Established in 1875, Shichida Sake has been a staple in the Japanese sake industry for over a century. Founded by Tenzan Shuzo in Saga, a picturesque town on the southern island of Kyushu, the brand has continued to thrive under the current owner, Shichida san, who is the 6th generation of the family.
Dedicated to maintaining the highest quality standards, Shichida Sake has been growing their own rice since 1998, using 70% locally sourced rice in their production process. The milder climate of Saga, in contrast to the colder northern parts of Japan, has a significant impact on the technique of sake making. Utilizing the relatively warmer temperatures to their advantage, the brewery carefully controls the fermentation process by managing various temperatures and using a mix of different sake yeast to achieve their unique style.
Shichida Sake's ultimate goal is to create a sake that boasts a clean, juicy mouthfeel with a deep flavor profile that is rich in umami and balanced with elegant acidity. While honoring tradition, the brand also brings a modern approach to their production process, resulting in a truly exceptional sake experience.
One of the key factors in the production of Shichida Sake is the quality of the water used. Sourced from the pure rivers and a local waterfall rated as one of the Top 100 waterfalls in Japan for its water quality, the medium-hard water adds to the distinctive character of their sake.
Situated alongside the Gion River, the brewery is surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature, known for being famously clean and pure in Japan. The region is also a popular tourist destination, with its stunning cherry blossom in spring and sightings of fireflies in the early summer. The city of Ogi, where the brewery is located, is often referred to as a "mini Kyoto" due to its shared cultural similarities with the famed Japanese city.
With a commitment to using only local ingredients and a focus on creating sake that is a reflection of their natural environment, Shichida Sake is a true testament to the art and craftsmanship of Japanese sake production. Their house style is renowned for its juicy and full flavor with a well-structured body, a result of their unique combination of locally sourced rice and medium-hard mineral water.
