The Pressed Kioke Tamari

100% Soybean • Naturally Gluten-Free • Aged Over Two Years

The Deeper Continuation of the Fermentation Journey

Minobi represents another extraordinary expression of traditional tamari craftsmanship from Yamakawa Jozo.

While Nagara captures the pure free-run extraction, Minobi reveals the deeper character remaining within the moromi after years of fermentation.

Both are brewed using:

• 100% soybeans
• traditional Kioke fermentation
• subterranean Nagara River water
• more than two years of aging

But Minobi follows a very different final stage.

The Traditional Pressing Process

After:

• Nearly two years beneath stone weights
• And months of natural dripping for Nagara

the remaining moromi becomes extraordinarily dense and compact.

The mash must then be manually dug out from the Kioke barrels by hand.

This is one of the most physically demanding stages of traditional tamari brewing.

The compacted moromi is then:

• Carefully broken apart
• Sliced
• Wrapped in cloth
• Slowly pressed

This extraction process creates:

Minobi.

Unlike industrial pressing systems, the process remains slow, tactile, and deeply dependent on human craftsmanship.

A Softer & More Rounded Expression

Where Nagara delivers intensity and concentration, Minobi offers:

• Harmony
• Elegance
• Balance
• Refined umami

Its texture is smoother and slightly lighter, while still retaining the extraordinary depth created through long-term Kioke fermentation.

Tasting Notes

• Rounded savory richness
• Gentle roasted soybean
• Deep umami
• Soft mineral salinity
• Smooth lingering finish

Minobi is often considered exceptionally versatile in the kitchen.

Culinary Applications

Ideal uses include:

• Everyday premium cooking
• Marinades
• Broths
• Yakitori
• Grilled vegetables
• Donburi
• Noodle dishes
• Glazes
• Sauces
• Finishing applications

It brings depth without overwhelming the dish.

Respect for Ingredients

Minobi reflects an important philosophy within traditional Japanese craftsmanship:

Nothing valuable is wasted.

Rather than discarding the moromi after free-run extraction, Yamakawa Jozo carefully continues the fermentation journey through traditional pressing.

This approach reflects:

• Patience
• Respect
• Resourcefulness
• Dedication to craftsmanship

Minobi is therefore not a secondary product.

It is another beautiful expression of the same living fermentation process.

Product Details

Ingredients

• Water
• Whole soybeans
• Salt

Origin

Gifu Prefecture, Japan

Fermentation

Traditional Kioke wooden barrel fermentation

Aging Period

Over 2 years

Extraction Method

Traditional pressed extraction

Gluten Status

Naturally gluten-free

A Living Fermentation Tradition

Both Nagara and Minobi are produced in extremely limited quantities by one of Japan’s last traditional Kioke tamari breweries.

They represent:

• Living fermentation culture
• Generational craftsmanship
• Microbial complexity
• Slow food philosophy
• Authentic Japanese heritage

And through SpicedLore, these rare expressions of Japanese fermentation are now available in India in highly limited allocations.

Allocation & Availability

Because authentic Kioke tamari production remains naturally limited, annual allocations for India are highly restricted.

For the next 2–3 years, the Indian market allocation will remain limited to:

360 bottles of 300ml

and

360 bottles of 500ml

across the entire country.

To preserve responsible year-round availability, only a small monthly release is made available through SpicedLore.

Approximately 30 bottles per month.

This limited release reflects the realities of traditional artisanal production; where integrity, patience, and preservation take precedence over scale.

Culinary Allocation

Minobi has become increasingly respected among:

• Chefs
• Yakitori specialists
• Omakase restaurants
• Fermentation-focused kitchens
• Modern Japanese dining programs

Because availability remains exceptionally limited, culinary partners are encouraged to reserve allocations in advance.

Only:

30% of the annual 500ml allocation

can be dedicated toward restaurant and B2B partnerships.

For reservations and professional inquiries:

Trust@ttcoventure.com

Exclusively Through SpicedLore

Yamakawa Jozo Minobi is available in India exclusively through SpicedLore.

Orders are dispatched promptly while allocations remain available.

In the rare event that allocations are exhausted faster than anticipated, affected orders will be refunded immediately.

Thank you for supporting one of Japan’s last traditional Kioke tamari breweries.