Watanabe Shuzo　|　Hida Jizake Gura

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Watanabe Shuzo

Watanabe Shuzo(Hida city)

History

“an indescribable gem of a drop”

The Watanabe family began brewing sake in 1870 (Meiji 3). The fifth generation Kyuemon was so impressed by the deliciousness of the sake he tasted while traveling that he began brewing sake in Hida, where he lives. The sake, brewed with the sole purpose of creating a sake that would rival the “delicious sake” he encountered on his travels, was well received, described as “an indescribable gem of a drop” and given the name “Horai.” Since then, it has been loved not only by local people, but also by literati and artists who visited Hida during the Meiji and Taisho periods, and since then, the company has continued to improve its sake brewing techniques and spare no effort in brewing fine sake, to this day. The results of our commitment to quality above all else are evident in the numerous awards we have received today.

Brewing

“Horai” as a fine Hida sake

Alcohol, including sake, is not just about getting drunk. This is why fine alcohol is created by paying particular attention to the brewing process, ingredients, and flavor. Since its founding, Watanabe Sake Brewery has placed emphasis on tradition and handmade products, while honing its techniques, training its brewers, and even visiting famous sake-producing regions around the country to learn advanced brewing techniques and apply them to its sake brewing. Additionally, among the many breweries in Hida, many release limited-edition seasonal products and limited-quantity items. By releasing products that are not normally sold, such as “hidden sake from the brewery” and “not for sale,” known as “extra items,” they are able to create sake that allows us to enjoy new types of sake.It seems reminiscent of the reproduction of the sake that impressed Kyuemon the 5th.

Hida fine Sake

Numerous awards received thanks to the love of our customers

At Watanabe Sake Brewery, we do not brew sake to compete or win awards. This is because the sake is not mass-produced by machines, but is hand-made by the brewers, who work together as one to put their heart and soul into every drop. However, we are entering our sake in competitions to find out how it is viewed around the world, and also to learn about modern tastes by entering our sake. And the numerous testimonials obtained by entering the competition may be a reflection of the brewery’s commitment to “be particular about the rice, the brewing process, and to brew delicious sake that is neither sweet nor dry, but has a harmonious balance of the five flavors of sweet, spicy, sour, astringent, and bitter,” as well as the importance they place on quality for their customers.