Description
Gozenshu Brewery, officially known as Tsuji Honten Co., Ltd., was founded in 1804 in Katsuyama, Okayama by Yahei Tsuji, originally a mercer who ventured into the brewing business. Katsuyama is located in the region of Mimasaka which has been long known as “the country of fine brew” or Umasake no Kuni. This is the first release of Gozenshu’s new range, the 1859 series, named after the year Omachi rice was discovered. Made with Gozenshu’s own Bodaimoto method, the brewery uses its own choice of sake yeast instead of allowing wild yeasts from the air to settle into the shubo. This method was recreated by a group of young brewers trying to reinvent the ancient styles of sake making. The brewing is led by Maiko Tsuji who is the 7th generation of her family and also Okayama’s first female master brewer.
Gozenshu’s motto of “being responsible for making the finest sake with locally-sourced rice, water and true local craftsmanship” is in line with their promise to use only Omachi rice by 2022 and evident in their commitment towards quality production without compromise. Gozenshu differentiates themselves with a clear-cut taste compared to the sweet styles that the southern part of the region is typically known for.