Suwa

The kura was founded in 1859. The name Suwa Izumi was taken from a local Shinto shrine, Suwa Jinja. The shrine itself has been in existence since 1278, and is a famous local attraction. Tottori Prefecture, where it is located, is one of the least populated regions of Japan, and undoubtedly has some of the most beautiful nature. Mountains, oceans and wooded areas vie for space, with people in the minority. The clean air and the cold winters make it ideal for sake brewing. Located about two hours outside of Osaka by express train, there are only 23 sake breweries still remaining in the prefecture.

Overall this sake is dry, and wonderfully approachable as a result of the water from which it is brewed. The water is extremely soft, but it ferments well at low temperatures. So they make their sake with long, low-temperature fermentation, which allows a gentle ginjo fragrance, and a fresh lively flavor to develop. Also, since koji is where good sake begins, they do it their own way, which is to make the koji at a slightly higher temperature than usual. This helps give their sake a clean and pleasant finish.

The sake, in particular the Daiginjo Ottori, has its fans from all over Japan. They have won nine gold awards in the national New Sake Tasting competitions, including five consecutive awards, from 1991 to 1995, and 12 similar awards within Tottori.