Another cozy night of drinking alone. Today I went to a sake gathering. It was a get-together for people interested in sake. While everyone else was there, I was the only one who didn’t care about the stares from those around me—I was busy tasting the sake I’d brought myself and writing up a report.
Hatusakura Wow DRY Junmaishu
The label is fun and stylish. I got a thorough explanation before buying it.
This is a sake brewery located in Shiga Prefecture. It’s called Yasui Sake Brewery.
“With the motto ‘delicious sake that brings a smile to your face,’ we’re working hard to share our family-brewed ‘Hatsuzakura’ with as many people as possible,” the diary entry read. The names of the sakes evoke vivid scenes: “Sakura,” “Mizutama,” “Akizakura,” and “Yukidaruma”—each one captures the essence of the season. The other labels are cute, too.
He also has the following to say about sake brewing:
In 1997, after learning everything from the Noto master brewer, I became the brewery’s head brewer.
The master brewer always taught me, “Just think of sake brewing as something simple,” so I rely on my five senses to watch over the moromi, just like a parent watching over a baby.
“Think of it as something simple”—I later realized that this meant approaching sake with flexibility, and my boss’s words really resonated with me.
As I gained experience, a desire to take on new challenges emerged, further deepening my joy in sake brewing.
“Delicious sake that brings a smile to your face”—the smiles of those who drink it are everything to the brewer.
I want to carry forward the hope that our iconic brick chimney will continue to be a part of the landscape of this town of Tsuchiyama.
And just as I learned from my mentor, I believe I must now fulfill the important role of nurturing the next generation.
Yasui Sake Brewery
—Toshiharu Yasui, Fifth-Generation Brewery Owner and Master BrewerThe lid also features a distinctive design.
Yasui Sake Brewery
Opening the bottle
Opening
It has a slightly yellowish tint.
Well then, gulp.
Evaluation of Hatusakura Wow DRY Junmaishu Taste
Taste
The label is so eye-catching that I thought it was a modern-style sake, but I was in for a surprise. It’s a distinctive sake with a tart flavor. For beginners or those who prefer fruity flavors, this offers a completely different taste experience. It’s best suited for seasoned sake enthusiasts. The aroma has a slight hint of the distinctive scent typical of sake, but it’s not overpowering and doesn’t bother me. When you taste it, rather than being refreshing, it has the tart flavor of a slightly aged sake with a pronounced aroma. It’s a unique sake that leaves a lingering tartness rather than a clean finish. Since the sweetness is subdued, it’s the kind of sake you can enjoy slowly over a long period.
Today’s snack is Yakitori
I’ve tried all kinds of sake. This particular sake is the kind where the flavor changes when paired with food. When I tried it with yakitori, the oil and acidity balanced each other out, leaving just the aroma of the sake—a perfect balance. The acidity also toned down the sweetness of both the chicken and the sauce, making it just right to eat. This is great. I made some new friends at the gathering, and it turned out to be a fun night.
I wonder what I’ll drink tomorrow.
Generated Article
Yasui Sake Brewery: Shiga’s Historic Craft Sake & Hatsuzakura Guide
What is Yasui Sake Brewery ?
Yasui Sake Brewery (安井酒造場 / Yasui Shuzo) is a historic, family-operated craft sake brewery situated in Shiga Prefecture, just east of Lake Biwa—Japan’s largest fresh-water lake. Renowned for its signature brand Hatsuzakura (初桜), this boutique brewery is celebrated among sake connoisseurs for preserving traditional, hands-on brewing methods that emphasize regional water quality and locally grown rice.
If you are looking to explore authentic, small-batch Japanese sake beyond commercial mega-brands, Yasui Sake Brewery offers an insightful look into Shiga’s centuries-old fermentation heritage.
Key Highlights for International Sake Enthusiasts
1. The Heritage Brand: Hatsuzakura (初桜)
- Flavor Profile: Known for a delicate balance of gentle rice sweetness (umami), crisp acidity, and a clean, refreshing finish that pairs exceptionally well with food.
- Small-Batch Craftsmanship: Brewed in limited quantities using meticulous temperature control and traditional fermentation techniques, ensuring every bottle reflects the master brewer’s (Toji) dedicated skill.
2. Shiga Terroir & Pure Lake Biwa Water
- Local Rice Sourcing: Utilizing premium sake rice varieties grown locally in Shiga’s nutrient-rich agricultural lands, such as Ginfubuki and Yamada Nishiki.
- Soft Spring Water: The brewery’s water supply benefits from natural filtration through local mountain ranges, contributing to the soft, rounded mouthfeel of their sake.
3. Food Pairing & Culinary Versatility
- Ideal Pairings: Complements a wide array of dishes—from delicate local Lake Biwa freshwater fish (ayu, crucian carp) and sashimi to rich, savory dishes like grilled Wagyu beef and aged cheeses.
- Temperature Flexibility: Excellent when chilled (Hiyashi) to highlight subtle fruity aromas, or warmed (Okan) to unlock deeper, savory umami notes.
Visitor & Tasting Information
- Location: Shiga Prefecture, Japan (Accessible via local transit from Kyoto/Osaka for day-trippers exploring Lake Biwa).
- Atmosphere: Traditional wood-framed brewery (sakagura) reflecting historic Japanese architecture.
- Purchasing & Availability: Available at select specialty liquor stores in Japan, local Shiga sake shops, and featured online via Japanesesakes.jp.
Essential Brewery Information
- Brewery Name: Yasui Sake Brewery (安井酒造場 / Yasui Shuzo)
- Flagship Brand: Hatsuzakura (初桜)
- Region: Shiga Prefecture (Kansai Region, Japan)
- Main Style: Craft Junmai, Junmai Ginjo, and seasonal micro-batches
- Official Article:Japanesesakes.jp – Yasui Sake Brewery Feature