While this sake is being made, the steamed rice is mashed by hand painstakingly and with enormous care - such is the Kimoto brewing method. From this very traditional and laborious style of brewing, a uniquely umami-rich yet delicate and silky sake is born. The deep-flavored Junmai sake has highlights of bright acidity, and if heated gently, one can taste the rarer, more interesting traits clearly.
The story of Akita Seishu begins in 1865, when founder Jushiro Ito converted a 150 year old thatched roof estate into the Dewatsuru sake brewery. Five generations later, the brewery is still run by the Ito family. President Tatsuru Ito works closely with his son Yohei to bring Dewatsuru's award-winning sake to consumers in Japan and throughout the world. The brewery's philosophy is that, "Good harmony makes good sake." Akita Seishu values everything local and strives for a harmonious relationship between man and nature. The Dewatsuru brewery is even certified to produce organic sake, one of only a few such breweries in all of Japan. Although, working together with nature is not always easy in this frigid region in northern Japan, the harsh winter conditions are ideal for brewing sake and contribute to the distinct, regional flavor profiles of Dewatsuru sake. The brewery is also blessed with exceptionally soft water, which ensures the naturally smooth taste for which Dewatsuru sake is known. The Kariho brewery, also run by Akita Seishu, is located within miles of Dewatsuru but has much harder water. The result is a drastically different style of sake. Akita Seishu is proud to introduce Dewatsuru sake to the United States. Dewatsuru translates as, "crane of the Dewa region," and brings to mind the beautiful birds, graceful and regal, showing off their plumage in the snow covered countryside. The name conveys the refined elegance of the Dewatsuru line of premium sake.
