Sharaku: Miyaizumi's Award-Winning Sake
Kenta Hara
TL;DR:
Sharaku, from Miyaizumi Meijo, is an award-winning sake that secured 1st place in both the Junmai Ginjo and Junmai categories at the world’s largest Sake Competition. Revived by a fourth-generation master brewer with an engineering background, its innovative, data-driven process and meticulous filtration ensure every sip blends tradition with modern precision.
Sharaku: A Modern Masterpiece of Sake
In 2014, Sharaku earned first place in both the Junmai Ginjo and Junmai categories at the world's largest sake competition, showcasing its superior quality and craftsmanship.
Reviving a Legacy with Innovation
The fourth-generation master brewer of Miyaizumi Meijo returned to rescue a struggling family business. With a background in engineering from Fujitsu, he transformed the brewery by implementing precise, data-driven processes that ensure perfection down to the smallest detail.
Precision in Production
- Precise Temperature Control: Every step of the brewing process is maintained at optimal temperatures to preserve freshness and flavor.
- Scientific Quality Monitoring: The brewery uses advanced analytical equipment in an in-house lab to quickly assess and ensure product quality.
- Hand-Selected Rice Varieties: They carefully choose high-quality sake rice—sourced locally or from renowned regions—and tailor its use by season.
- Continuous Facility Upgrades: Constant investments in modernizing equipment and facilities, including refrigerated storage, ensure an ideal production environment.
- Strict Distribution Standards: Only select retail partners that uphold rigorous temperature management are chosen to guarantee that quality is preserved until consumption.
From Koten Sharaku to Sharaku: A Storied Lineage
Originally, the sake “Koten Sharaku” was brewed by Higashiyama Shuzo—the original branch of Miyaizumi Meijo. When Higashiyama Shuzo closed in 2005, Miyaizumi Meijo inherited the brand. (Today’s Sharaku, now crafted from scratch under Miyamoto’s guidance, differs in taste from the original.) Mr. Takagi of Takagi Shuzo, which brews Juyondai first experienced the exquisite flavor of Higashiyama Sake’s “Koten Sharaku” in an izakaya during his student days. This taste inspired him to create a similar style of sake. Later, inspired by Takagi Shuzo’s Juyondai, "Hiroki" of Hiroki Brewery was born. Driven by a goal to produce a sake like Hiroki, he passionately developed what is now known as Sharaku. This journey—from Koten Sharaku to Juyondai, and from Hiroki to Sharaku—is a fascinating lineage that any sake enthusiast will find truly captivating.
Experience the Award Winning Sharaku!
Sharaku Junmai
Fukushima
Score from Experts
88
Rating from Customers
4.4
4 reviews
Sharaku Junmai Ginjo
Fukushima
Score from Experts
86
Rating from Customers
4.5
5 reviews
