About the Brand
Points of Distinction
- The Marumoto Brewery was originally called Shimizu-ya, literally meaning “spring water store” because it was built in the site of a great water source.
- The Marumoto Brewery is known as nousan sakagura, the “Farmers’ Brewery,” because the people who grow the rice also make the sake
Marumoto Brewery
The Marumoto Brewery was founded in 1867 at the base of the Chikurin-ji Mountains, in Okayama-ken, one of Japan’s most prized agricultural regions. The Brewery was originally called Shimizu-ya, literally meaning “spring water store” because it was built in the site of a great water source. Now a national cultural landmark, the brewery is managed by the sixth generation son, Niichiro Marumoto.
Sparkling Sake
In 2001, Marumoto-san wanted to add a new dimension to his sake portfolio. After studying Belgian beer and champagne yeasts, he decided to experiement with producing bottle fermented sparkling sake. After trial and experimentation, he developed Hou Hou Shu sparkling sake. These were the first bottle fermented sparkling sake in Japan. A new standard for high quality – not surprisingly coming from the Marumoto brewery. Each bottle is hand bottled with utmost care. Today, both Hou Hou Shu products are especially popular among young people in Japan and have found many fans across the USA of all generations and palate types.
Okayama Region
Situated in the Chugoku Area, which includes Hiroshima to the West and Tottori to the North, Okayama is known as the “Land of Sunshine,” because of it sunny and dry weather. Okayama is a rich agricultural region, yielding Japan’s most famous peaches, great strawberries and grapes. The Seto Inland Sea, which lies between the coast of Okayama and the island of Shikoku yields oysters, snapper and water eel.
