The Essence of Nara Kasugayama Shuzo’s “TSUKIGASE no UMEGENSHU”
The Sacred Origin Takahata-cho, Nara City. Nestled at the foot of the Kasugayama Primeval Forest—the sacred precincts of Kasuga Taisha, untouched by human hands for over a millennium—stands a brewery with a legacy enduring since 1877, Nara Kasugayama Shuzo. Formerly Yagi Shuzo, the house underwent a bold rebranding in 2022, adopting the name of this World Heritage site as its identity. This was no mere marketing gesture, it was a declaration of truth. The water, the vital essence of this brewery, is drawn from the pristine aquifers beneath the primeval forest itself. Brewing with water purified by a thousand-year-old sanctuary—this is the story woven into every drop.
Mastery from the Cradle of Sake Nara is revered as the birthplace of Japanese sake. Inheriting the “Nanto Morohaku” traditions of the Muromachi era, the brewery revived ancient methods through its “Shubo Revival Project” in 1999. This convergence of centuries-old technique and artisanal spirit forms the bedrock of quality supporting their exquisite liqueur collection.
The Majestic Tsukigase Plum Grove, A Singular Creation Exclusively harvesting unripe green plums from the Tsukigase Plum Grove—a designated National Scenic Site in Nara—this Umeshu is a singular creation in Japan. With a history dating back to the Kamakura period and Emperor Go-Daigo, the grove sees some 10,000 trees cascade in magnificent bloom along the Satsukigawa Gorge. Using fruit from this protected heritage site is not just about origin, it is about capturing the narrative of trees cultivated with devotion for centuries.
The Art of Balance The choice is deliberate: green, unripe plums. Rich in organic citric and malic acids, they provide a structured acidic backbone to the intense sweetness. This is not cloying syrup, it is an exquisite equilibrium where sweetness and acidity elevate one another—a design that begins with the harvest itself.
A Foundation of Aged Excellence Transcending the standard use of mass-produced white liquor, Nara Kasugayama Shuzo selects authentic, pot-distilled rice shochu (otsurui), crafted in-house and aged for over three years. The velvety sweetness of rice and the profound umami of the grain support the fruitiness from within, building a layered complexity impossible to achieve with neutral spirits. Time softens the sharp edges, creating a texture so smooth that even at 20% ABV, the liquid feels impeccably round.
Unfiltered, Undiluted, The True Definition of Genshu “TSUKIGASE no UMEGENSHU” lives up to its name. No water added. No filtration. Pectin and fine pulp remain, bestowing a luxurious viscosity and a glossy golden hue—purely derived from plums, shochu, and time. With 20% ABV and an extract content of 38%—nearly double the standard—it transcends mere richness. It offers a concentration beyond compare, prioritizing uncompromising depth and mouthfeel over visual clarity.
An Icon of Modern Tradition The label features no text, only the evocative imagery of Hanafuda. Adopted in 2003, this design defied the industry convention of bold calligraphy, communicating through art alone. Timeless yet contemporary, this “retro-pop” aesthetic resonates across cultures, becoming so iconic in the Thai market that “Hanafuda” is synonymous with the brand itself. The playful visual exterior conceals a potent, serious elixir—a contrast that creates depth and intrigue.
Global Acclaim Its excellence is undisputed, securing Gold at the 2015 National Umeshu Tasting Competition (Authentic Shochu Division) and the 2019 London Sake Challenge. From domestic mastery to international prestige, these accolades prove its standing as a world-class Japanese liqueur.
The Crystallization of Nara Water from a World Heritage site. Plums from a National Scenic Site. Three-year-aged rice shochu. An undiluted Genshu philosophy. These four elements crystallize into one extraordinary bottle. Nara Kasugayama Shuzo’s “TSUKIGASE no UMEGENSHU” is an outlier distinguished by sheer density—a testament to the weight of Nara’s land and history poured into a single glass. (Mr.Bacchus)
This article is intended solely to explore the blending craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Nara Kasugayama Shuzo and the Tsukigase no Ume Genshu brand, and does not aim to promote or encourage the consumption of alcohol. / บทความนี้จัดทำขึ้นเพื่อนำเสนอข้อมูลเกี่ยวกับศิลปะการผสมผสานและมรดกทางวัฒนธรรมของ Nara Kasugayama Shuzo และแบรนด์ Tsukigase no Ume Genshu เท่านั้น มิได้มีเจตนาเพื่อส่งเสริมหรือโฆษณาเครื่องดื่มแอลกอฮอล์ สำหรับผู้มีอายุ 20 ปีขึ้นไป โปรดดื่มอย่างรับผิดชอบ