Inishie is a premium brand of selected Japanese vintage liquors such as sake, shochu, awamori (Okinawan spirits) and umeshu (plum liquor) which have been aged for more than 10 years. Until the Edo Period (1603-1868), “koshu” or aged sake was especially prized for its rich flavor and considered more valuable than newer sake, or “shinshu,” and so beloved by aristocrats. The long tradition of koshu culture has gradually declined when the Meiji government introduced a new tax system in late 1800s in which tax was due the moment the sake was pressed before any sake had been sold. Accordingly, breweries engaged in koshu manufacturing decreased significantly and the sake market was replaced with shinshu. Since then, the number of breweries producing koshu has never increased again as there was no incentive for storing sake to mature. Based on such background, Takumi Sousei Inc. launched the Inishie Japanese vintage liquor series following the visits of more than 100 breweries nationwide in pursuit of valuable and rare koshu only available in Japan. Then, 51 brands from 42 breweries in 19 prefectures have been carefully selected based on flavors and aroma by sommeliers and specialists. The aging process of Japanese sake produces a caramel-like sweet and spicy flavors. The changes seen in the flavors of the liquors vary depending on the brand; some would have sweet aroma like fruits while some producing a strong acidity. The flavors of shochu and awamori change into mellow flavor with fragrant aroma when aged. In addition, one of the main features of Inishie series is that the brewed year is displayed in the label of each bottle, which may be a perfect option for a milestone anniversary gift or to enjoy all on your own to complement a special moment.