Binkakoi

Binkakoi (瓶囲い) refers to the process of filling sake into bottles during sake production. In particular, "tobin-gakoi" (斗瓶囲い) is a method of collecting the sake from the upper layer into tobin, 18-liter bottles. In this process, the good, clear portion is selected and set apart, which secures high-quality sake. "Binkakoi pasteurization" (瓶囲い火入れ) refers to the pasteurization (hiire) carried out after the sake has been bottled. It is an important process for preventing deterioration and improving the sake's shelf life. Because binkakoi also affects the final quality and flavor of the sake, it is an essential step in sake production.