Eikō Fuji Junmai Daiginjō Muroka Namagenshu 'Sumire Tsuyu Ibuki'

Eikō Fuji Junmai Daiginjō Muroka Namagenshu 'Sumire Tsuyu Ibuki' (栄光冨士 純米大吟醸 無濾過生原酒 菫露威吹 すみれつゆいぶき) is a seasonal spring release from Yamagata Prefecture. Brewed with Miyama Nishiki rice from Yamagata and Yamada Nishiki from Hyōgo Prefecture, the sake is produced as an unfiltered, unpasteurised genshu, preserving its full aroma and freshness. Both rice varieties are polished to 50%, and the sake is brewed with Yamagata yeast.

The name evokes the image of a breeze carrying droplets from the petals of deep purple violets blooming in spring, reflecting the sake's fresh and elegant character. It combines fruity ginjō aromas with soft sweetness and a smooth texture, while retaining satisfying depth and body. The aroma is rich and expressive, with notes reminiscent of mango and ripe banana. On the palate, the sake exhibits gentle sweetness and a smooth, well-balanced profile, complemented by a clean, flowing finish. With a sake meter value of +1.0, an acidity level of 1.5, an amino acidity of 0.9, and an alcohol content of 16.8%, the sake presents a harmonious combination of fragrance, sweetness, freshness, and moderate richness typical of modern Yamagata-style ginjō sake.

Fuji Shuzō was founded in 1778 in Tsuruoka-shi Ōyama (鶴岡市大山), part of Yamagata Prefecture's sake-producing Shōnai region, and has continued brewing sake for more than two centuries. Its most widely recognised brand is Eikō Fuji (栄光冨士), under which the brewery releases a range of sake from junmai and ginjō classes to limited-edition seasonal bottlings. The company also produces other labels such as Arikatō (有加藤) and Koketsu (虎穴).

Throughout its history, Fuji Shuzō has maintained a focus on traditional, handcrafted sake production, including careful selection of rice varieties, varied polishing ratios, and the tailored use of yeast strains. It is known for releasing a wide variety of expressions throughout the year, frequently adjusting ingredients and sake styles to reflect seasonal conditions and flavour goals.

During the modern era, the brewery has gained recognition both within Japan and in international markets such as the United States and Hong Kong. The brewery does not currently offer regular public tours, but its name and products remain well known among Japanese sake enthusiasts for their long heritage and craftsmanship.