Niizawa Sake Brewery Co.,Ltd.

Brewery of “Hakurakusei”

Founded in 1873, they are a brewery aiming to be the ultimate supporting role that enhances food, under the theme of “the ultimate sake for food pairing.” Their renowned brand, “Atago no Matsu,” is famous as the favorite sake of the poet Bansui Doi, who wrote the poem, “From the peak of Mt. Tateyama, sake instead, the fragrant lottery of Atago no Matsu.”

Using unique rice varieties such as Yamada Nishiki, Sake Mirai, Aiyama, Omachi, and Kameji, they have produced enchanting and alluring sake that has captivated fans not only in Japan but around the world.

In 2002, the fifth-generation owner, Mr. Iwao Niizawa, became the youngest sake brewery president in Miyagi Prefecture (and the first brewery president in the prefecture’s history). He embarked on the task of rebuilding the brewery, which was on the verge of collapse at the time. The same year, he launched the brand “Hakurakusei,” which clearly defined the concept of “sake for food pairing,” gaining fans nationwide with its sharp, sweetness-restrained taste.

However, in 2011, the brewery was completely destroyed in the Great East Japan Earthquake. Despite the despair, Mr. Niizawa’s indomitable spirit, along with the devotion of the brewery workers and the support of numerous volunteers, led to the relocation of the brewing facility to Kawasaki Town in Shibata District, and a remarkable recovery within the same year. In 2016, “Atago no Matsu” was named the best in Japan, and in 2018, a 22-year-old female master brewer was appointed, who won a gold medal soon after, demonstrating their continued evolution and pursuit of higher standards.

About Niizawa Sake Brewery Co.,Ltd.

Brewery Name	Niizawa Sake Brewery Co.,Ltd.
Location	Headquarters: Sanbongi, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture; Brewing Facility: Kawasaki Town, Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture.
Flagship Brands	“Hakurakusei,” “Atago no Matsu,” “Reikyo,” “Hiryu,” “Zankyo.”
Origin of the Brand Name	“Hakurakusei” is derived from the saying, “There are always thousands of fine horses, but rare is a Bole,” emphasizing the importance of discerning talent. It also refers to a local legend of a famous horse raised by a master judge of horses, Bole, who lived during the Zhou dynasty in China. This reflects our desire for consumers to recognize the quality of our products.
Major Awards	Since 2009, “Hakurakusei Junmai Daiginjo” has been served in the first class of Japan Airlines international flights. In 2010 and 2014, selected as the official sake of the FIFA World Cup. In 2010, “Zankyo” was served at the Grammy Awards reception in the USA. In 2015, “Hakurakusei Tokubetsu Junmai” received three stars in the Japanese sake Michelin feature of the magazine “PEN.” In 2016, “Atago no Matsu Tokubetsu Junmai” won the top prize in the Junmai category at the SAKE COMPETITION 2016, Japan’s largest sake competition. In 2018, “Atago no Matsu Senretsu Honjozo” won first place in the Honjozo category at the Brussels International Competition (CMB) SAKE selection 2018. In 2019, “Atago no Matsu Daiginjo Exhibited Sake” won a gold medal at the National New Sake Awards for the Heisei 30 brewing year.
Commitment	Our strict quality control is our most notable feature. All freshly pressed sake is managed at -5 degrees Celsius, ensuring the perfect timing for aging and shipping the sake slightly young so that it reaches its peak flavor when it reaches the consumer’s mouth.