| Brand | Imayo Tsukasa |
| Region | Niigata, Japan |
| Spirits Type | Sake |
| Spirits Style | Junmai |
| ABV | 15% / Rice Polishing: 65% |
Product details
Rooted in the vibrant brewing traditions of Niigata’s Nuttari district, Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery has embodied the spirit of fermentation culture since formally entering sake-making in the late 19th century. Once thriving as a symbol of Niigata’s prosperity—when the port bustled with Kitamaebune ships and the city boasted a population rivaling Edo—Imayo Tsukasa became a leading producer, supplying nearly every shop in the region. But in the aftermath of World War II, rice shortages and the rise of mass-produced, low-quality “threefold” sake took a heavy toll. As lifestyles changed and imported alcohol became more popular, sake consumption plummeted, forcing many breweries to close their doors. Imayo Tsukasa itself nearly disappeared from the cityscape. In 2006, determined to reclaim authenticity and quality, the brewery boldly transitioned to producing only Junmai sake with no added alcohol—the first such commitment in Niigata after the war. This was a turning point that revived their identity as stewards of pure, traditional brewing.
The Artesian Water Junmai Sake (“天然水仕込み 純米酒”) is a tribute to that spirit of renewal and dedication. Recognizing that rice alone was not enough to fulfill their vision, the brewery embarked on an exhaustive search across Niigata Prefecture to find water worthy of their mission. Their quest finally led them to the pristine, naturally gushing spring beneath Mount Suganadake, whose soft, clear water is now used for all of Imayo Tsukasa’s sakes. Brewed using a combination of Koshi Ibuki (Kake) rice and Gohyakumangoku rice polished to 65%, and fermented with No. 74 and No. 8 yeast strains, this Junmai showcases both technical refinement and a profound sense of place. Its delicate aroma unfolds with notes of green melon, white peach, fresh hay, and wet stone, while the palate offers a clean, smooth texture and gentle umami that lingers with crisp precision. Served chilled or at room temperature, it pairs beautifully with sushi, fresh oysters, steamed shellfish, lightly grilled vegetables, or soft cheeses. As one of the brewery’s flagship sakes, Artesian Water Junmai embodies not only technical mastery but also the passion and perseverance to uphold true sake craftsmanship for future generations.
