A History Steeped in Tradition
Emishiki Brewery, nestled in the city of Koka, Shiga Prefecture, traces its roots back to 1892, established by Eizo Takeshima under the name Takeshima Honke in the heart of Mizuguchi-Yado, the 50th post town on the Tokaido Road. The brewery's iconic "Emishiki" trademark, later introduced by the second-generation owner, Senjiro Takeshima, embodies their philosophy of sake as a source of joy and connection, bringing smiles with each sip.
Purity and Dedication: The Essence of Emishiki Brewery Sake
Emishiki Brewery's sake is a testament to their unwavering commitment to pure and natural brewing practices. Using only junmai rice, their sake is crafted without additives or adjustments, allowing the intrinsic flavors of the rice to shine through. The brewery's focus on subtle elegance and cleanness results in a sake that is both refreshing and refined.
At the heart of Emishiki Brewery's philosophy lies a deep respect for the essence of agriculture and the delicate balance of nature. The brewery meticulously cultivates their own rice, particularly the "Shiga Watanami 2-go (Tankan Watanami)" strain, a descendant of the Omachi variety. This dedication to rice quality ensures that each batch of sake captures the unique terroir of the region.
The brewery's water sources are equally crucial to their sake's character. They carefully blend the soft, mineral-rich waters from their own well, "Kura Shimizu," and the "Iwamayama Iwafuka Mizu" spring, located near an old feldspar mine. This meticulous selection of water complements the rice's flavors and contributes to the sake's overall balance.
Emishiki Brewery's commitment to purity extends beyond the ingredients. They are staunch advocates for traditional brewing methods, eschewing the use of artificial additives and relying solely on natural fermentation processes. Their moto (yeast starter) is meticulously prepared using either kimoto or their own cultivated lactic acid bacteria.
The brewery's adherence to time-honored techniques is evident in their use of the Sase-style press, a traditional method that allows for precise control over the extraction process. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the sake's unique character remains intact.
Unfiltered and unpasteurized, Emishiki Brewery's sake is bottled directly from the tank, preserving its vibrant flavors and aromas. The sake is then carefully stored in bottles, allowing the flavors to mature and develop over time.
Innovation and Recognition: Shoshikizakura's Rise to Prominence
Emishiki Brewery's dedication to innovation is exemplified in their exploration of ginjo brewing techniques. Inspired by the production of German noble rot wines, they developed their "Monsoon Sake," a unique and highly acclaimed sake that has garnered national recognition.
AUSAKE is proud to offer a selection of Shoshikizakura's exceptional sakes. We invite you to embark on a sensory journey and discover the rich heritage and innovative spirit that define this remarkable brewery.
