Shichida
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Respecting Tradition while Embracing Modernity • Shichida
Located on Kyushu, the southwestern island of Japan, Saga Prefecture enjoys the blessings of nature. Famous for being the birthplace of traditional Japanese ceramics, its abundant natural resources also include the high-quality water ideal for sake brewing. Tenzan Shuzo is a century-old sake brewery in Saga that has been introducing its fruity, umami-rich sake to the world audience in recent years.
The birth of Shichida Kyushu treasures Brand characteristics Pairing recommendations
The Sixth Kuramoto – Striving for Change while Preserving Tradition
Established in 1875 (Meiji 8), Tenzan Shuzo has been running for more than 140 years. The current owner is the sixth kuramoto Kensuke Shichida, who continues to uphold the philosophy of “Fueki Ryuko” passed down for generations. The sake brewery remains true to its original intent while keeping abreast of the times.
Tenzan Shuzo started with only one “Tenzan” brand and operated for years under the “local production and consumption” principle within the prefecture. In 2001, the sixth generation President Kensuke Shichida established a new brand, “Shichida”, derived from the family name. The new image was part of a mission to promote the brand outside Saga Prefecture and venture into the international market.
A Location Full of Kyushu Treasures
Tenzan Shuzo is located in Ogi City, Saga Prefecture. This exceptional geographical location blessed the sake brewery with the Tenzan mountain ranges and the famous spring water from Gion River, one of Japan’s officially designated 100 Exquisite and Well Conserved Waters. The water from the mid-slope of the mountain is medium-hard and does not contain iron but is rich in other minerals, which is perfect for brewing Kyushu-style full-bodied sake.
The Gion River in front of the brewery is a clear stream flowing from the Tenzan mountain ranges, and it attracts Genji fireflies that are only found around clear, clean water. Tenzan Shuzo respects Mother Nature by worshipping the mountain god at Kiyomizu Waterfall before brewing and organising annual concerts during the firefly season. The public can enjoy sake and Saga’s natural scenery at the Shuzo, with the building is supported by an original tree trunk – a National Tangible Cultural Property full of heritage and historical value.
Sake with a Beautiful Fruity and Rice Aroma
The best way to experience Japanese sake culture is to savour its many varieties. The flavour profile of sakes differs from region to region and according to their brand’s unique characteristics. Some highlight the fruity aroma, while others focus on rice aroma, also known as umami flavour. Shichida sakes strike a perfect balance between the two, encompassing both the Kyushu-style umami flavour and a fruity aroma that results from using two kinds of yeast during the brewing process. This all-round sake pairs well with savoury dishes, like those featured in Chinese cuisine.
Another imperative factor for sake brewing is undoubtedly the quality of the rice. Tenzan Shuzo set up the “Tenzan Sake Rice Cultivation Research Association” with rice farmers in Saga Prefecture as early as 1998. Dedicated contracts were signed with the local farmers to ensure the brewery’s continuous improvement and the growth of high-quality sake rice.
The Principle of “To Integrate New Things while Being Eternal”
Inheriting a Shuzo of historical significance, President Kensuke Shichida has been upholding the family principle of “Fueki Ryuko” in operating the business. Tenzan and Shichida are two distinct brands targeting different customers, and illustrate the spirit of innovation while safeguarding traditions. President Shichida is dedicated to developing new products like sparkling sake and fruit wine to keep the Shuzo abreast of the latest market trends. Its sake lees mask is another new product especially welcomed by the ladies; it is a popular hot item that makes good use of a byproduct of sake brewing.
Well-earned International Recognition
The path to success for the Shuzo was anything but straight. President Shichida commented that it was only after years of hard work that the sake business began getting better and better. The focus was on promoting the merits of sake to the younger generation and in overseas. In 2017, three of its sakes made it to the final 10 of the Kura Master in France, including Shichida Junmai Ginjo, Shichida Junmai and Shichida Junmai Ginjo Omachi 50, of which the latter garnered the highest honour of Prix du Président.
Winter view from the Tenzan brewery
“Hourei” – process of cooling steamed sake rice
Kiyomizu Waterfall, where brewers go to worship every year
Sixth Tenzan brewery president Kensuke Shichida
Sake Pairing Recommendations
President Shichida is very fond of pairing Shichida sakes with food. Together with the professional sommelier team at city'super, the following pairings are recommended for sake lovers:
Shichida Junmai Ginjo Omachi 50
- Awarded the highest honour of Prix du Président at the 2017 Kura Master in France
- Brewed with Omachi rice from Okayama, and featuring a refreshing melon aroma, firm structure and rounded mouthfeel
- Best paired with braised beef in red wine, tempura, and roasted duck with orange sauce – the sweet melon aroma adds a delightful touch to the taste and elevates the umami of the ingredient
On the Rocks
Chilled
Room Temp
Warm
Hot- Nose
- Floral & Fruity
- Palate
- Refreshing
- Soft
- Elegant
- Mellow
- Full-bodied
- Aftertaste
- Dry
- Off-dry
- Sweet
- Savoury
- Complex
Shichida 75 Junmai
- Brewed with Yamadanishiki, the “king of sake rice”, with limited polishing to maximise the umami flavour of the rice
- Made with Saga yeast that can produce a fruity aroma; the result is a beautiful scent of tropical fruit
- Aged for over a year, with a rich, rounded mouthfeel
- Recommended pairing with cheese, wagyu and hotpot – creamy and oily ingredients pair well with thick-bodied sake, bringing out its deep flavour
On the Rocks Chilled
Room Temp Warm
Hot- Nose
- Tropical Fruit
- Palate
- Refreshing
- Soft
- Elegant
- Mellow
- Full-bodied
- Aftertaste
- Dry
- Off-dry
- Sweet
- Savoury
- Complex
What’s more:
Tenzan Sparkling Sake Grand Cuvée
- It undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle and is aged for three years at a low temperature
- The unique pearly fine bubbles and the elegant acidity give a refined mouthfeel and lingering finish
- Perfect for pairing with oysters and grilled beef – the smooth texture of oysters meets the crisp and refreshing bubbles, giving a rounded mouthfeel and sweet finish. The mellow acidity of the sparkling sake can balance out the greasiness of the beef
On the Rocks Chilled Room Temp Warm Hot- Nose
- Floral & Fruity
- Palate
- Refreshing
- Soft
- Elegant
- Mellow
- Full-bodied
- Aftertaste
- Dry
- Off-dry
- Sweet
- Savoury
- Complex
Shichida
