Juhachi Zakari Brewery
The Craft of Sake Brewing Refines the Senses and Delights Microorganisms
Founded in 1785, Juhachi Zakari Brewery is located near the sea in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture.
Torii (gateway) at Yugasan Rendaiji Temple
Originally, Yugasan Rendaiji Temple, located behind the brewery, was revered as a guardian deity of boats. Since the brewery was located at the entrance to the temple, sake brewing began as a way to worship the deity. The entrance to the brewery, which still remains, was built in the Edo period and is still in use.
The entrance to Juhachi Zakari Brewery, unchanged since the Edo period.
"The essence of sake brewing is to make the most of microorganisms."
Mr. Ishiai, the toji, did not study sake brewing at university but graduated from an engineering university and was involved in developing cathode-ray tubes. He was the youngest of three siblings and was approached because he was best suited for the business.
Juhachi Zakari Brewery President, Keizo Ishiai.
He says that he learned about sake brewing after becoming a toji. As he studied and learned more about sake brewing, he became utterly addicted. When he first took over the brewery, his first priority was to improve the quality and create taste notes that he was satisfied with.
After thoroughly considering the essence of sake brewing, he changed the direction of sake brewing to one that leaves the microorganisms to nature and lets them thrive. At the same time, he entered the realm of a craftsman who sharpened his sensibility and created sake according to that sensibility. Microorganisms, like people, eat and grow. Sometimes they move unexpectedly, so he says his inquisitive mind never stops.
Strong Beliefs Are Transmitted to People through Sake
Okayama is called the "Land of Sunshine" because of its mild and sunny climate. This climate is ideal for rice cultivation. Because of the quality of rice that can be harvested, all sake is brewed using local sake rice. The sake has a light touch of umami and minerality. The taste notes are acidic and structured but not heavy. The brewery takes sake brewing seriously, believing that drinkers will follow a brewer who has a firm conviction with a goal.
Juhachi Zakari Brewery is surrounded by mountains and the sea.
Perfect balance is a sake that is easy to drink, and you will find yourself downing a bottle before you know it. Enjoy it with a casual dinner.
From the Head Brewer
"Sake that can be enjoyed at any temperature. Feel the taste notes of Omachi. It is a versatile sake that goes well with everything. It is perfect with Western food such as marinated octopus, Caprese, and cheese."