Shichiken, a Yamanashi Meijo brewery, was founded in 1750 and has a history of nearly 280 years. Shichiken is a brewery with a well-established history, as the guest room in the main house was designated as “Anzai-sho” when the Emperor Meiji made his tour of Yamanashi, Mie, and Kyoto prefectures.
Sake is known for taking advantage of the pureness of the melted snow water from the Southern Alps. This water is extremely pure and contains few impurities, which enhances the clean and clear taste of sake. The soft water also has a low mineral content, which gently promotes yeast activity during the brewing process. This produces sake with a soft, mellow flavor. The character of snowmelt water balances the flavor of sake, giving it a crisp, clean aftertaste. In addition, the refreshment adds a fresh, crisp taste to the sake, which, combined with the fruity aroma, provides an appealing drinking experience.
The brewing process follows traditional brewing methods, but also makes use of the latest technology in order to improve the quality of the product. Specifically, traditional methods are used for washing, soaking, and steaming rice, as well as for making koji and controlling yeast during the brewing process. To improve quality control and production efficiency, the latest technology and equipment are used, such as temperature control systems, automation of the brewing process, and advanced analyzers to maintain constant quality. Using such advanced modern technology, the company maintains strict quality control at each stage of the brewing process, from the selection of raw materials to the final product, and also focuses on research and development.
The company also cooperates with local farmers in Yamanashi Prefecture to produce high-quality sake rice such as “Yumesansui” and “Hitogochiki. Sake made from “Yumesansui” is characterized by its clean taste and delicate aroma. It is also characterized by a smooth and crisp taste. Hitokochiki” is characterized by its mild and gentle taste. It has a good balance of flavor and sweetness, and is easily accepted by a wide range of people.
Special mention should be made of Shichiken Sparkling Sake. Produced through secondary fermentation in the bottle, similar to the Champagne process, it creates natural carbon dioxide gas in the sake. This produces fine, rich bubbles and a very unique mouthfeel. Different from regular sake, these sparkling products showcase the innovative side of sake and enable a wider range of consumers to enjoy sake. Combining traditional sake production techniques with an innovative approach, these products have been well received by many sake and wine connoisseurs for their unique taste and style.
Shichiken has collaborated closely with French master Alain Ducasse to create a special sparkling sake. Inspired by the Mediterranean, the terroir of Alain Ducasse’s heart, and under the taste direction of Gérard Margeon, Chef Sommelier at Ducasse Paris, the wine was created using cherry barrel aging and secondary fermentation in the bottle. This sparkling sake is characterized by its rich, fresh bubbles, aroma with hints of cherries, and a lightly bitter sweetness that only barrel-aged sake can provide. This gentle and pleasantly lingering sake is a unique product of the combination of the waters of Yamanashi and the inspiration of the Mediterranean! As a sustainable spirit, we also produce a distilled spirit made from sakekasu (sake lees). This distilled spirit is characterized by a gorgeous aroma of sake lees, as if invited by the rich nature of Hakushu. This product is a combination of Japanese and French philosophies, and pursues the future of the art of brewing in harmony with nature. (Mr.Bacchus)
Used as the guest room in the main house was designated as “Anzai-sho” when the Emperor Meiji made his tour of Yamanashi, Mie, and Kyoto prefectures.
Shichiken, a Yamanashi Meijo brewery, was founded in 1750 and has a history of nearly 280 years.
Water and rice fields where sake is produced.
Shichiken has collaborated closely with French master Alain Ducasse to create a special sparkling sake.