Mizukami Village is not just the birthplace of the Kuma River; it is also home to a breathtaking piece of living Japanese history. If you want to experience the true, unaltered roots of the region’s shochu culture, a visit to Matsushita Jozojo is an absolute must.
Here is a deeper look into what makes this historic distillery so extraordinary:
The Oldest Surviving Distillery: Founded in 1804, during the height of the Edo period, it stands proudly as the oldest existing distillery in the entire Hitoyoshi-Kuma region. To put that into perspective, they have been crafting shochu here since the era of the samurai! Stepping into their brewery feels like stepping back in time.
Unyielding Traditional Craftsmanship: While modern technology has transformed much of the brewing world, Matsushita Jozojo remains passionately dedicated to traditional, labor-intensive methods. They continue to use handmade techniques, carefully nurturing the mash in historic clay pots (kame). This hands-on approach requires incredible skill and intuition from the master brewers, ensuring that every drop respects the 500-year-old origins of Kuma Shochu.
The Gift of the River’s Source: Being situated at the very uppermost reaches of the Kuma River gives them a remarkable advantage. They draw upon the incredibly pure, untouched natural groundwater before it flows down into the basin. This pristine water is the secret behind their shochu’s exceptionally smooth, refined, and deeply satisfying flavor profile.
For history buffs and spirit enthusiasts alike, tasting a craft shochu that has remained true to its Edo-period roots is a profound experience.
The Taste of History: “Saikogura”
Held in the arms of the Shochu Sage, this is ‘Saikogura,’ the flagship brand of Matsushita Jozojo, the historic distillery we just talked about!
Here is what makes this bottle so remarkable:
- The Name Says It All: The name “Saikogura” literally translates to “The Oldest Distillery”. This special shochu was created specifically to commemorate the 200th anniversary of their founding in 1804. It is a proud declaration of their long history!
- 100% Local Rice: It is crafted using 100% high-quality rice grown locally in the Hitoyoshi-Kuma region, specifically the “Hinohikari” variety. By combining this with the pure source water of the Kuma River, they create a truly authentic Kuma Shochu.
- Mellow and Refined Flavor: The shochu is carefully aged for over three years before release. This aging process gives it a wonderfully smooth, mellow texture while bringing out the natural sweetness and deep umami of the rice. It has a clean finish that makes it incredibly easy to drink.
- Best Ways to Enjoy: Because of its refined and delicate flavor, it pairs perfectly with traditional Japanese cuisine, especially dishes like sashimi. To fully appreciate its smooth texture, it is highly recommended to enjoy it straight or on the rocks.
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