Kinnoi Shuzo (金の井酒造株式会社)
Kinnoi Shuzo is a sake brewery in Kurihara, Miyagi Prefecture, that brews Wataya. It aims for "shokuchushu", sake that goes well with food, using contract-grown rice and carefully chosen brewing water. It was founded in 1915.
What kind of brewery is Kinnoi Shuzo?
Founded in 1915 by Junkichi Miura as Wataya Shuzoten, the brewery first sold under the brand Kinnoi. It was incorporated in 1973 and began nationwide distribution of Wataya in 1996. After its well water ran dry in 1998 because of sewer works, it secured the spring water Kozoyamamizu, which has been used for all brewing since 2000. Contract rice cultivation began in 2004, and the brewery marked its 100th anniversary in 2015. The fourth generation, Mikinori Miura, now leads it.
- Water
- The brewing water is Kozoyamamizu, a medium-soft water that helps fermentation proceed smoothly in the cold brewery.
- Ingredients
- Awa Yamadanishiki from Tokushima, grown under contract, is the brewery's standard rice.
- Style
- Koji is cultivated at a higher temperature than usual, aiming for a cleaner sake with fewer off-flavors.
Can you visit Kinnoi Shuzo?
- Tours
Paid brewery tours are by reservation, except during the November to April brewing season.
- Shop
An on-site shop is open weekdays 10:00 to 17:00, closed Sundays and holidays.
Hours and booking rules change, so check before you go. Official website
Compiled with AI from public pages, mainly the brewery’s own site (not yet checked by the brewery)Sources: kanenoi.co.jp
Japan Sake Awards
A prize-winner in 5 of the 9 contests from brewing year 2017 to 2025, with a gold prize in 1.
Source: the prize lists of the Japan Sake Awards (National Research Institute of Brewing and Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association). Brewing year 2019 had no final judging, so no gold prizes.