Izumo Fuji Junmai "Ancient Shrine" 720mL

Founded in 1939, the Fuji brewery is managed by the 3rd generation Imaoka family in the town of Izumo. The town is famous for its shrine, Izumo Taisha, built in the 8th century. This shrine is regarded as the oldest and most important shrine in all of Japan. Every October, “The Month of the Gods”, people travel from around the country to take part in the sacred ritual of praying at the shrine. In its name, Izumo Fuji sake pays tribute to both this shrine and to Mt. Fuji, the most loved and revered symbol of Japan. The Imaoka family brews using old school and traditional methods without modern machines. They do everything by hand: steaming using an old-fashioned Japanese steamer, koji making, and pressing by fune press, or wooden vat, a very gentle method.

In Japan, shrines have specific powers for which visitors pray. Izumo Taisha’s power is “en musubi,” “the tying of bonds.” Visiting the Izumo Taisha is said to bring you positive relationships in romance and in business. Toshi Imaoka, the brewmaster and director of the brewery, makes his sake in the spirit of Izumo Taisha. He hopes his sake will bring people together to form long bonds, with his sake too!

Tasting Note

Violet aroma, plum on palate; soft, relaxed, and expansive in texture. An “umami type” of sake with ricey dryness.

Food Pairing

Serve chilled, room temperature or warmed. Versatile but best with rich foods like Japanese stews, grilled steak, and briny shellfish.

Technical Data

ABV: 16%

Unique Selling Points

This Junmai is made with Yamada Nishiki rice grown in Shimane prefecture.

The brewery is located in the town of Izumo, home to one of Japan’s oldest and most revered Shinto shrines.

-Kobrand Fine Wine and Spirits