
TONE-NUMATA
An area of scenic beauty known for its stunning river terraces
"Also known as "the place where water is born," Tone-Numata is an area located near the headwaters of Tone River that is surrounded by mountains and steeped in vibrant nature. This area is known for its unique river terraces that were formed by the sediments deposited in the ancient Numata Lake, which existed around 150,000 years ago. The precipitation from Mt. Hotaka, Mt. Tanigawa, and other mountains is filtered through the surrounding soil, resulting in a supply of river water and underground water of exceptional quality."
GI Tone-Numata
"GI Tone-Numata" is a geographical indication that is given only to sake that meets a set of highly stringent criteria that include not only whether the brewing process had harnessed the local climate and water, but also the variety and origin of the rice used and whether the yeast used had been locally sourced.
- ・For the sake's rice and rice malt, only the following trademarks or varieties harvested within the area of production can be used: Yukihotaka, Gohyakumangoku, Koshihikari
- ・Only water collected within the area of production that has not undergone any physical or chemical treatment other than sedimentation and filtration can be used.
- ・Only the following varieties of yeast can be used for fermentation: Gunma Kaze yeast, Gunma G2 yeast, and other varieties of yeast collected and cultivated within the area of production (house yeast of breweries)
- ・All other indications made alongside the geographical indication "GI Tone-Numata," such as the product's brewing year (BY) and "Vintage" labels, must comply with the implementation guidelines.
Special GI Certification Commemorative Sake Set
(Available in limited quantity)
In commemoration of the GI Tone-Numata geographical indication certification, we have curated a special set of seven certified sake from four different sake breweries in Tone-Numata, which will be available in limited quantities.
Sorry, we currently are not selling in this region due to import regulations.
Feature
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The essence of sake brewed in Tone-Numata is in the water used.
"Tone-Numata's soft water is produced as snow and rain that fall on the mountains pass through the many layers of sand, gravel, and mud. This process imbues the natural water with minerals that give it a delicate and slightly sweet taste. It is this special water that gives the sake brewed in Tone-Numata its clean taste and clear color."
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Tone-Numata's sake is inextricably linked to the four seasons
"Although Tone-Numata's winter is often bitterly cold, with seasonal winds accompanying the snow and rain, it can also be warm and sunny in the day. One unique trait of the area is its large temperature variation even in a single day. This area is also said to be perfect for cultivating sake rice varieties due to the large amount of precipitation and long hours of sunshine in Gunma Prefecture."
List of participant breweries
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Introduction to breweries
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NAGAI HONKE Co., Ltd.
Sake brewing, Nagai Honke–style
Despite being a large scale operation, the brewery, where the fifth generation of brewers were learning their trade, was a place where no efforts were spared in making great sake. That deep experience, combined with the bag-squeezing that only a small brewery can do, is now the strength of the operation.
Sorry, we currently are not selling in this region due to import regulations.
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Otone Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.
A Small-scale Brewery that Uses Traditional Methods to Craft Locally Brewed Sake
"Clear air. Verdant mountains. Crystal clear streams. A masterpiece born from a drop of the bounties of nature—handcrafted local sake brewed using traditional methods. Every place has its unique way of life and heritage—cultures and traditions that you can only experience when you're there. It is in these hometowns where one ought to take a fresh look at the land's once-lost "heart and soul." And sake is no different. In Japan, each land preserves its unique sake brewing traditions—with each sake having a rich flavor that reflects the natural features and climate of its roots. At our small-scale brewery, Otone, we carry forward our unique, heritage method for brewing local sake."
Sorry, we currently are not selling in this region due to import regulations.
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Tsuchida Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.
Bringing Forth Flavors of Rice Using the Power of Nature
"We craft all of our sake using just the three ingredients of rice, water, and koji, together with the work of microorganisms. We brew our sake using the traditional kimoto method — by encouraging the growth of microorganisms and ambient lactic bacteria that live in the brewery and patiently waiting for their natural action. When researching techniques to bring forth the power of the living organisms called bacteria, failures are an occasional aspect in recurring the process of discoveries and learnings to craft brews that let us appreciate the subtle differences and multi-dimensionality of their taste every day. We keep challenging ourselves to brew sake using low-polished and edible rice to bring out the rice's flavors. Our sake brewing process continues centuries-old heritage methods from the Edo period and utilizes modern technology to produce flavors rich in character, variety, and dimensionality. Creating new flavors through the collaboration of microorganisms and people. Bringing a contemporary yet classical way of brewing sake to the next generation so everyone may enjoy this deliciousness reminiscent of the olden times."
Sorry, we currently are not selling in this region due to import regulations.
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NAGAI SAKE INC.
Pure sake-brewing that embodies the natural grandeur of Kawaba
We aim to brew pure sake that expresses the natural grandeur of Kawaba. We totally compartmentalize the tasks that can be mechanized and those that can only be performed by human hands. Through this fusion of cutting-edge equipment with traditional technique, we brew exquisite sake. We devote ourselves each day to paying respect and gratitude to nature as we brew, and to delivering compelling sake that leaves a deep impression on those who drink it.
Sorry, we currently are not selling in this region due to import regulations.