Kamenoi Shuzo (亀の井酒造株式会社)
Kamenoi Shuzo is a brewery in Yamagata Prefecture, founded in 1875, known for Kudoki Jozu. A renowned Yamagata brewery famous for 'Kudoki Jozu' and brewing exclusively ginjo-grade sake. KIKI lists 4 of its bottles.
AI-compiled from public information, not checked by the brewery.
Key facts
| Name | Kamenoi Shuzo (亀の井酒造株式会社) |
|---|---|
| Location | Yamagata Prefecture |
| Founded | 1875 |
| Makes | Sake |
What kind of brewery is it?
History
Founded in 1875, the brewery resumed brewing in 1956 after temporary closures caused by a fire and wartime consolidation. In 1983, it created its flagship brand 'Kudoki Jozu' and transitioned to brewing exclusively ginjo-grade sake.
What makes it distinct
| Style | Brews exclusively ginjo and daiginjo grades, maintaining an average rice polishing ratio of around 46–48%. |
|---|---|
| Water | Uses ultra-soft natural groundwater to create a supple, clean, and gentle texture. |
| Yeast | Utilizes yeasts such as Ogawa Yeast (No. 10) and M310 to achieve low acidity and floral, fruit-forward aromatics. |
| Master brewer | Brewing is led by 6th-generation owner-toji Toshinori Imai. |
| Ingredients | Brews with a diverse selection of sake rice including Yamada Nishiki, Miyama Nishiki, Dewa Sansan, Yukimegami, Omachi, and Sake Mirai. |
Visiting
The brewery is not open to the general public for tours, direct retail, or tasting.
Bottles from this brewery
The KIKI app knows 20 bottles from this maker (4 on this site).
| Bottle | Type | Per 720 ml |
|---|---|---|
| Kudoki Jozu Bakuren Ultra Dry Ginjoくどき上手 ばくれん 超辛口 吟醸 | Ginjo | ¥1,100 |
| Kudoki Jozu Junmai Ginjo Miyamanishikiくどき上手 純米吟醸 美山錦 | Junmai Ginjo | ¥1,386 |
| Kudoki Jozu Dry Junmai Ginjoくどき上手 辛口純吟 | Junmai Ginjo | ¥1,408 |
| Kudoki Jozu Junmai Daiginjoくどき上手 純米大吟醸 | Junmai Daiginjo | ¥3,080 |
Awards
| Year | Competition | Result | Entry | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brewing year 2025 | Japan Sake Awards (Zenkoku Shinshu Kanpyokai) | Gold prize | くどき上手 |