A Legacy Reborn, Crafted from Earthquake-Resilient Base Wines

A Legacy Reborn

Kobe Brandy, a premium spirit crafted from grapes and ingredients sourced exclusively from Kobe, Japan, is now available for purchase. This unique brandy boasts a remarkable history, its base wines having weathered the devastating Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995.

The 238 bottles of Kobe Brandy, each priced at 198,000 yen ($1,300) including tax, are the culmination of a collaborative effort between GrowStars Inc., a Kobe-based alcoholic beverage trading company, and Kobe Noseikosha, an organization dedicated to promoting agriculture and fisheries in the city.

Kobe Noseikosha, the predecessor of the current organization, had been producing and selling Kobe Wine for years, utilizing the Chardonnay grape variety grown in Kobe. The base wines for the brandy were prepared at what is now the Kobe Fruit & Flower Park Ozo in Kita Ward.

Even before the earthquake, the group had been experimenting with brandy production. Following the disaster, they relocated to Nishi Ward, where the oak casks containing the base wines miraculously survived the tremors.

Years later, GrowStars, driven by a desire to "spread the Kobe brand internationally," acquired the base wines. At their Kobe Distillery, located within the flower park, they transferred the wines to sherry casks for an additional seven months of maturation.

Despite containing base wines dating back to before the earthquake, the brandy's label reflects the shortest maturation period among the base wines, resulting in the "21" designation. Approximately 15 bottles of wine are used to create a single bottle of brandy.

Kobe Brandy's unique aging process in two different cask types has resulted in a premium product with a remarkably smooth and rich character. Unlike many brandies, its astringency is minimal, replaced by delicate berry flavors and a delightful sweetness.

"The brandy was produced with great care using base wines that survived the earthquake," shared Narumi Kameya, a spokesperson for GrowStars. "We truly hope people will give it a try."

Each bottle of Kobe Brandy is accompanied by a drink coaster crafted from Kobe beef leather, adding a touch of local luxury to the experience. The bottles are available for purchase through the GrowStars' Kobe Distillery website, duty-free shops at Kansai International Airport, and other select locations.