Dewazakura

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Country of Origin: Japan
Location: Yamagata Prefecture, Tohoku
People: Masumi Nakano, President

Items

Dewazakura (1.8 L) 'Izumi Judan' (Tenth Degree Super Dry +12) Ginjo, Yamagata Perfecture Login In Stock
Dewazakura (1.8 L) 'Jewel Brocade' Omachi Junmai Ginjo, Yamagata Prefecture Login In Stock
Dewazakura (300 ml) 'Festival of Stars' Sparkling Nigori Daiginjo, Yamagata Prefecture Login In Stock
Dewazakura (720 ml) 'Festival of Stars' Sparkling Nigori Daiginjo, Yamagata Prefecture Login In Stock
Dewazakura (720 ml) 'Green Ridge: Primal Strength' Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu, Yamagata Prefecture Login In Stock
Dewazakura (720 ml) 'Izumi Judan' (Tenth Degree Super Dry +12) Ginjo, Yamagata Perfecture Login In Stock
Dewazakura (720 ml) 'Jewel Brocade' Omachi Junmai Ginjo, Yamagata Prefecture Login DEC Featured In Stock
Dewazakura (720 ml) 'Mountain Cherry' Daiginjo, Yamagata Prefecture Login <1 Case

Many sake enthusiasts are surprised to learn that twenty-five years ago ginjo labels were hard to find in Japan. In those days, people were still drinking the cloyingly sweet sakes the breweries had been churning out since the fifties; no one thought that customers would actually pay more for the quality ginjo and daiginjo sakes brewed in limited amounts for competitions. In 1981, Dewazakura Brewing Company changed that with the release of 'Oka,' an affordably priced ginjo label with a polishing ratio of 50 percent and a lovely floral aroma. It was light, crisp and delightful. It was made to be drunk cold. Soon other breweries introduced their own ginjo labels. And so began one of the most creative periods in the history of sake, earning for Dewazakura the admiration and respect of even its most ardent competitors.

What made the brewery stand out was a drive for innovation. Dewazakura was not a wealthy brewery, or a long-established one, but they were open to change. When the opportunity arose in the years after the war to invite research technicians in from the National Research Institute of Brewing, they jumped at the chance. Drawing on the knowledge and skill of Hideo Abe, a former Institute research advisor, they put new ideas into practice without hesitation. By 1991, Dewazakura had perfected its cold storage technique, aging freshly pressed sake at 28 degrees Fahrenheit to keep it as aromatic and flavorful as possible until bottling. In 1996 it introduced ‘Dewasansan’ brewed from a new Yamagata rice strain of the same name. It was another hit which opened the way for other prefectures to introduce highly specific regional labels.

Reviews

  • Dewazakura (720 ml) 'Jewel Brocade' Omachi Junmai Ginjo, Yamagata Prefecture
    Decanter
    Rating: Featured (6/10/2023)

    It's a sake from the northern part of Japan, and exemplifies purity and freshness. Aromas of green apple and anise lead to a refreshing palate; a perfect sake to pair with crab and a citrus jus.