Currently, "SL Winter Special Operation Commemorative Sake: Chichibu Nishiki" and "SL Winter Special Operation Commemorative Sake: Fruit Wine" are on sale.
These products commemorate the winter special operation of the SL Paleo Express (a total of 9 days, primarily on weekends and holidays from Friday, December 24, 2021 to Monday, January 10, 2022 ), and the production of "SL Winter Special Operation Commemorative Sake: Fruit Wine" was handled by Usagida Winery, located in Chichibu City.
Here are the details.
Winter Special Operation of the SL Paleo Express
Many Japanese wine fans may also be railway enthusiasts.
Drinking local wine while swaying along on a train...
It is one of the most luxurious joys of travel.
This time, the winter special operation of the SL Paleo Express will feature onboard events on Saturday, January 1 (national holiday), Sunday, January 2, Monday, January 3, Saturday, January 8, and Monday, January 10, 2022 (national holiday).
Furthermore, from Saturday, January 1 (national holiday) to Monday, January 10, 2022 (national holiday), coloring works submitted by children will reportedly be displayed inside the steam locomotive cars.
In addition, during the winter special operation of the Paleo Express, the locomotive "C58363" will run bearing a purple number plate—the color celebrating kijū (the 77th birthday)—to mark its 77th anniversary in 2021 since being manufactured in 1944.
With other plans such as the operation of the "SL Hatsumode-go" and tastings/sales of alcoholic beverages aboard the "SL Chichibu Nishiki-go," there are plenty of programs that railway and drinks enthusiasts will find irresistible.
About the Original-Labeled Sake and Fruit Wine
Sold to commemorate this winter special operation of the SL Paleo Express are sake and fruit wine.
They appear with original labels printed with the steam locomotive.
The "SL Winter Special Operation Commemorative Sake: Fruit Wine" is produced by Usagida Winery, a winery in Chichibu.
While called wine, it is not Japanese wine, but reportedly a white fruit wine made using apples, grapes, mikan mandarins, and golden kabosu.
It is characterized by the fruitiness of apples and grapes, alongside the refreshing aroma and color of two citrus varieties, offering a light acidity and fruity flavor.
Furthermore, the sake "SL Winter Special Operation Commemorative Sake: Chichibu Nishiki" was crafted by Yao Honten Co., Ltd., and is a junmai sake made using Miyama Nishiki from Nagano Prefecture.
It is said to be a junmai ginjo sake with a clean, smooth finish free of off-flavors, allowing you to fully appreciate the fullness of rice, richness, acidity, and a fruity ginjo aroma.
Enjoy the New Year with a Steam Locomotive and Great Drinks!
The year 2021.
There may be many who were not quite able to welcome it with cheerful spirits.
For the new year of 2022, we surely want to welcome it brightly with a delicious drink in hand.
If you love trains and drinks, why not check out "SL Winter Special Operation Commemorative Sake: Chichibu Nishiki" and "SL Winter Special Operation Commemorative Sake: Fruit Wine"?
Reference
◇SL Paleo Express Winter Special Operation: Regarding the Sale of Commemorative Sake
Chitetsu Shoji Co., Ltd.
TEL: 048-525-2283 (Weekdays 9:00–17:00)
◇Inquiries regarding SL events
Chichibu Railway Co., Ltd. Planning Department
TEL: 048-523-3313