Brewery: Kikumasamune

Kiku-Masamune was founded in 1659, when Japan was ruled by Ietsuna, the fourth Tokugawa shogun. The Kano family built the brewery in the Nada region, where sake was previously nonexistent. Over the course of 350 years, the brewery has set the precedent for industry-leading technology and constant quality improvement. Kiku-Masamune is now the sixth largest sake producer in Japan. It has focused strongly on “the resolute and unwavering pursuit of dryness”. The makers insist that sweet sakes interfere with the enjoyment of Japanese cuisine, while dry sakes preserve and enhance food flavors. Kiku-Masamune is regimented and stubborn in its practices, using only Yamada-Nishiki rice and Miyamizu water, which is known for its mineral richness and hard texture. Kiku-Masamune brews its sake with the Kimoto brewing method, creating sake that is rich in umami and rustic in flavor. Brewery Name: Kiku-Masamune Region: Hyogo Est: 1659 All Breweries »