Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery 福光屋
Among the cobblestone streets where Geishas still walk is where Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery still stands today, a traditional brewery founded in 1625 (Edo-era) continuing to craft sake in Kanazawa, also known as “little Kyoto”. With almost a 400 year history, the brewery has a long history being present since the samurai-era, and still thrives, thanks to the strong will of previous generations and through constant innovation over the centuries.
Currently run by 13th-generation owner Matsutaro Fukumitsu, he takes his ancestors' words to heart. “Tradition is something that is still present and continues forward. Innovation is a requirement for something to continue. Tradition and innovation go hand in hand, otherwise, you run the risk of falling behind”. Young Matsutaro Fukumitsu took this to heart and felt he must do the best he can in the present generation, and not be afraid to take risks or make changes to what has been done traditionally. Through the years, the current lineup of products has now completely replaced what was available in the past. With multiple brands of sake in the lineup, each concept, label, and quality are all different and unique. And consumers often don’t realize that they are actually made by the same company.
Crafting only Junmai sakes, the rice used for each is primarily sourced from long-term contract growers in Hyogo for the very best Yamadanishiki. Depending on the sake, Kinmonnishiki from Nagano, Gohyakumangoku from Toyama, and Gohyakumangoku locally in Ishikawa are also used.
Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery has always been light on its feet. It has branched out and opened a Sake Shop and a restaurant in Tokyo, all to listen to consumers' voices and feedback. Constantly innovating, other ventures include fermented foods and a cosmetics line.
Going back to the sake, from the structured, full-bodied Kuro-Obi sake, the fresh and easy-to-sip Kazeyo-Mizuyo-Hitoyo (Wind Water Man), to the rich, earthy, umami-driven aged sake in the Momotose lineup, there is always something unique and new discoveries for all palates.
