Nagareyama’s Sweet Secret Unveiled: Scrop COFFEE ROASTERS Crafts Unique Pound Cake with Traditional Mirin and ‘Koboreume’

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A Taste of Tradition: Scrop COFFEE ROASTERS Launches “Nagareyama Hon Mirin & Koboreume Pound Cake”

Celebrating “Hon Mirin Day” on November 30th, Scrop COFFEE ROASTERS, a specialty coffee brand operated by Maruhan Dining Co., Ltd., is set to release a distinctive pound cake. This new offering, the “Nagareyama Hon Mirin & Koboreume Pound Cake,” is a result of the brand’s “Nagareyama Project” and a collaboration with local liquor store, Kagoya Shoten. The cake, which utilizes traditional white mirin and its unique byproduct, “koboreume,” aims to bring the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Nagareyama, the birthplace of white mirin, to a wider audience.

A pound cake slice with coffee on a wooden table

The pound cake will be available from November 7, 2025 (Friday) via the official online shop for gift sets, and from November 30, 2025 (Sunday) at the Scrop COFFEE ROASTERS Nagareyama Otakanomori S.C. store for individual purchases. The single pound cake is priced at 340 yen (tax included) for takeout only.

The “Nagareyama Project”: Blending Local Heritage with Culinary Innovation

The “Nagareyama Project” is Scrop’s initiative to highlight Nagareyama’s charm through food, by integrating local ingredients and culture into their offerings. This endeavor emphasizes connecting with the community and delivering unique tastes and experiences. Kagoya Shoten, a long-standing liquor store in Nagareyama, plays a crucial role in preserving the ancient method of making hon mirin. Their dedication to traditional brewing and promoting local sake and seasonings makes them a cornerstone of the town’s food culture.

“The ‘Nagareyama Project’ embodies a desire to share the town’s rich heritage and flavors through culinary innovation, fostering a deep connection with the local community,” states a representative of Scrop COFFEE ROASTERS.

A Symphony of Flavors: The Pound Cake’s Unique Ingredients

Crafted in Scrop Nagareyama’s kitchen, each pound cake is meticulously baked, boasting a moist and tender texture with a gentle sweetness derived from mirin. This unique sweetness is complemented by a rich buttery aroma, making it an ideal companion for coffee or a thoughtful gift.

A single slice of pound cake on a white plate with a fork

To achieve its deep flavor, the cakes are baked to a golden-brown finish. A special mirin syrup, made by simmering hon mirin, is then brushed over the surface, locking in a delicate sweetness and fragrant aroma.

Multiple baked goods in metal molds

The Perfect Coffee Pairing

For the best experience, a medium to slightly dark roast coffee is recommended. The deep aroma and flavor of such a brew beautifully enhance the pound cake’s subtle sweetness, creating a harmonious and indulgent moment.

Coffee being poured into a brown cup

Understanding Nagareyama Hon Mirin and Koboreume

Nagareyama is renowned as the birthplace of white mirin. Nagareyama Hon Mirin is a traditional sweet sake made using 100% domestic glutinous rice and an ancient brewing method. It is crafted over approximately three to six months through natural filtration, without additives, resulting in an elegant sweetness and profound umami. During the Edo period, it was a prized delicacy and later became a staple seasoning for dishes like eel sauce and soba broth. Its clear amber color and rich flavor continue to be celebrated today.

Two bottles of Nagareyama Hon Mirin

Koboreume refers to the lees, or residue, left after pressing mirin. Named for its resemblance to plum blossoms, it has a delicate sweetness and granular texture. Historically, it was consumed as a snack. This rare ingredient is primarily found in breweries that uphold traditional mirin-making methods, as mass-produced mirin often leaves little to no lees due to different production processes. Koboreume is versatile, used in amazake (sweet fermented rice drink), pickles, and stews, embodying the blessings of fermentation in Japanese culinary culture.

A clear container of Koboreume

Product Lineup

Nagareyama Hon Mirin & Koboreume Pound Cake (Single)

  • Release Date: November 30, 2025 (Sunday)

  • Price: 340 yen (tax included) / Takeout only

  • Location: Scrop COFFEE ROASTERS Nagareyama Otakanomori S.C. store

Individually packaged pound cake

Nagareyama Hon Mirin & Koboreume Pound Cake Gift Sets (Online Exclusive)

  • Release Date: November 7, 2025 (Friday)

  • Location: Scrop COFFEE ROASTERS Official Online Shop

Gift box with coffee drip bags and pound cake

Available gift sets include:

  • Scrop Specialty Coffee Blend Drip Bag (10 pcs) x Nagareyama Hon Mirin & Koboreume Pound Cake (6 pcs) Set

    • Price: 5,000 yen (tax included)

  • Scrop Classic Blend Drip Bag (10 pcs) x Nagareyama Hon Mirin & Koboreume Pound Cake (6 pcs) Set

    • Price: 4,100 yen (tax included)

  • Nagareyama Hon Mirin & Koboreume Pound Cake (12 pcs) Set

    • Price: 4,750 yen (tax included)

About Scrop COFFEE ROASTERS and Kagoya Shoten

Scrop COFFEE ROASTERS, based in Nagareyama, Chiba Prefecture, is a specialty coffee shop dedicated to sharing the city’s charm through coffee. They aim to continue creating products and disseminating information that highlight Nagareyama’s unique appeal.

Interior of a Scrop COFFEE ROASTERS store

Kagoya Shoten, a local liquor store in Nagareyama, actively preserves the traditional methods of producing hon mirin and promotes local sake and mirin nationwide. Their commitment strengthens the region’s culinary identity.

Storefront of Kagoya Shoten

Relevant Links:

This collaboration not only introduces a delightful new treat but also serves as a testament to the power of local partnerships in preserving and promoting Japan’s rich food culture, offering a unique glimpse into the flavors of Nagareyama to global enthusiasts of Kawaii culture.

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