Shubo Series: Kimoto - Sake's O.G. Starter

Episode 57. Our Shubo series continues! Shubo of course is the "fermentation starter" step of sake production.  Whichever the method, we use lactic acid to give the shubo a jump start and allow the sake yeast to live its best life.  This week, we look at the Kimoto method.  Kimoto is the O.G. method that has been the default for centuries.  By definition, it involves the mashing of rice, rice koji and water together in a low tub, into a paste using long poles in a step known as "yamaoroshi."  Then over the next two weeks or so, lactic acid bacteria in the mash slowly and naturally creates lactic acid which eventually kills off any ambient microbes, wild yeast or other unwanted microorganisms.  When the sake yeast is introduced, it can thrive uninhibited and go on to do it's sake making work.  Kimoto is no longer used that much - only about 1% of sake made today uses this historically important starter method.  Be sure to give kimoto a try if you see it - it's a sake that will connect you with centuries of sake making in just one sip. Let's go!

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