The Story
More than just a sake brewery
Katsuyama Shuzo is more than just a sake brewery.
Its existence is deeply intertwined with the official purveyor system of the Sendai Domain. Since the reign of the legendary Lord Date Masamune, it has evolved in tandem with the domain’s administration. Managed by the Izawa family lineage, which traces its roots back to 1190 during the era of Minamoto no Yoritomo, this brewery harmonizes the unwavering spirit of Bushido with a proud merchant soul.
To this day, Katsuyama stands as a true embodiment of "Samurai values." Its significance transcends the exceptional quality of its sake; it is an exceedingly rare entity that symbolizes the very history, spirit, and culture of Japan.
The Sake
A Lineage Serving Lord Minamoto no Yoritomo
The ancestry of the Izawa family, proprietors of Katsuyama Shuzo, traces back to Izawa Kageie. In 1189, by the decree of the legendary Minamoto no Yoritomo, Kageie was appointed the Guardian of Oshu. Following the Oshu War in 1190, he served as the very first Rusu-shiki (Deputy Governor) of Mutsu Province.
The family descends from Fujiwara no Kanenobu of the prestigious Northern Fujiwara branch. During the Bun'ei era (13th century), the Izawa family established a branch lineage and transitioned into the role of Goshi (rural samurai-gentry). Eventually, they emerged as prominent merchants within the Sendai domain, becoming a cornerstone of the region’s economic heart and a vital supporter of the domain's administration.
The Sake
Powering the "Samurai Style"
Katsuyama preserves the noble essence of sake once offered by samurai to their feudal lords (Daimyo). We brew only one tank per week, approaching each batch with the intensity of a Shinken Shobu—a life-or-death duel. Sake served to a lord must maintain its structural integrity and core strength for three to four hours during a slow, formal banquet.
To achieve this, the umami derived from both the raw ingredients and the fermentation process must harmonize with the cuisine, featuring a distinct profile, supreme purity, and a razor-sharp finish. Katsuyama executes every step with meticulous precision, brooking no compromise. Furthermore, we embrace innovation: utilizing centrifugal extraction to unlock the potential of aged sake and developing "Advanced Sokujo-moto" to expand the volume and complexity of the flavor profile.
From Katsuyama Shuzo
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