Tasting Notes

Rich, cereal rice mash flavors; Yamahai moto tang adds backbone and texture; finely polished palate feel, dry finish; softened by notes of warmed honey.

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.

Brewery Description

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. 

Tokushima Prefecture, nestled in Japan’s Shikoku region, is defined by its rugged mountains and the iconic Yoshino River. The challenging terrain yields unique brewing water, rich in subtle minerals and saline notes, essential to the distinct character of Tokushima's Sake

Additional Information

Classification: Yamahai Junmai 

Rice: Tamasakae 

Yeast: Kyokai #7

Water: Slightly Hard (High Minerality), Subterranean Aquafer

Polishing Ratio: 60%

Sake Meter Value: +3

Acidity: 1.8

Amino Acid:  1.8

Prefecture: Tokushima 

ABV: 15.3%

Size: 200ml