Takenotsuyu Shuzo

Takenotsuyu lies at the foot of Mt. Haguro, home to one of Japan’s most holy Shinto & Buddhist shrines. For generations, Takenotsuyu has brewed sake for use in the shrine’s rituals. The Shonai region of Yamagata has long been one of Japan’s premier grain-producing regions, blessed with a good climate and lush nature. Master brewer & owner Masao Aisawa is proud to grow all of the rice used to make their unique sake, most of which are rare varieties only grown in this region of Yamagata Prefecture. The brewery is surrounded by the “Three Dewa Mountains,” whose waters flow down to provide the brewery with clear, soft water. “Dewasansan” is a sake rice unique to Yamagata prefecture and named after these local mountains. As Aisawa-san says, “fresh rice + pure water = perfect sake!” Takenotsuyu also uses custom-blended local yeasts, which give this sake big, delightful aromas.