Aoki Shuzo (青木酒造株式会社)
Aoki Shuzo is a family-run sake brewery in Koga, Ibaraki Prefecture, making the Gokeiji brand.
- Makes
- Sake
- Japan Sake Awards
- 4 golds
Where to buy
What kind of brewery is it?
The brewery was founded in 1831. Under the seventh-generation head, Shigenobu Aoki, it brought in a craftsman toji and has gradually replaced equipment since around 2015. Most of its rice is from Ibaraki, including Ibaraki's original varieties. His eldest daughter Chisa returned as managing director, and his son joined as a brewer in 2021. Family and craftsmen continue to work toward better sake each year.
What makes it distinct
- Ingredients
- Most rice is from Ibaraki, and Ibaraki's original varieties are actively used.
- Master brewer
- The head toji is a craftsman toji who comes to live at the brewery for the winter brewing season.
Compiled with AI from public pages, mainly the brewery’s own site (not yet checked by the brewery)Sources: aokishuzou.co.jp
Japan Sake Awards
A prize-winner in 6 of the 9 contests from brewing year 2017 to 2025, with a gold prize in 4.
- Prize (nyusho)御慶事PDF
- Gold prize御慶事PDF
- Gold prize御慶事PDF
- Gold prize御慶事PDF
- Gold prize御慶事PDF
- Prize (nyusho)御慶事PDF
Source: the prize lists of the Japan Sake Awards (National Research Institute of Brewing and Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association).