The season for midsummer gifts, a quintessential summer tradition, has arrived.
Ochugen is an important custom of expressing gratitude for everyday things.

It was originally a Taoist custom that took place on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar.
The festival held on this day was mixed with the Buddhist Obon festival, and it came to be considered a day to honor the spirits of ancestors.
After the Edo period, this developed into the custom of giving gifts to relatives and people who have helped you as a token of appreciation for Obon, and has taken on its modern-day form.

When choosing a gift, it is important to keep in mind a few etiquette points.

First of all, it is important to consider the preferences of the recipient and choose a gift that they will enjoy.
Next, pay attention to the timing of sending gifts. In the Kanto region, it is from July 1st to July 15th, while in the Kansai region, it is from July 15th to August 15th, which is a long period.
*Please note that this varies depending on the region.

We also recommend including a message card along with the gift to carefully express your gratitude, as this will make the recipient even more pleased.

What will you be giving this year?

If you send them every year, you might get bored with the same old items like ham, beer, and jelly.

So, in 2024, why not send a slightly unusual and rare drink to someone who loves alcohol?

It's a great time to enjoy it with some delicious summer fruits.

What is aged sake?

At Inishie no Bishu, we carefully select sake that has been aged for over 10 years.

At first, sake is almost colorless and transparent, but due to a chemical reaction called the Maillard reaction, its color changes to amber, its flavor becomes deep, and it acquires a complex aroma reminiscent of sherry or dried fruit.
It has a richer, more mellow flavor than the so-called "new sake."

Fruity brands recommended for summer

①Ancient fine wine 2004 Kitanosho
It has a very mellow aroma that combines the sweet and gorgeous scent of ripe pears with the refreshing scent of spices such as cardamom.

The product containing this brand, "Banzai" 2-bottle set of sake, Here

②Ancient fine wine 2006 Shirayuki

Aging in oak wine barrels has transformed it into a high-quality vintage sherry that has a sweet, rich aroma like pear compote and a full sense of the five flavors of aged liquor.

Products containing this brand Here

Luxury fruits that go well with aged wine!

Shizuoka Melon: The juicy and sweet Shizuoka melon goes perfectly with the fruity aroma of sake. The luxurious feel of the melon and the refined taste of the sake are in perfect harmony.

Yamanashi Peaches: The sweet, mellow aroma of peaches goes well with refreshing brands.

Miyazaki Mango: Rich and juicy, Miyazaki mangoes are known for their sweetness and aroma. They go well with rich vintage sake.

What did you think?

If you're getting stuck in a rut when it comes to gifts, try vintage sake this year.
We have gift wrapping available. Please take this opportunity to experience the joy of choosing a gift and the feeling of gratitude.