Completely pesticide-free lemons raised with emus: The secret behind the clear taste of "Aru Kanya," nurtured by the nature of Fukuchi Town.

Hello everyone. This is the Amago Journal.

"It’s so smooth, it goes down like white wine!" "I was looking for a drink that pairs with any meal, and I finally found it."
Our new sensory SAKE, "Aru Kanya (Winter Night)🍋," has been receiving such wonderful feedback from our customers.

Its hallmark is a surprisingly clear taste without the sharp bite of alcohol.
Today, I would like to introduce the key figure behind this drink: the completely pesticide-free "Agano Lemon" grown in Fukuchi Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, and the heartwarming story behind it.

■ Protecting the nature and future of Fukuchi Town. The miraculous "Agano Lemon"

Revitalizing a hometown mountain plagued by depopulation

The ingredient we use for "Aru Kanya" is the "Agano Lemon," carefully grown in the Agano district of our local Fukuchi Town, Fukuoka Prefecture. The person behind these lemons is 78-year-old owner Hachijuro Hirano, who is also an active hunter bagging over 100 wild boars a year.

While hunting in the mountains, Mr. Hirano became acutely aware of the impact that neglected forests have on the ecosystem. Driven by a passionate desire to protect the beautiful nature of his hometown—which is facing depopulation and aging—and to "bring back the Agano village that was once bustling with many visitors," he began planting lemon saplings as part of a forest maintenance project. This was the beginning of the Agano Lemon.

The idols of the field are... Emus!? A lemon grove in harmony with nature

In fact, a surprising and delightful sight awaits in Mr. Hirano's lemon grove. Giant "emus" are roaming freely across the vast fields!
The fact that the emus can happily peck at the grass is proof that no chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides are used. In this peaceful, natural environment where animals can live safely, the Agano lemons grow vigorously, bathed in plenty of sunlight.

A commitment to being completely pesticide-free, allowing the whole fruit—peel and all—to be used

Grown in such nutrient-rich soil, every lemon is heavy and brimming with juice. Because they are completely pesticide-free and contain no wax, you can safely and luxuriously use the "peel," where the most aroma is concentrated. That glorious, blooming fragrance the moment you pour it into a glass is proof of Mr. Hirano's passion and the gifts of nature packed within.

■ A new form of fruit SAKE, brought to life by sake brewing techniques

A substantial 16% alcohol content with a surprisingly clear taste

When you hear "lemon alcohol," you might imagine a sweet liqueur or a canned chuhai. However, what we craft is a genuine alcoholic beverage. Its foundation is the sake brewing technique we deeply respect. While it has a satisfying substance, the addition of the refreshing acidity of Agano lemons creates a crystal-clear taste that is not sharp and doesn't leave you feeling tired of drinking it.

A perfect harmony of fruit flavor and the gentle sweetness of rice

With one sip, the bright, zesty acidity of fresh lemon spreads throughout your mouth. Following that, the rich, gentle sweetness derived from rice follows, as if to softly wrap around the acidity. It is not merely fruit juice mixed in; it is a "botanical SAKE that feels like sake, yet transcends the category"—something we were able to reach because we are fermentation professionals.

■ The best ways to enjoy "Aru Kanya"🍋

Chill it well in the fridge and serve in a white wine glass

Our top recommendation is to chill it thoroughly in the refrigerator and pour it into a wine glass. The lemon aroma blossoms beautifully in the glass, and when paired with Western dishes like carpaccio or cheese, it adds a touch of elegance to the table, just like a fine white wine. Of course, it also pairs perfectly with dashi-rich Japanese food or seasoned Chinese dishes. It is a versatile table drink that refreshes the palate.

A popular arrangement taught to us by customers: 1:1 with sparkling water

Furthermore, an arrangement we were surprised to learn from our customers is the superb "mix it 1:1 with sparkling water"! The refreshing scent of Agano lemon pops with every bubble, turning your everyday dinner or post-bath refresh into something special. We highly recommend this to those who are searching for "an easy-to-drink alcoholic beverage."

"Aru Kanya" was born from the intersection of a local farmer's passion and our brewing technology.
We hope to bring a moment of something special and a breeze of freshness to your everyday dinner table.