國香
A Shizuoka kura since 1848 whose founder helped invent 'Shizuoka yeast,' the base of the prefecture's ginjo style.
Kokkou Shuzo has brewed in Fukuroi, Shizuoka since 1848, nearly two centuries of history. Its founder, Kawamura Denbei, helped develop 'Shizuoka yeast,' the strain that became the foundation of Shizuoka's ginjo sake style. The flagship Kokkou takes its name from the fragrance of the chrysanthemum, Japan's national flower, aiming to represent the very best of Japanese sake. Today's head brewer serves as both owner and toji, allowing no compromise from steaming rice and making koji through to washing the pressing cloths — a tiny operation of around 200 koku a year with a devoted following.