Jugetsushizenryu Tokubetsu Junmaishu
First, There is Water: Jizake Brewing that Leverages the Local Climate and Terroir.
The forest on the mountain rising behind the brewery. When you speak of the deliciousness of Suzunoi Shuzoten's sake, you must first speak of this mountain, an indispensable, nature-rich presence. "Japanese giant flying squirrels live here, and occasionally, even bears appear," says Chairman Jousuke Suzuki. "But most importantly, the mountain provides an abundance of the pure, clean water that is so crucial for sake brewing." This is Tenei Village, a place of dramatic temperature variations and long famed as one of Fukushima's leading granaries, known for its exceptional rice. Chairman Suzuki proudly calls it, "the best possible location for a sake brewery."
The definitive sake born from this blessed terroir is the limited-edition 'Unfiltered Junmai Ginjo Jugetsu Shizuku Sake.' It is crafted with 'Kame no O' sake rice, cultivated by local contract farmers, and brewed with the brewery's prized soft water. Here, the cool climate, even in the midst of summer, patiently nurtures the yeast and allows the umami to mature. The result is a sake that is beautifully light and refreshingly crisp.
"While the standard-grade 'Suzunoi' is the cherished mainstay for the local community, we receive many orders for our 'limited-edition' sake from outside the prefecture," says Rina Suzuki. This special lineup also includes the 'Hiyaoroshi' and 'Muroka' (unfiltered). These three limited-edition sakes, whose brand strength is growing year after year, are definitely ones to watch.
