Wakamusume Junmai Ginjō Botan Muroka Genshu

Wakamusume Junmai Ginjō Botan Muroka Genshu (わかむすめ 純米吟醸 牡丹 無濾過 原酒) is made from Omachi rice grown in Okayama and polished to 60%. It has a subtle yet refined ginjō aroma that gently envelops you, and is full-bodied and rich, just like Omachi rice, yet very crisp. The recommended temperature range is 15-20°C (slightly chilled to room temperature) or served at 50°C as a refreshing drink with meals.

Award:

• IWC 2020 Junmai Ginjo Division: Bronze Award
• 13th Omachi Summit, Ginjo Sake Category, Top Prize
• 14th Omachi Summit, Ginjo Sake Category, Top Prize
• IWC 2023 Junmai Ginjo Sake Category Silver Award

Shintani Shuzō (新谷酒造) began its journey in sake brewing when its founder, Shintani Kumakichi (新谷熊吉), a former brewer at a local sake house, purchased an inactive brewery and revived its operations. Officially established in 1927, the business was later passed down to the second-generation brewer, Shintani Suehiko (新谷末彦), under whom the brand Wakamusume (和可娘) became a beloved local favourite.

In the Heisei era, with no direct heir to continue the tradition, his grandson, Shintani Yoshinao (新谷義直), took over as the third-generation brewer. However, the brewery faced a crisis when its longtime tōji (杜氏, master brewer) retired due to old age, placing the business at risk of closure. In 2007, Yoshinao chose to continue brewing independently, converting the facility into a shikijōzō kura (四季醸造蔵, a year-round brewery). With little prior brewing experience, the transition proved challenging, but he gradually refined his brewing style through continuous dedication.

As both company president and Kuramoto-tōji (蔵元杜氏, brewmaster-owner), Yoshinao spent a decade mastering his craft before facing another major challenge—structural damage to the brewery's beams, forcing a relocation. Once again at a crossroads, Shintani Shuzō chose to press forward, ensuring the continuation of its brewing tradition.

In December 2018, a new brewery was completed, marking a fresh start. This move marked a significant transition—Yoshinao's role as tōji was passed to his wife, making her Yamaguchi Prefecture's only female tōji at the time (as of October 2018). Since its founding, Shintani Shuzō has remained dedicated to traditional, handcrafted sake brewing.

For over 200 years, Tokuji (徳地) has been a historic centre of sake brewing. Blessed by the pristine waters of the Saba River (佐波川), the town once housed more than five breweries. However, as times changed, Shintani Shuzō became the last remaining sake brewery, preserving this centuries-old tradition against the odds.