Maruo Honten

Maruo Honten is a historic brewery located in Enai, Kotohira Town, founded in 1885 (Meiji 18).
The Maruo family (great-grandfather of the current representative and master brewer Tadaoki Maruo) inherited the sake brewing business from Sataro Hasegawa, a meritorious person who rebuilt the large embankment of Sanuki Manno-ike Pond at his own expense.
The brand 'Gaijin' was named to commemorate the victory of the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese Wars and has historical significance.
Located near Kotohira-gu Shrine and Japan's oldest playhouse, Kanamaru-za, historical episodes remain that patriots of the Bakumatsu period, Shinsaku Takasugi and Kogoro Katsura, lurked in hidden rooms.
Small production of 400-500 koku per year is carefully carried out with traditional Japanese cauldrons and wooden steamers, and they insist on all-volume non-filtration and carbon-free filtration.
More than 70% of the production volume is unfiltered unpasteurized sake, characterized by a rich and heavy taste, strong acidity, and a sharp aftertaste.
They have a thorough commitment to using only one type of rice for one tank, creating a unique and powerful taste.
Representative Director Tadaoki Maruo himself serves as the master brewer, directing small production while protecting traditional manufacturing methods. Due to limited production, it is difficult to obtain and boasts high popularity both inside and outside the prefecture.
It is a unique brewery that Kagawa Prefecture is proud of, sticking to traditional manufacturing methods and tools and carrying out uncompromising sake brewing.