Kyokai No. 9
No.9
Strain Number
No.9
Type
Kyokai (協会酵母)
Origin
Kumamoto Prefecture Sake Research Center (1968)
Aroma Profile
Pronounced fruity and floral aroma — melon, apple, pear, and white flowers. Classic ginjo-ka fragrance.
Fermentation Character
Vigorous low-temperature fermentation. Produces high levels of ethyl caproate (fruity ester) and isoamyl acetate (banana).
About
The original ginjo yeast that revolutionized aromatic sake brewing. Developed at the Kumamoto Prefectural Sake Research Center, K-9 was the breakthrough that made modern ginjo and daiginjo styles possible. Its ability to produce high levels of aromatic esters at low fermentation temperatures created the foundation for Japan's premium sake category. Often called the 'Kumamoto yeast,' it remains essential for ginjo brewing competition.