Yamanari Shuzo

Yamanari Shuzo is a brewery with over 200 years of history, founded in 1804, that continues to brew 'Ran no Homare' in Yoshii-cho, Ibara City.
The brand name was bestowed by the Confucian scholar Sakatani Roro, derived from the Analects expression 'Shutsuran no Homare' (honor of surpassing one's master), and the brewery has deep ties with Shibusawa Eiichi.
Using underground water from the Oda River (medium-hard water), they carefully brew using traditional Bitchu toji techniques during the cold brewing season from January to March.
A distinctive feature is their use of a traditional Japanese iron kettle (wagama) to steam rice — a rare practice today — which produces ideal 'dry steam' that brings out the natural umami of the rice.
Their daiginjo with 40% rice polishing has won awards at the National New Sake Competition, and their Josen received an Excellence Award in the warm sake category, demonstrating their versatility in crafting sake enjoyable both chilled and warmed.