle of populous city life. Sand dunes curl up to over 50 metres high, camels and horse drawn carts as forms of transportation and dreamy desert mirages replace big city lights.
Tottori Prefecture’s “Ultra Soft Water”
Mount Daisen, Tottori Prefecture - the highest volcanic mountain in the Chūgoku region famed for high quality water.
What makes Tottori Prefecture the perfect location for premium sake production? The answer lies in its water. Tottori is known for their “ultra-soft water” that is particularly lower in minerals with a hardness of approximately 21mg. For comparison, most soft water in Japan has an average hardness of 100mg.
Soft water is suitable for brewing sake as it brings out the flavour of the rice. Due to it’s low hardness, soft water is even suitable for infant formulas as worries about changes in nutritional components are basically non existent!
Intrigued and want to know more about sake? Check out our Sake 101 guide - here!
Sake from Tottori, Land of Sand Dunes
Sigma Sake Range - Left to right “Sigma Sparkling Yuzu”, “Sigma Kaoru”, “Sigma Aka”, “Sigma Tan”.
Sigma Sake from the Land of Sand Dunes, Tottori Prefecture, Japan - painstakingly brewed and carefully crafted in a sake brewery tucked in Tottori Prefecture with an extensive history of 350 years of brewing!
The brewing process of sake requires meticulous control so mass production is out of the question for any of these sake especially when it comes to Sigma Kaoru which can only be produced during December to March.
Σ 淡 “Sigma Tan”
∑淡 ”Sigma Tan”
Introduction: Enjoy smooth and well-balanced taste of rice. Best served when warmed to 45 degrees.
Water: Ultra soft water located in the West of Kyoto, Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
Yeast (No. 7): Does not emit a strong smell, retains the natural aroma and taste of rice.
Rice: Tottori Prefecture’s “Tamasakae" to create a dry flavour.
Brewing Process: Since there is no strong taste or aroma, it is difficult to control the brewing.
Σ 紅 - “Sigma Aka”
Σ紅 “Sigma Aka”
Introduction: Recognisable by the bright red colour from the ancient rice, enjoy well-balanced sweetness and sourness derived from components naturally generated during the brewing process from the rice. Completely natural and no sweetener is added.
Water: Ultra soft water located in the West of Kyoto, Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
Rice: “Japanese ancient rice,” bright red.
Brewing process: A unique brewing method, in which a “Rice Koji” is added in the later stages of brewing that provides the characterization of “Amazake”.
“Amazake”, a Japanese Super Drink also known as the “IV drip” because of its richness in glucose, essential amino acid and vitamin that is beneficial for your body, particularly skin whitening and beauty.
Σ 馨 - “Sigma Kaoru”
∑馨 “Sigma Kaoru”
Introduction: Enjoy light and refreshing premium sake with fruity accents.
Water: Ultra soft water located in the West of Kyoto, Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
Yeast (Dandelion Yeast Patented): Generates aromatic scent similar to apples and pears.
Rice: Tottori Prefecture’s “Yamada Nishiki" to create well-balanced flavours.
Σ 泡 - “Sigma Sparking Yuzu”
∑泡 “Sigma Sparkling Yuzu”
Introduction: A natural sweet Sake based liqueur cocktail with Yuzu Extract.
Base Sake: A unique brewing method in which a “Rice Koji” is added in the later stages of brewing that provides the characterization of “Amazake”.
Rice: Tottori Prefecture’s “Tamasakae" .
Yuzu Extract: 100% natural Juice made by Yuzu grown in Japan.
Features: The basal brewing process is exactly the same as “∑紅”! Natural Yuzu extract adds a hint of sour and bitterness to the sake which makes it suitable for an aperitif.
Enjoy the Free-Flow Sigma Sake Series thoughtfully paired by Chef Yoshi at an exclusive 8-course Omakase dining experience!
YOSHI 8 Course Omakase with Sake Pairing
Event Details
Date: Every Wednesday from the month of December 2020 till further notice
Time: 19:00PM - 22:30PM
Location: YOSHI Restaurant, 583 Orchard Rd, Forum The Shopping Mall, #B1-39, Singapore 238884
For reservations,
Email: catty.z@czsakae.com
Whatsapp: +65 8126 2069
The team at Arrozagua shared that they’re in the midst of preparing exciting events for 2021 so stay tuned as we can’t wait to share with you in the upcoming new year
Founded in just Dec 2019, ArroZagua aims to use the pure ultra-soft water of Tottori prefecture and the rice grown in that water and produces sake using the technology of a brewery in Tottori prefecture, which has a history of 160 years. Arrozagua offers a new concept of sake in partnership with multiple breweries, including Suwa Sake Brewery, which has a history of 160 years in Tottori Prefecture.
Inspiration Behind The Branding:
The company name ArroZagua stands for rice and water in Spanish, and the logo Σ stands for the harmony of rice, water, and technology.
Find out more on their latest updates here: https://www.arrozagua.jp/
This post is brought to you in partnership with Arrozagua.