A complete guide to the 14th generation universe: Unlock the secrets behind the wine labels, a pilgrimage from "Honmaru" to "Longquan"

Why can a bottle of sake become a legend?

In the world of sake, "Juyūdai" is more than just a name; it's a totem, a symbol of quality, craftsmanship, and rarity. When people discuss it, there's a touch of awe in their voices. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a lucky finder, you likely share the same question: What's the magic behind Juyūdai's unwavering claim to the throne of "King of Sake"?

Today, Hongkang Trading Company will take you on a pilgrimage, from the affordable entry-level models to the hard-to-find dream products, completely deconstructing the mysterious genealogy of fourteen generations , so that you can understand its value in one article.

Chapter 1: The Beginning of a Legend - The Mysterious "Takagi Sake Brewery"

Every story has its origin. The 14th generation's home is Takagi Sake Brewery, a 400-year-old establishment in Yamagata Prefecture. Its mystique lies in its extreme secrecy: it never opens to the public and rarely grants media interviews. The current owner, Takagi Akimitsu, is the 15th generation of the family, and the "14th Generation" brand was founded by him in commemoration of his 14th generation.

He broke with tradition, using original brewing techniques such as "Seven Drops and Twenty Kan" and creating a gorgeous and unrestrained fruity flavor, which completely overturned people's impression of the dry taste of sake at that time and ushered in a new era.

Chapter 2: The Fourteenth Generation Pyramid: Deconstructing Class and Flavor

To understand the fourteenth generation , we can imagine it as a pyramid, from the base to the top, representing different levels, rarities and flavor experiences.

The Foundation

This is the first door into the world of the Fourteenth Generation . Although it is an entry-level sake, its quality far exceeds that of ordinary sake.

• Honmaru Hiden Tamagaeshi:

  • Characteristics: This is the most well-known brew. Although it's a "Honjozo" brew, it uses ginjo-grade rice. Its most distinctive feature is its "secret den tama-fushi" technique, which involves adding its own kasu-tori shochu to enhance the flavor, resulting in a uniquely sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of honeydew and cantaloupe, along with a smooth texture.

  • Market positioning: The fourteenth generation has the highest CP value and is also the "first love" of the brand for many people.

The Core of Excellence

Starting from this level, the fourteenth generation will show its more refined brewing process and is the daily favorite of connoisseurs.

• Nakadori Junmai Ginjo:

  • Characteristics: "Middle-cut" refers to the process of extracting only the most refined and pure middle portion of the wine during the pressing process. This series is named after the rice, such as "Banshu Yamada Nishiki," "Akaiwa Ocho," and "Aishan," each showcasing the unique characteristics of the rice, resulting in richer, more layered fruity aromas.

  • Market Positioning: The backbone of wine rice that showcases its unique character, the best choice for exploring flavor differences.

• Nakadori Daiginjo:

  • Characteristics: The rice is more polished (more of the outer layer is removed), resulting in a more delicate and luxurious taste. The aroma is bold, with notes of tropical fruits like pineapple and white peach, and a long aftertaste.

  • Market positioning: A standard connoisseur-level wine that perfectly balances gorgeous aroma and pure taste.

The Pinnacle of Craft

At this level, every bottle is a work of art, representing Takagi Sake Brewery's ultimate pursuit regardless of cost.

• Shichitare Nijikkan:

  • Characteristics: The name derives from an ancient wine-pressing method. Approximately 75 kilograms (20 kan) of rice is placed in a cloth bag. Without pressing, gravity allows the wine to drip down like water droplets, collecting until seven drops are collected. Hence the name. Production is extremely rare, and the wine is as smooth as silk, with an exceptionally pure and clean flavor.

  • Market positioning: This rare treasure is the dream of countless sake lovers.

The Mythical Realm

At the top of the pyramid are collectibles that go beyond the scope of sake, and they often only appear at top auctions or among private collectors.

• Ryusen:

  • Features: The absolute king of the 14th generation series. Brewed with ancient Dragon Spring water and utilizing exquisite brewing and maturation techniques, this malt whisky boasts a complexity and depth of flavor unimaginable, earning it the nickname "liquid diamond."

  • Market positioning: Legend. Owning it is a status symbol in itself.

• Ryunosuke & Hakuunkyorai:

  • Characteristics: These are also top-tier, limited-edition releases with extremely limited production, often produced to commemorate or celebrate special vintages. Each has its own distinct flavor profile, but all represent the pinnacle of Takagi Shuzo's work at that specific moment.

  • Market positioning: Mythical level, great collection and investment value.

Chapter 3: The code on the wine label - Why is your fourteenth generation priceless?

Beyond the series itself, the value of Fourteenth Generation is also reflected in the details on the label. The most important is the "Year of Manufacture." This is not the expiration date, but the "bottling date." Generally speaking, new vintages of Fourteenth Generation have the freshest and most vibrant flavors, while exceptional vintages, due to their limited production, are even more collectible.

It is this insistence on the ultimate craftsmanship , uncompromising quality , and extremely rare production that have created the high position of Fourteenth Generation in the market, making it not only a beverage, but also an asset that maintains its value.

From tasting to understanding value

From the aromatic and unrestrained "Honmaru", to the delicate and pure "Shichikuri 20 Kan" , to the dreamlike "Longquan" , each series of the Fourteenth Generation represents the winemaker's pursuit of perfection.

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide will help you gain a deeper understanding of the legendary sake in your possession. If you have a treasured sake from fourteen generations and would like to understand its current market value, Hongkang Trading Company offers professional, free appraisal and valuation services. We offer integrity and expertise to help you realize the true value of your collection.

Contact us now to get an expert valuation for your treasured possession. WhatsApp: 94530784 Tel: 852 94530784