Hachinohe Shuzo Crafting Tradition and Innovation Since 1740

Hachinohe Shuzo’s history dates back to 1740 when the first generation Komai Shozaburo left Omi Province in Shiga Prefecture for the land of Mutsu (Tohoku) to find the best location to produce sake. Today, Hachinohe Shuzo is one of the most progressive and creative sake breweries, emphasizing environmentally-friendly, locally-sourced ingredients, from Aomori-grown rice, yeast and clear spring water from the Kanisawa area. They are the pride of Aomori Prefecture.

Origin of the Mutsu Hassen Brand

The Mutsu Hassen brand originated in 1998 symbolizing the legend of Eight Drunken Immortals of Tohoku. Known for its Nanbu style which is described as light and crisp with a ginjo style that is elegantly fragrant.  Mutsu Hassen can be described as being full and rich with a light, clean, refreshing finish.

Mutsu Hassen features some unique brewing methods utilizing white koji and a special high-temperature saccharification method (“ko-ontoka”) for its yeast starter batches.  Their foaming Aomori yeast creates a fresh effervescence that delights the senses. Hachinohe Shuzo was recently ranked third in the World Sake Brewery rankings by the Sake Culture Research Center, in recognition of the numerous awards the brewery has won at Japanese and international sake competitions.