Ishizuka Shuzo (石塚酒造株式会社)
Ishizuka Shuzo is a small sake brewery in the mountain town of Takayanagi, Kashiwazaki, Niigata, making Himenoi. It is known for rich, dry sake made with a glutinous-rice fourth addition (yodan-jikomi).
What kind of brewery is Ishizuka Shuzo?
The brewery began in 1912 as Takayanagi Shuzojo and continued through the grandfather's and father-in-law's generations. In October 1968 the third-generation head founded Ishizuka Shuzo Co., Ltd. and kept the glutinous-rice fourth-addition method unchanged. After he died in 2012, his wife took over as head in December that year. Most of the brewery workers come from Takayanagi, and the skills of a region known for producing toji are used in the brewing.
- Style
- Uses a glutinous-rice fourth addition (yodan-jikomi), giving a rich, full-flavored, dry sake.
- Water
- Brews with soft spring water from Takayanagi.
- Other
- Brewing is done in winter in a heavy-snow area.
Can you visit Ishizuka Shuzo?
- Tours
Brewery tours with tasting are free and take about 30 minutes. Open 9:00 to 16:30, irregular holidays. Walk-ins are possible, but some work may prevent viewing, so contacting the brewery beforehand is recommended. Drivers cannot taste.
Hours and booking rules change, so check before you go. Official website
Other brewery tours in Niigata
Compiled with AI from public pages, mainly the brewery’s own site (not yet checked by the brewery)Sources: himenoi.com