Located in Yunomae Town, Toyonaga Shuzo is a pioneering distillery that beautifully brings the concept of “terroir” to the world of Kuma Shochu.
Here is what makes this historic distillery so special:
Organic Farming Pioneer: Founded in 1894 (during the Meiji era), they have a deeply rooted respect for the land. Since 1986, they have been committed to sustainable organic farming. Today, 100% of the rice used in their signature shochu is certified organic (JAS), grown either in their own fields or by local contract farmers.
The “Terroir” Philosophy: Just like fine wine, Toyonaga Shuzo strongly believes in the power of “terroir” (the natural environment where the ingredients are grown). They operate on the strict philosophy of using only “Kuma Rice, Kuma Water, and Kuma People.” This dedication ensures that every drop truly reflects the soil, climate, and spirit of the region.
Signature Brand “Toyonagakura”: Their flagship brand, “Toyonagakura,” is famous for its clean, elegant taste and gorgeous aroma. Because it is crafted with such high-quality organic rice, it is incredibly smooth and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of Japanese and Western cuisines.
Held in the arms of the Shochu Sage, this is the “Joatsu” (Normal Pressure Distillation) version of “Toyonagakura,” the flagship brand from Toyonaga Shuzo that we discussed earlier.
Here is what makes this black-label bottle so remarkably special:
- 100% Organic Rice: As the label proudly states, it is crafted entirely from locally grown, organic rice (JAS certified). It perfectly embodies the distillery’s deep respect for the Kuma region’s terroir and sustainable farming.
- Traditional Distillation: The elegant gold characters “常圧” (Joatsu) mean it is distilled at normal atmospheric pressure. This traditional, old-school method captures the full, robust essence and complex umami of the organic rice.
- Deep and Earthy Profile: While the standard Toyonagakura (which uses modern reduced-pressure distillation) is known for being light and fruity, this Joatsu version is a completely different experience! It boasts a rich, slightly toasted aroma and a deep, full-bodied savory flavor.
- Best Ways to Enjoy: To fully unlock its rich aroma and the natural sweetness of the organic rice, mixing it with hot water (Oyuwari) is highly recommended. It is also exceptional on the rocks, where you can taste the true power of the terroir as the ice melts.
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