The Kujukushima islands, Sasebo

Sasebo, Nagasaki

Umegae Shuzo Co., Ltd.

Individual character, in small batches.

© そらみみ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Founded
1787
Location
Sasebo, Nagasaki
What they make
Sake, shochu, liqueurs, gin
Selected products handled by WAIN99
Nagasaki Craft Gin Yokitsuki Reigetsu

An Edo-period brewery that still makes sake today.

Umegae Shuzo began making sake in Jōma, Sasebo, in 1787 (Tenmei 7). According to the brewery, the name “Umegae” was granted by the lord of the Omura domain in the mid-Edo period.

Seven of its buildings, including the main house and the brewing warehouse, were listed as national Registered Tangible Cultural Properties in 2002. Brewing still takes place in these old warehouses with their heavy timber beams. The water is drawn from 300 metres underground.

The brewery’s sake made only with Yamada Nishiki rice grown in local terraced paddies, and its shochu aged in French brandy casks, reflect its close ties to the land. WAIN99 carries Yokitsuki Reigetsu, made with Nagasaki botanicals.

  • Seven brewery buildings are Registered Tangible Cultural Properties (2002)
  • Brewed with water drawn from 300 metres underground
  • Sake from Yamada Nishiki rice grown in terraced paddies in Shiranita-cho, Sasebo
  • Barley and sweet potato shochu aged in brandy casks
Exterior of Umegae Shuzo
Exterior of Umegae ShuzoPhoto: Umegae Shuzo Co., Ltd.
An Umegae komodaru (straw-wrapped sake cask) on display at JR Sasebo Station
An Umegae komodaru (straw-wrapped sake cask) on display at JR Sasebo Station© そらみみ · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Whirlpools in the Hario Strait, seen from Saikai Bridge
Whirlpools in the Hario Strait, seen from Saikai Bridge© STA3816 · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

WAIN99 / SELECTED DRINKS

Products from this maker