KOSHI NO KANBAI

Located in the Kameda district of Niigata, the Ishimoto Shuzo brewery was founded in 1907. Benefiting from a privileged natural environment – cold winter climate, pure waters from the Agano and Shinano rivers – it has always produced a sake that is ‘light and refined, yet intensely flavoured’. The name Koshino Kanbai (‘Echigo Snow Plum’) comes from the region's plum trees, famous for their elegant blossoms in the middle of winter. The founder, Ryuzo Ishimoto, carefully selected the varieties and origins of the rice. His successor, Shogo Ishimoto, adopted the local soft water, polished the rice to exacting standards and favoured slow fermentation at low temperatures, creating a pure, smooth taste. Today, the fourth generation continues this legacy, while continuously improving quality and passing on the culture of sake through the generations. A new infrastructure project is in the works, aimed at strengthening ties with the region and spreading the richness of Niigata throughout Japan and the world.