Placid days come to Koriyama as the season of cold winds blowing down Mt. Bandai fades. This mirrors the way sake is made at Sasanokawa, established in 1765. Throughout its long history, this brewery has weathered the winds and snows of successive eras. Through unrelenting effort and wisdom, we must overcome the great trials of nature, and the upheavals of the world.
In order to grow ever stronger, like sake tempered by a harsh winter...
Ten generations from our founding by Asanojo, Munetomo, we've arrived at a single idea. The passage through severe seasons itself is what forges a graceful mellow sake. This means savoring the joy of simply living each day instead of clinging to obstinate ways of thinking. This is the way we wish to make sake.
What is vital to how we make sake, is surely the unseen wind. The Michinoku north wind that blows away cloudiness and sediment. The spring wind that carries in gentle fragrances.
The name "Sasanokawa" (river of bamboo grass) incorporates "sasa" which has been a name for Japanese sake since time immemorial. Therefore, our brewery will carry on like a supple blade of bamboo grass that refuses to fall no matter how strong the wind blows.
Sasanokawa has a history that stretches back more than 250 years. What has been passed down at this brewery is a method of "sake brewing for bringing people happiness". The deity of Matsunoo-taisha Shrine is venerated by countless sake breweries.
In the 21st century, one might feel that gods no longer exist. However, the importance of preserving ancient traditions and showing respect for a natural world that surpasses human understanding, is expressed through prayers to the gods.
We ask the gods to watch over us and ensure our sake is good. We keep not only those at our brewery, but everyone involved in sake production, close to our hearts. We imagine who will drink our sake, and where will it be enjoyed. We always pray that the sake that leaves our brewery will bring a smile to the face of whomever it meets, wherever they are.
In poetry, we have the "principle of fluidity and immutability", this way of thinking applies to sake brewing as well. Even with high standards of living producing a diversity of values, the essence of sake has not changed. This goes beyond preferences for dry or sweet, rich body or sharp finish. It is not swayed by fashions such as yesterday's devotion to western spirits or today's craze for shochu.
Sasanokawa intends to protect tradition without standing still, looking hard at what kind of sake is appropriate for today, and moving forward. We want to focus not on making a show of our originality, but on what sake will find a place of affection in people's everyday lives. By carefully considering and selecting the yeast and brewer's rice, we work to refine values that time cannot wash away. We do this by respecting the valuable customs and wisdom of our predecessors, while matching the tastes of the present day. We believe value of sake in the unforgettable moments of everyday life can be seen in the silhouette of a father as he lifts a cup of warmed sake to his lips, and in the smiling faces of gathered friends as they share a celebratory bottle.
In poetry, we have the "principle of fluidity and immutability", this way of thinking applies to sake brewing as well. Even with high standards of living producing a diversity of values, the essence of sake has not changed. This goes beyond preferences for dry or sweet, rich body or sharp finish. It is not swayed by fashions such as yesterday's devotion to western spirits or today's craze for shochu.
Sasanokawa intends to protect tradition without standing still, looking hard at what kind of sake is appropriate for today, and moving forward. We want to focus not on making a show of our originality, but on what sake will find a place of affection in people's everyday lives. By carefully considering and selecting the yeast and brewer's rice, we work to refine values that time cannot wash away. We do this by respecting the valuable customs and wisdom of our predecessors, while matching the tastes of the present day. We believe value of sake in the unforgettable moments of everyday life can be seen in the silhouette of a father as he lifts a cup of warmed sake to his lips, and in the smiling faces of gathered friends as they share a celebratory bottle.
"Sake brewery of wind". When we explain Sasanokawa, these words rise up in our minds. Our brewery was conceived in wind, and exists in harmony with the wind...
For a Michinoku sake brewery, Sasanokawa enjoys a comparatively mild natural environment. And there is a reason our production method, the "sake brewery of wind", is distinct to this climate. The environmental influence of Mt. Bandai has a large effect on Sasanokawa's sake production. The dry cold wind that blows down from Mt. Bandai, across Lake Inawashiro and into the Koriyama basin is indispensable to Sasanokawa's sake brewing.
Moreover, we believe that sake should be local. By insisting on using rice grown in Fukushima prefecture, and taking great care in production and finish, and strive to allow you taste and discover various flavors of the rice.
"Sake brewery of wind". When we explain Sasanokawa, these words rise up in our minds. Our brewery was conceived in wind, and exists in harmony with the wind...
For a Michinoku sake brewery, Sasanokawa enjoys a comparatively mild natural environment. And there is a reason our production method, the "sake brewery of wind", is distinct to this climate. The environmental influence of Mt. Bandai has a large effect on Sasanokawa's sake production. The dry cold wind that blows down from Mt. Bandai, across Lake Inawashiro and into the Koriyama basin is indispensable to Sasanokawa's sake brewing.
Moreover, we believe that sake should be local. By insisting on using rice grown in Fukushima prefecture, and taking great care in production and finish, and strive to allow you taste and discover various flavors of the rice.
Sasanokawa sake brewing has withstood the test of over 250 years, and we maintain an earnest approach to brewing. Josen (higher selection) and kasen (good selection) sakes are indispensable to the region for important ceremonial occasions. And we aim for an ever more refined finish in these which surpasses anything that has come before.
Furthermore, production at our sake brewery pursues the "highest level of taste" as a matter of course. And we search for the forgotten elements necessary for true sake brewing by turning our gaze to traditional production methods and working to reproduce methods and equipment. We will not make sake via methods that favor only efficiency, but will continue our pursuit of broader flavor.
However, sake does not simply intoxicate you. Delicious sake soothes the body and the heart. A small wine glass full. A glass to relax. Our brewery hopes to continue helping each person find their own individual way to enjoy our sake.
Sasanokawa sake brewing has withstood the test of over 250 years, and we maintain an earnest approach to brewing. Josen (higher selection) and kasen (good selection) sakes are indispensable to the region for important ceremonial occasions. And we aim for an ever more refined finish in these which surpasses anything that has come before.
Furthermore, production at our sake brewery pursues the "highest level of taste" as a matter of course. And we search for the forgotten elements necessary for true sake brewing by turning our gaze to traditional production methods and working to reproduce methods and equipment. We will not make sake via methods that favor only efficiency, but will continue our pursuit of broader flavor.
However, sake does not simply intoxicate you. Delicious sake soothes the body and the heart. A small wine glass full. A glass to relax. Our brewery hopes to continue helping each person find their own individual way to enjoy our sake.