History and Founding
Kikuchi Sake Brewery was founded in 1878, during the Meiji period. It stands in the former commercial district of Tamashima Port in Bitchū, once a prosperous harbor where large Sengoku-era-style merchant vessels known as kitamaebune and other trading ships came and went. The brewery has continued the region’s traditional sake-making practices for generations.
Traditional brewing takes place during the winter. From spring through autumn, visitors may be able to tour the brewery, where tanks filled with sake undergoing maturation line the interior. After the tour, guests can sample a selection of products, including daiginjo and junmai daiginjo sake, as well as plum wine, offering an opportunity to appreciate the distinctive flavors produced by the brewery.
When the company first began selling sake, its products were marketed under the name Motae Kikusui. In the early Taishō period (1912–1926), the name was changed to Sanzen. The name expresses the wish that the sake would shine brilliantly among the many varieties available, standing out for its exceptional quality.
The Art of Sake Brewing
Carefully Selected Rice and Water
Kikuchi Sake Brewery places great importance on the quality of its ingredients. It uses premium sake-brewing rice, including Yamada Nishiki, widely regarded as one of the finest varieties for sake production, and Omachi, a celebrated rice variety originating in Okayama Prefecture.
The brewery also uses groundwater filtered naturally through the riverbed of the Takahashi River. Combining this excellent water with traditional Bitchū-style brewing techniques, carefully selected rice, and Mozart’s music, the brewery pursues sake that emphasizes purity, balance, and flavor.
Mozart’s Music and the Brewing Process
Azuma Kikuchi, the brewery’s fifth-generation president and master brewer, is also a violinist. During his university years, he performed with the Hiroshima University Chamber Ensemble and the Hiroshima Civic Symphony Orchestra. Drawing on this musical background, he introduced the practice of playing Mozart’s compositions inside the brewery throughout the sake-making season.
According to the brewery’s approach, high-frequency sounds generated by music may stimulate yeast activity and help produce sake with fewer unwanted flavors. This distinctive combination of music and brewing has become one of Kikuchi Sake Brewery’s defining characteristics.
The brewery sometimes also hosts special sake brewery concerts, with the brewing space serving as a venue for live performances. On some occasions, Kikuchi himself takes the stage to play the violin, bringing together music, local culture, and sake.
Principal Brands and Products
Japanese Sake
Sanzen: The brewery’s flagship sake, known for its rounded, smooth umami and crisp finish. Its slightly dry character makes it a versatile choice for enjoying with food.
Kimura-style Miracle Sake: Made using rice grown through natural farming methods promoted by Akimasa Kimura. This sake is known for its fruity aroma and mellow flavor.
Kurashiki Komachi: Another sake brand in the brewery’s product lineup, reflecting its connection with the local area.
Liqueurs
Sanzen Yuzu Liqueur: A citrus-flavored liqueur made with the distinctive fragrance of yuzu.
Kurashiki Komachi Plum Wine: A plum-based liqueur offering another way to enjoy the brewery’s products.
High-Alcohol Products
The brewery also produces high-alcohol-content products under the names Alcohol 70 and Alcohol 66.
Tradition, Craftsmanship, and Innovation
Since its founding in 1878, Kikuchi Sake Brewery has preserved traditional brewing skills across six generations while continuing to explore new approaches. The mild climate of the Seto Inland Sea region and the abundant water of the Takahashi River provide a favorable foundation for sake production.
Its flagship brand, Sanzen, lives up to its name with a reputation for quality that extends beyond the local area. By combining time-honored techniques with carefully chosen ingredients and a distinctive musical environment, the brewery continues to create sake that reflects the character of Tamashima and its brewing heritage.
Award-Winning Sake and Recognition
Kikuchi Sake Brewery’s Sanzen sake has received high evaluations at numerous competitions, including the National Kanzake Contest and the Sake Awards for Enjoyment in Wine Glasses. The brewery’s products have won awards both in Japan and internationally.
Kimura-style Miracle Sake is particularly noted for its naturally cultivated rice and its fruity, mellow taste. Its approachable flavor has also made it popular among women and those interested in sake produced using natural farming methods.
Discover Kikuchi Sake Brewery
Kikuchi Sake Brewery offers a fascinating look at how a historic Japanese brewery can preserve tradition while embracing innovation. Its carefully selected ingredients, traditional Bitchū brewing methods, and unusual use of Mozart’s music give its sake a distinctive identity.
For visitors exploring Kurashiki and the historic Tamashima district, the brewery provides an opportunity to discover the region’s sake culture and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle. When tours and tastings are available, sampling Sanzen and the brewery’s other specialties can be a memorable way to experience Okayama’s local food and drink traditions.