About two years ago we started talking to the guys from INTOKU. They offer a very interesting product... Beef from an Akaushi (Red Wagyu), 30 Day Dry Aged (Whole carcass), older cow... the product is super rare and exclusive. It's like nothing we have seen before.
We are usually VERY reluctant to add prepared products from their parties to our lineup but I have to say this is the best Roast Beef I have tried in my life.
Given the nature of the cow, its age, and process the roast beef looks a little darker than your "traditional" roast beef. But the flavor... oh, its just spectacular.
INTOKU VINTAGE
These are Full Blood Wagyu cows, meaning that their ancestry is entirely from Wagyu cattle without any crossbreeding. These specific cows, often referred to as "vaca vieja," are mature animals requiring a remarkable 12 years before reaching their prime, a timeframe that leads to the exquisite flavors present in a Vintage steak. Their lineage traces back to two distinguished Japanese champions, namely Rueshaw and Dai-Ju 10 Mitsumaru. Their age and lineage give them a fine marbling that creates juicy, flavorful, and tender beef that will transport your cooking to another level.
These cattle undergo a 30-day dry-aging process within their own carcasses, an intricate process which allows you to retain that flavor of vaca vieja, but makes it REALLY tender. On top of that you have a bit of that dry aged flavor that we all love so much.
So you get a cool mix of three cultures: Japanese (Breed), American (feed), Spanish (Vaca Vieja).
THE INTOKU WAY
INTOKU is at the forefront of a culinary revolution, seeking to unlock the full potential of the exquisite flavor profile of the Wagyu Akaushi Full Blood breed. Through a meticulous selection process, INTOKU identifies only the most exceptional phenotypes and genotypes and implements a continuous improvement program that encompasses all aspects of raising and feeding the cows.
The result is a wide range of nuanced flavors, achieved through a careful combination of both dry and wet aging processes. By elevating the meat industry to new heights of excellence, INTOKU is setting a new standard for the art and science of gourmet cuisine.
Intoku is a multi-cultural experience, borrowing aspects from three distinct cultures: Japan (Breed), Europe (Aging Method), and America (Production).
Meat N’ Bone is the exclusive online distributor for INTOKU products.
Akaushi Wagyu?
If you have read our blog then you know that the word "Wagyu" translates to "Japanese Cow" ("Wa" means Japanese and "gyu" means cow). So, Wagyu does not really mean a lot as a term. That said the term groups up the four top cattle breeds in Japan:
- Wagyu: Kuroge Washu (Japanese Black)
- Mukaku Washu (Japanese Polled)
- Akage Washu (Japanese Brown)
- Nihon Tankaku Washu (Japanese Shorthorn).
Typically most Wagyu beef comes from Tajima Kuroge Wagyu, at least most of the Wagyu we sell does. Which is one of the reasons we like this INTOKU product as it allows us to try a different type of Wagyu: Akaushi (Japanese Brown) which is typically from the prefecture of Kumamoto.
This item is delivered frozen.