Watanabe Shuzo is a venerable brewery founded in 1892, located in Ohtawara City, Tochigi. Utilizing pure groundwater from the Nasu mountains and high-quality sake rice nurtured in the region, it has inherited a tradition of "honest brewing" for over 130 years. The fifth-generation head, Hidenori Watanabe, also serves as the master brewer (Toji), maintaining a commitment to meticulous hand-brewing despite their small scale.
Their flagship brand, "Kyokuko," was named in 1912 with the wish to "rise vigorously like the rising sun" upon moving the brewery. It is so deeply loved locally that it is said 99% of its consumption is within Tochigi Prefecture. Its greatest characteristics are a calm aroma with minimal flamboyance and a flavor that never grows tiresome, harmonizing with the umami of the rice.
While respecting tradition, Watanabe Shuzo continues to propose diverse ways to enjoy sake, such as the "Tamaka" brand specialized for warm sake. They quietly and powerfully encapsulate the rich terroir of Ohtawara and the passion of their artisans into every single bottle.