しゃくやく
My first encounter with Kyoheiji was about 15 years ago. It was a yakitori restaurant in Nishi Chofu, Tokyo. A dirty red paper lantern, a time-worn curtain, and pipe chairs inside the restaurant. The restaurant was run by a couple who were so close to each other that they quarrelled with each other (laughs).
When I was drinking a Shiribari crane, the landlady said to me, "You really like sake, don't you? You should try this one if you like. I was presented with a bottle of Kyoheiji. It had an alphabetic label, which was unusual for sake at the time. I asked my wife to pour a glass of sake for me, and when I tried it, it was great! I fell in love at first sight with its fragrant and mellow flavor. Even something as strong as yakitori can never be beaten.
Thinking about it now, I wondered why they had Kuheji in that restaurant. I wonder if it was the owner's favorite. I'm also surprised that they served it for 500 yen per glass, which is unthinkable in a restaurant in the city.
However, the restaurant was closed a few years ago. It's very disappointing.
This time I got it with my hometown tax payment (Nishiwaki City, Hyogo Prefecture). I will drink it at home while remembering that yakitori restaurant.
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