Ninki Shuzo

Items

Ninki Shuzo (720 ml) 'Sake Godzilla' Junmai Daiginjo, Fukushima Prefecture

Login

—

In Stock

Founded in 1897 in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, Ninki Shuzo is dedicated exclusively to brewing premium ginjo sake. Every sake is crafted by hand using rice polished to at least 60%, then fermented slowly at low temperatures to achieve the elegance, purity, and aromatic complexity that define the ginjo style.

Located in a region known for dramatic temperature swings and exceptional sake rice cultivation, Ninki Shuzo produces sake with expressive aromas, refined structure, and remarkable balance. The brewery's philosophy centers on preserving traditional methods and avoiding shortcuts, believing that great sake is born from patience, craftsmanship, and respect for tradition.

A hallmark of Ninki Shuzo is its use of large cedar fermentation tanks known as kioke. Constructed from 100-year-old cedar trees using techniques refined over 400 years, these wooden vessels are increasingly rare in modern sake production. Ninki's 6,500-liter tanks are among the largest in Japan. The porous wood provides a unique environment for yeast and beneficial microorganisms, contributing additional depth, texture, and complexity that cannot be replicated in stainless steel.

The brewery also takes an uncommon approach to maturation and storage. Rather than aging sake in large tanks, Ninki Shuzo stores and matures its sake entirely in bottle. This practice minimizes oxygen exposure, helping preserve freshness, stability, and the delicate nuances of the sake. The result is a portfolio of clean, expressive, and finely detailed sakes that showcase both the character of the rice and the brewery's dedication to traditional craftsmanship.

True to its name—"Ninki," meaning "popularity" or "beloved by the people"—Ninki Shuzo continues to honor the brewing heritage of Fukushima while producing distinctive sake that bridges tradition and modern appreciation.