Collection: Yahiko Brewery

The history and Izumi-ryu brewing method that thrives at the foot of Mt. Yahiko

Yahiko Sake Brewery was founded in 1838 and is located in Yahiko Village, Niigata Prefecture. The first generation owner established a unique sake brewing method called the "Izumi-ryu brewing method." This brewing method was considered groundbreaking at the time, and many brewers sought out the brewery to learn it. The brewery has trained many brewers, and hundreds of people have become disciples. Because many brewers who followed the Izumi-ryu style have gone on to become master brewers at breweries throughout the country, the brewery is known as a "brewery of success."

Yahiko Village Terroir -- The groundwater from Mount Yahiko and rice

The groundwater that springs from the majestic Mt. Yahiko in Niigata Prefecture is soft water, boasting ideal water quality for sake brewing. To make the most of this water, Yahiko Brewery promotes rice cultivation without relying on pesticides or chemical fertilizers, growing sake rice in cooperation with local farmers. Furthermore, they carefully cultivate varieties such as "Gohyakumangoku" and "Koshitanrei," representative sake rice of Niigata, in terraced rice paddies. Water, rice, and the local climate all come together to shape the quality of the sake. The "Yahiko Village Terroir" underpins the unique character of this brewery.

Brewed only during the coldest months—a commitment to small-batch production.

Yahiko Brewery only brews sake during the coldest part of the year. They do not mass-produce, instead using a method of carefully brewing in small batches, and they dedicate their utmost attention not only to junmai ginjo and daiginjo sake, but especially to their regular sake. They maintain uncompromising quality by thoroughly controlling temperature and humidity, and carrying out raw material processing and fermentation processes with the same or even higher precision as ginjo sake. The prime example of this is "Yahiko Kiwami," which has achieved the top spot in popularity for over 12 consecutive months at the sake tasting counter of Ponshukan Niigata Station. It has received such high praise that it is called "a regular sake that surpasses regular sake," and is loved as a quality sake that can be enjoyed on a daily basis. Their choice of careful small-batch brewing over mass production and their attention to detail have led to results that overturn the concept of regular sake.

Yahiko Patriotic Project -- Revitalizing the village with all products from Yahiko

The "Yahiko Aikoku Project" was born from the philosophy of "everything from agriculture to brewing being produced in Yahiko." It revives the legendary ancient rice variety "Aikoku" and brews it with a miraculous natural yeast isolated from Yahiko cherry blossoms. The label is handwritten by local calligrapher Aido Tanaka, and the washi paper used is handmade one sheet at a welfare facility. This is a rare sake brewing project where everything—rice, water, yeast, and label—is completed in Yahiko. "Yahiko Aikoku," with its rich and mellow flavor and unique acidity, is a bottle that reflects the pride of the region. The project continues its efforts to create long-aged sake in order to pass it on as a culture to future generations. This project utilizes crowdfunding to foster patriotism, and offers experiential tours of rice planting, weeding, and harvesting as rewards for supporters.

A challenge for the future

Yahiko Brewery is constantly challenging itself with new endeavors while preserving tradition. "Kokushu Iyahiko Junmai Ginjo" is brewed with specially cultivated Koshihikari rice from Yahiko Village, which has also been selected as rice presented to the Imperial Family. With its subtle sweetness and gentle flavor, it is positioned as a sake that represents the pride of the region. "Koshino Rokuhaku," a blended sake created by six leading breweries in Niigata, is attracting attention as an innovative attempt to pioneer the future of sake by exquisitely harmonizing the individuality of each brewery. "READY! LADY! READY!" is a project born from the concept of making sake, the "national drink," more accessible to people of all ages and genders, starting with women participating in everything from rice cultivation to sake brewing. We create alcohol that encourages people to enjoy it in their own way, regardless of the type of vessel they use. In addition, we are working on a variety of ventures, such as brewery gelato to entertain pilgrims, and liqueurs and shochu that utilize our sake-making techniques, and we continue to move forward into the next generation.