Azakura Junmai Daiginjō Genshu Jukusei Ichinen

Azakura Junmai Daiginjō Genshu Jukusei Ichinen Hyakushūnenkinen (阿櫻 純米大吟醸原酒 熟成一年 百周年記念) has a slightly long name: "Azakura Junmai Daiginjō Aged for One Year 100th Anniversary." Ten Akita breweries brewed this special sake to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Sannai Tōji Association (山内杜氏組合). It is made of recently developed Akita-grown Ichihozumi rice milled to 50%. What sets this rice apart is its low brown rice protein level, resulting in a delicate and remarkably smooth taste. In addition, the brewery used 'Association No. 1 yeast,' a legendary strain developed a century ago, brought back to life from cryogenic preservation. After a year of ageing, the flavour becomes crisp and easy to drink, with a sweet and sour aroma reminiscent of berries. The cold ageing process preserves the freshness while allowing you to experience the matured aroma.

Azakura Shuzō is a heritage sake brewery founded in 1886 in Yokote, Akita Prefecture—a snowy town renowned for its traditional kamakura snow huts. Steeped in history, the brewery shares its name with Yokote Castle (横手城), the city's emblem, which is also known by the poetic name "Azakura-jō" (阿櫻城).

Blessed with the natural bounty of the region and sustained by the deep dedication of its brewers, Azakura Shuzō stands as a proud testament to over 130 years of sake-making tradition. Under the guidance of master brewer Terui Toshio—representing the prestigious Sannai tōji guild, one of Japan's five great brewing schools—the brewery employs the refined techniques of kan-zukuri, Akita's signature method of long, low-temperature fermentation during the coldest months.

Crafted exclusively with locally grown Akita rice, Azakura's sake is distinguished by its elegant aroma and smooth, rounded flavour. The result is a clean, balanced profile that invites another sip—an enduring hallmark of this time-honoured brewery.