Preface

Exquisite Rice from Hida: The Foundation of Superb Sake

Tenryo Sake Brewery firmly believes that great sake starts with premium ingredients. The rice used in their brewing process is cultivated in the unique climate of the Hida region, which provides ideal growing conditions for sake rice varieties such as Hidahomare and Yamadanishiki. These rice strains are characterized by a hard outer shell and soft interior, making them perfect for the steaming and fermentation process required for sake brewing.

In collaboration with contracted local farmers, Tenryo ensures that each batch of rice meets the highest standards. The brewery also employs advanced, computer-controlled rice polishing technology, operating 24/7 to ensure precise grinding, maintaining the purity and consistency needed for premium sake.

A Fusion of Pure Soft Water and Cutting-Edge Technology

Beyond their meticulously selected rice, Tenryo also taps into natural soft water sourced 30 meters below the Hida Mountains. This pure, sterile water is ideal for sake brewing, allowing the brewery to produce low-acidity, smooth-tasting sake that highlights the perfect harmony between rice and water. By leveraging modern brewing techniques, Tenryo is able to bring out the full potential of these pristine ingredients.

Sumasma Sparkling Sake: A Delightful Balance of Sweetness and Refreshing Fizz

One of Tenryo’s most popular products is the sparkling sake Sumasma, beloved for its unique texture and refreshing taste. Using Gifu Seiryu Yeast (G Yeast), Sumasma has a natural sweetness combined with a delicate effervescence that delights the palate. This versatile sake pairs well with a variety of dishes and can even be enjoyed with fresh fruit to enhance its flavor.

Acclaimed Review by Notable Critic Amelia Kodama

Renowned critic Amelia Kodama shared her glowing review of Sumasma:

“After sampling many different types of sake, I must say that Tenryo’s sparkling sake Sumasma left a lasting impression. The sweetness and gentle carbonation spread delicately throughout my mouth, like a wave of happiness reaching every corner. It perfectly captures the purity of Hida's water and the artistry of the brewing process. I also love the colorful label design—it’s both charming and stylish, making the bottle itself a joy to behold.”

Kodama's praise further reinforces Sumasma's success in the market. The sparkling sake not only won the silver medal at the 2018 Japan Sake Competition but also became the representative sake of Nagano Prefecture, garnering widespread recognition from consumers and experts alike.

Master Brewer Kazushige Katagiri: Upholding Tradition While Embracing Innovation

With over 25 years of experience, Master Brewer Kazushige Katagiri has spent the past decade carrying forward the sake brewing traditions inherited from his predecessor, Watanabe. Katagiri reflects: “Brewing sake is both a reverence for nature and a challenge. While we remain true to tradition, we are constantly exploring new techniques to ensure that each bottle of sake delivers the highest quality and a sense of profound emotion. Every year, we approach sake brewing with fresh enthusiasm, working as a team to create sake that moves people.”

Leading the Market by Balancing Tradition and Modernity

Tenryo Sake Brewery is committed to upholding traditional brewing methods while also catering to modern market demands. Whether it's their classic Junmai sake or the innovative sparkling sake Sumasma, Tenryo showcases a spirit of creativity and excellence that sets it apart in the sake industry.

By maintaining rigorous quality control and refining their brewing techniques, Tenryo has earned a stellar reputation both domestically and abroad. Looking ahead, Tenryo Sake Brewery aims to continue sharing the rich sake culture of the Hida region, bringing the exquisite taste of Hida sake to every corner of the world.