Fukugen Brewery, established in 1758 and nestled in Nagano’s scenic Ikedamachi, is a venerable sake producer that honors centuries-old traditions. The brewery takes pride in its dedication to using rice cultivated entirely by them. For premium sake, they grow Yamada Nishiki, while Hitogokochi is reserved for their Junmai Ginjo, Junmai, and Futsushu offerings. This hands-on approach ensures the highest quality of ingredients and a deep-rooted connection to their sake’s origins.

What truly sets Fukugen apart is their unique aging process. All their sake is bottle-aged at room temperature for a minimum of 18 months, with master brewers conducting assessments every 3 to 6 months to determine readiness. The natural seasonal temperature fluctuations accelerate or temper the aging, imparting depth and complexity to each brew. This method highlights the brewery’s philosophy of harmonizing craftsmanship with the rhythms of nature, offering a nuanced and authentic tasting experience.