Sharaku Junmaishu
Continuing efforts in two roles, aiming for a single sake that lingers in the heart and memory
Yoshihiro Miyamori, the company president, took over the brewery as the fourth-generation head. He leads the brewery, wearing two hats (NISOKU NO WARAJI) as both president and head of production. He challenges himself in sake brewing, "striving to create that single, ultimate bottle that will linger in the heart and memory of the drinker."
President Miyamori left his previous job in 2002 to succeed the family business. At the time, the roles of business manager and production manager were distinctly separate, held by the president and the master brewer (Toji), respectively. "Surely," he thought, "if the owner directs the brewing process, we can get closer to our ideal flavor." With this conviction, he set out to learn the fundamentals of sake brewing himself, pursuing his own unique taste.
President Miyamori has continued to reform the brewery while faithfully protecting its guiding philosophy. In 2014, at the "SAKE COMPETITION"—an appraisal renowned for deciding the number one sake in Japan—"Sharaku" won first place in two categories: Junmai-shu and Junmai Ginjo. In 2018, the Junmai-shu from "Aizu Miyaizumi" was also awarded first place. "To be evaluated so highly at a competition for commercially available sake, which ordinary people can easily purchase, made us truly happy," he recounts.
President Miyamori has nurtured "Sharaku" and "Aizu Miyaizumi," and they have grown to achieve national recognition. He remains insatiably ambitious. "Every year, I pour all my energy into it, wanting to brew even more delicious sake." The fourth-generation president's challenge continues.
Miyaizumi-meijo
Located in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. Miyaizumi-meijo is a brewery situated near Tsurugajo Castle in this historic castle town. Since its founding in 1954, the brewery has evolved alongside the local climate and is now entering a period of major transformation. 🌿 The "Sharaku" and "Aizu Miyaizumi" brewed here have captivated sake fans nationwide, earning such high praise that they are now difficult to obtain. However, behind this rapid progress lies a dramatic story of recovery from a rock-bottom period when their sake was considered hard to sell.
A major turning point occurred 20 years ago. At a time when the brewery was burdened with massive debt and struggling with quality, Mr. Yoshihiro Miyamori, who had built a career at an IT company, returned to the brewery. He resolved to rebuild the sake brewery from scratch. "We will change the entire history of our predecessors. The history our older brother rebuilt from zero is what makes the Miyaizumi-meijo brewery today." Mr. Yamato Miyamori, the younger brother who joined later, reflects on their resolve at that time. Currently, older brother Yoshihiro leads "Sharaku," while younger brother Yamato leads "Aizu Miyaizumi." Under the belief that they will "only release sake that we ourselves find delicious and are fully satisfied with," they cherish traditional hand-crafted methods while integrating thorough data analysis and management, pursuing their ideal flavor every day. 🍶✨
🍶 Sharaku The foundation of the brewery, launched by President Yoshihiro Miyamori. An "orthodox" sake designed to convey the appeal of Japanese sake through restaurants and specialty stores. Valuing the seasonal characteristics of the rice, it delivers consistent and moving experiences throughout a one-year cycle.
🍶 Aizu Miyaizumi A brand of challenge and experimentation, crafted by younger brother Yamato. Actively trialing rare rice varieties and new techniques, they deliberately avoid overly rigid planning to give shape to what they "want to try" in the moment. It is a brand filled with the excitement of wondering, "What surprise will come next?"
For the brewing water, they use clear, medium-soft subsoil water from Mount Bandai in the Aizu Basin. As they say, "Because sake brewing is a world of yeast microorganisms, polishing every corner through cleaning is life." From this meticulously sanitized environment, a pure drop free of off-flavors is born.
Sharaku Junmaishu Brewed with the sake brewing rice "Yumenokaori." It features a slightly calm aroma that hints at sweetness. When tasted, a fresh, fruity flavor profile lingers, allowing you to enjoy the umami and richness of the rice. The aftertaste is finished by a subtle acidity, making it a classic Junmaishu with a crisp, refreshing finish. Ingredients: Rice, Rice Koji / Rice Polishing Ratio: 60% / Pasteurized Once
Aizu Miyaizumi Junmaishu Brewed with the sake brewing rice "Yumenokaori." The full bodied umami and acidity of the rice spread in a well-balanced manner, offering a refreshing, crisp aftertaste. It is a Junmaishu where you can fully enjoy the flavor of the rice. Ingredients: Rice, Rice Koji / Rice Polishing Ratio: 60% / Pasteurized
Aizu Miyaizumi Junmai Ginjo Miyamanishiki Namazake Brewed with "Miyamanishiki" sake brewing rice from Nagano Prefecture. It has a very elegant and gorgeous aroma reminiscent of white peaches. When tasted, a gentle flavor and soft aroma spread pleasantly throughout the senses. It is a Junmai Ginjo Namazake (unpasteurized sake) where you can enjoy the refreshing, light taste and umami of the rice unique to Miyamanishiki. Ingredients: Rice, Rice Koji / Rice Polishing Ratio: 50% / Namazake
"Life is short. That is why we want to continue making sake we are truly satisfied with, alongside people we can trust from the bottom of our hearts." This Aizu sake is infused with the genuine passion of the brewers. We invite you to taste this single drop, born from discarding compromise and earnestly pursuing their ideals.
🏘️: Miyaizumi-meijo
📍: 8-7 Toei-machi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
"Great rice, great water, great people. Fukushima sake🍶"
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