
Ginjo Tamanoi
Niki Sake Brewery | Gifu Prefecture
Niki Sake Brewery
Niki Sake Brewery is the only ginjo brewery in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. Since its founding in 1695, the brewery has been producing the finest ginjo sake in this area, which is ideal for sake brewing thanks to its water sourced from the Hida Mountains, excellent sake rice, and cold climate.
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Niki Sake Brewery was founded in 8, when Hida came under direct control of the shogunate and the shogunate ordered the demolition of Takayama Castle. The previous owner originally lived in Ishikawa Prefecture, so the brewery's name was "Kagaya." For this reason, the noren curtains at the brewery's entrance are dyed with "Kagaya." The long history and traditions of sake brewing in Kamininomachi, an area known for its old streets, are woven together by the current 16th generation head of the brewery.
The current building was rebuilt based on the remaining Edo-period blueprints, after most of it was destroyed in a major fire at the beginning of the Meiji era. The clear well water in the center of the house was used for brewing sake. The sake "Tamanoi", which is made from Gifu Prefecture-grown ordinary rice "Akitakomachi" that is polished to 60%, is named after this.
It is said that the "namazake" boom in Hida started with "Daiginjo Namazake Himuro", which is brewed in the frigid cold. By taking more days than usual from brewing to pressing, it is possible to create a taste that allows you to enjoy the ginjo aroma. There is also "Daiginjo Hiyaoroshi Akirei no Honoo", which is brewed in the harsh winter and aged over the summer. These "Four Jewels Aji Series" allow you to feel the umami that is woven by the four seasons of Japan.
In addition, there are many other products that are produced in limited quantities and are particular about quality, such as "Junmai Daiginjo Ichii," which is produced only in years when the best sake rice is harvested. You can feel the uncompromising attitude of sake brewing that has remained unchanged for over 300 years.
A luxurious taste nurtured by a long history and tradition, and a rich climate. Even as times change, the deliciousness of the exquisite products carefully cultivated in this ginjo brewery will continue to be produced here.