A Rich History Rooted in Kyoto
Matsui Brewery, founded in 1726, is the oldest sake brewery still operating within Kyoto city limits. Nestled amidst the Higashiyama mountains and the Kamogawa River, the brewery boasts a picturesque location, overlooking the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Shimogamo Shrine to the west and Mount Daimonji to the east.
The brewery's water source, known as "Kanrosui" (甘露水), holds a remarkable history, originating from the same well, "Senshin-i" (洗心井), that has supplied the Kyoto Imperial Palace with water for over 1200 years. Matsui Brewery is the sole producer to utilize this historical water source, meticulously crafting sake that harmonizes with its soft, ultra-soft water qualities.
Generations of Craftsmanship and Entrepreneurship
The brewery's origins trace back to the 4th Lord of Takagi Castle in the former Tanba Province, Jiemon Matsui, who established sake production in Shindobama Village (present-day Kami City, Hyogo Prefecture). This tradition continued through the 12th generation, with each house inheriting the name Jiemon Matsui and carrying on the legacy of sake brewing.
Records indicate that during the mid-Edo period, the brewery operated in Shindobama Village (present-day Kami Town, Hyogo Prefecture). Beyond sake production, the Matsui family also thrived in the shipping industry, owning two vessels, Tenjinmaru and Hachimanmaru, and engaging in maritime trade from the prosperous port of Kajiki. The first ship carried sake, while the second transported a variety of marine products. Prior to adopting the name "Matsui Brewery," the brewery operated under the brand "Fuji Chitose," a name that expressed the family's wishes for safe voyages, the blessings of Mount Fuji, and the prosperity of the brewery and its customers. Later, during the late Edo period, the brewery relocated to Kyoto.
Matsui Brewery's philosophy, rooted in the enduring value of craftsmanship across generations, has shaped not only the brewery's operations but also the essence of its sake.
Preserving Tradition While Embracing the Future
In the late Edo period, Matsui Brewery relocated to Nakagyo Ward (present-day Kawaramachi-dori Shimomaruya-cho, Nakagyo Ward) in Kyoto, where it continued its sake-making legacy. The brewery's name can be found on old local maps, indicating its presence amidst three sake breweries in the area. Subsequently, seeking a more suitable water source, the 12th generation relocated the brewery to its current location in Sakyo Ward, Yoshida-gawa-cho.
Throughout its history, Matsui Brewery has faced periods of temporary closure, first due to war and later due to Kyoto's urbanization and subway construction. However, driven by the unwavering spirit of "brewing sake in the same place," the brewery revived its operations in 2009 at the original Kamogawa location, equipped with modern facilities.
Handcrafted production remains at the heart of Matsui Brewery's philosophy. From rice washing to the brewing process, every step is meticulously carried out by hand. Recognizing the limitations of manual labor in achieving consistently high-quality sake, the brewery has incorporated cutting-edge technology to ensure precise temperature and hygiene control. Additionally, demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability, the brewery generates approximately 60% of its electricity through solar power.
The brewery's signature brand, "Kagura" (神蔵), undergoes no filtration or dilution, reflecting the brewery's dedication to presenting the sake in its purest form. The sake is characterized by its harmonious balance of sweet, sour,dry, and bitter notes, showcasing the true essence of rice's umami. Matsui Brewery holds the unique distinction of being the sole purveyor of sake to renowned Kyoto temples and shrines, including Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Kifune Shrine, and Yoshida Shrine.
The name "Kagura" embodies the brewery's deep reverence for sake as a gift from the divine. This sentiment is further expressed in the 2021 redesign of the Kagura sake bottle, featuring a stylish, gold-lettered design and a motif inspired by "Kintsugi" (金継ぎ), a traditional technique for repairing broken pottery, symbolizing the brewery's commitment to preserving and revitalizing its legacy.
