Sohomare Shuzo

Sohomare Shuzo is a historic brewery founded in 1872 by Omi merchants who moved from Hino-cho, Shiga Prefecture, to Ichikai-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture. They have continued to brew sake in Tochigi for over 150 years.
The most distinctive feature is the revival of "Kimoto brewing" in 2001 by the current president, Jun Kono, for the first time in 27 years since 1974, which they call the "Kimoto Renaissance." Unlike traditional Kimoto sakes that tend to be heavy and rustic, Sohomare's Kimoto achieves an elegant quality with a light finish while still offering high-quality acidity and umami.
Kimoto brewing is a traditional method that cultivates yeast by incorporating natural lactic acid bacteria, requiring high technical skill. Kimoto yeast starters contain high amounts of acids and amino acids, which bring out a robust and flavorful taste.
Their commitment to ingredients is thorough: based on clear groundwater from the Kinugawa river system, they use Yamada Nishiki rice from the Hyogo Prefecture Special A district even for their standard sake, and also brew products using 100% contract-cultivated Tochigi Gohyaku-mangoku rice. They are regular gold medal winners at the National New Sake Competition and have won the Grand Prize at the Kanto-Shinetsu Regional Taxation Bureau Sake Competition, proving their exceptional technical prowess.
The main brand is "Sohomare," characterized by a deep aroma and a solid taste where Kimoto-specific acidity and umami intertwine. While enjoyable chilled, it reveals a whole new world of flavor when served warm, possessing a depth that shows different expressions depending on the temperature. It is one of Tochigi's representative breweries that honors tradition while continuing to innovate.