Housui Brewery
Prefecture: Tokushima
Family: Baba
Founded:1913
Visit the Brewery
Tsuji, Ikawa-cho,Miyoshi-shi
Tokushima Pref., Japan 779-4801
About The Brewery
In 1913 the Japanese Government nationalized the tobacco industry, forcing the Baba family to close their generations old business.
At that time a decision was made along with several other “recently-out-of-business” tobacco producers, to enter the Sake brewing business. Today under the leadership of fourth generation, Yasuo Baba-san, The Housui Brewery continues to build their reputation for exceptional, traditional, classic Sake. Their commitment to Sake now spans more than 100 years.
A key element in Housui’s unique flavor profile is found in their brew water. Surface water from the Yoshino River is plentiful but inconsistent, and the mountainous terrain surrounding the brewery provides little water for brewing. To make-up for the shortfall, Housui sources water daily from a private well located several miles upstream. Their well taps an aquifer of unique and distinctive character: mildly hard with subtle mineral and saline characteristics. The exact point of origin for the aquifer is unknown.
Sake brewed from this water carries a unique Housui signature: rich grainy notes, full-bodied, hidden sweetness, superb balance, and the down-to-earth feel of a finely polished agate.
The sakes brewed from the local water are unique to Housui.
Rich, expressive, well-structured, offering the natural attractiveness of finely polished agates.
Housui Brewery Products
"Housui Tokubetsu Honjozo" Four Nations
特別本醸造 芳水
Tokubetsu Honjozo 特別本醸造
Housui Brewery | Tokushima Prefecture
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"Four Nations" is hand-crafted by Housui Brewery in the heart of Shikoku Island in the western mountain region of Tokushima Prefecture. The locals call this mellow Tokubetsu Honjozo "a Sake that you can rely on everyday, and can have a long-term relationship with." This unwavering Sake will bring pleasure to the palate all seasons of the year.
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Body: Medium-
Sake Meter Value: +6
Serving Temp: Cellar | Warm
Flavor Profile: Flavors of steamed rice, bamboo, apple and pastry dough. Sweet alcohol notes lift and lighten the Sake. A mellow, clear, dry finish.Food Pairings: Chicken or Pork Donburi | Crab Cakes | Baked Mashed Potato and Yogurt w ith Chili and Ginger | Fajitas
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Rice Type: Yamada-Nishiki & Gohayku-Mangoku
Milling Rate: 60%
Yeast: Kyokai #7
Alc by Vol: 15.6%
Water: Slightly Hard (High Minerality), Subterranean AquaferAvailable Sizes: 1800ml
"Housui"
Fragrant Water
特別純米 芳水
Tokubetsu Junmai 特別純米
Housui Brewery | Tokushima Prefecture
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Fragrant Water is brewed with depth of flavor in mind. Their subterranean aquifer provides mineral water with a subtle saline character. Refined high-quality sake rice and traditional brewing methods create sake rich with irresistible grainy sweetness. Umami!
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Body: Full
Sake Meter Value: +4
Serving Temp: Chilled | Cellar
Flavor Profile:
Mineral, stone fruit flavors balanced with nutty, rice mash character; subtle fruit and acidity extend long into the finish. Simultaneously refined and hearty.Food Pairings:
Udon Noodles with Sesame | Shiso & Broth | Shabu Shabu | Shrimp Zucchini Fritters -
Rice Type: Yamada-Nishiki
Milling Rate: 60%
Yeast: Kyokai #7
Alc by Vol: 15-16%
Water: Slightly Hard (High Minerality), Subterranean WaterAvailable Sizes: 300ml | 720ml | 1800ml
"Housui Yamahai"
Old Mountain
特別純米 芳水 山廃仕込み
Yamahai Tokubetsu Junmai 特別純米
Housui Brewery | Tokushima Prefecture
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Old Mountain Yamahai is a direct descendant from Japan's oldest brewing traditions. Yamahai "sour starters' require careful attention and significant additional time to develop; the resulting Sake is layered and complex.
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Body: Full
Sake Meter Value: +3
Serving Temp: Cellar | Room
Flavor Profile:
Rich, cereal rice mash flavors; Yamahai moto tang adds backbone and texture; finely polished palate feel, dry finish; softened by notes of warmed honey.Food Pairings:
Chilled Soba Noodles | Tuna Tataki | Chicken Yakitori | Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich | Radicchio with Olive Oil | Capers & Lemon -
Rice Type: Tamasakae
Milling Rate: 60%
Yeast: Kyokai #7
Alc by Vol: 15-16%
Water: Slightly Hard (High Minerality), Subterranean AquaferAvailable Sizes: 180ml | 720ml
