The story behind the creation of the ever-popular winter item, "Ryusei Zodiac Label" and its special features
This year marks the third year since the release of "Ryusei Zodiac Label Kimoto Junmai Daiginjo."
It was released in the winter of 2020 and will begin in the Year of the Ox in 2021.
Before 2020, Fujii Sake Brewery only sold original zodiac sake designs at its attached shop, the Sake Brewery Exchange Center.
The zodiac labels were also well received, but the contents seemed to be different every year.
Even if you think it was delicious last year and want to buy it, the next year you might find it tastes different.
A product that you can look forward to every year.
So we thought we'd make a more special New Year's sake that would have people looking forward to the release of the zodiac label at the end of the year.
The idea was to create a dish that would match the taste and atmosphere of auspicious New Year's dishes such as osechi ryori, and gatherings of family and relatives.
We considered which sake to use, and decided on Omachi Kimoto Junmai Daiginjo, which is carefully aged at low temperatures.
It is not a Junmai Daiginjo with a gorgeous aroma, but a gentle, rich, and elegant taste. It is a sake suitable for the extraordinary New Year celebrations.
This sake has never been sold before, so it's like releasing a secret secret...
A label made by a local artist.
The next issue was what to do about the labels.
Actually, since it will only be sold at the Sake Brewery Exchange Center and the online store, I wanted to incorporate some Takehara elements.
I wanted to create a dignified label that would match the alcohol inside.
The name that came up was Chad., an artist and dance calligrapher based in Takehara City, who had helped us with handwritten original labels and other things.
Many people say they look forward to the label design every year!
Click here to see the "Ryusei Appreciation Label" designed by Chad.
So in the winter of 2020, we launched the new Ryusei, the 2021 zodiac sign for the Ox!
It will quickly become the most popular sake for year-end gifts!
For the next two years, it has become a perennial winter favorite.
Starting with the Year of the Tiger, the fasteners will also be made of shiny tassels.
The result is a luxurious finish.
Compared to the cool zodiac labels for the Ox and Tiger, the 2023 label features a slightly fairytale-like Year of the Rabbit design.
Women will also be pleased ♬
Cheers to the New Year with "Ryusei Zodiac Label"!
An exquisite taste that can only be enjoyed during the New Year holidays.
Let it cool a little and enjoy it with your New Year's dishes!
I hope 2023 will be a good year for everyone.
Anecdote...
Click here to see past zodiac labels that were sold at the Sake Brewery Exchange Center!
The design was mainly done by the proprietress of the Sake Brewery Exchange Center.
A lovely label with a Japanese feel.
It's a bit sad that we won't see this label anymore.
2017 Year of the Rooster
2018 Year of the Dog
2019 Year of the Pig
<New Year's holiday business hours>
Closed: December 30th to January 4th
Last shipping date of the year: Thursday, December 29th
New Year shipping start date: January 5th (Thursday)
Orders placed on December 28th will be shipped on the 29th.
If you are in a hurry, please contact us as soon as possible.
We accept orders 24 hours a day.
