#Japan #Nagano #Junmai Daiginjo #Mine Sake #Azumino Water

The Rise of 'Mine': Junmai Daiginjo Sake in 150 Restaurants

A burgeoning name in the world of Japanese sake, 'Mine' has reached an impressive milestone by being adopted in 150 dining establishments across Japan. Produced by Azumino Mineral Water, located in the picturesque Nagano Prefecture, this premium junmai daiginjo sake emphasizes the distinctive qualities of natural water sourced directly from Azumino, which is then transported to a renowned sake brewery in Kyoto for crafting.

Celebrating the Value of Water through Sake

For years, Azumino Mineral Water has been committed to conveying the value and quality of its natural water sources. As simple as water is to everyday life, it often gets categorized merely by cost or quantity. However, the company's representative, Yasunori Arai, believed that the water from Azumino holds greater depth worthy of expression. This belief ignited the concept of 'Mine', aiming to showcase the true worth of Azumino’s water through the craft of sake.

Overcoming Challenges Without a Sake Brewery

Embarking on the journey of sake production as a water company posed a significant challenge. Without an in-house brewery, one of the primary hurdles was finding a sake brewery that would embrace a partnership focused on producing sake from Azumino’s water. The objective wasn’t just to create sake but to transport the water to Kyoto, marrying it with the exceptional brewing techniques from a historic brewery—Shodokudo, which has more than 300 years of experience.

By harmoniously uniting the clarity of Azumino’s water and the craftsmanship of Kyoto, 'Mine' was able to emerge as a distinctive sake that showcases the essence of Azumino’s natural ingredients.

Crafting an Exceptional Product with Pride

Every bottle of 'Mine' features naturally filtered mineral water that has not been heat-treated, sourced straight from Azumino. This signature sake is unique in that it not only utilizes this water in the brewing process, but incorporates it during the soaking of rice and the adjustment of alcohol content. This commitment to quality showcases Azumino’s natural essence in each pour.

'Sake rice, either Yamada Nishiki or the local 'Iwai', is polished to a degree of 35% or 40%. This careful refinement reduces impurities, enhancing the flavor profile and crispness of the水．．

The aesthetic of 'Mine' is equally valued. The label design reflects the purity of the water, and the bottle maintains a presence that enriches the dining experience. 'Mine' isn't just another sake; it is a thoughtfully curated experience to accompany gourmet meals.

Limited Production and Exclusive Availability

Since its first brewing concluded in 2021, 'Mine' has been produced in small quantities, ranging from a handful up to about 2,000 bottles each year. This limitation allows the company to focus on delivering directly to restaurants that resonate with the story behind the sake without compromising its intent by relegating it to mass distribution.

In fact, 'Mine' doesn't sell through liquor stores; this decision, while potentially limiting, ensures that the deep connection and story behind the sake reach the chefs and restaurateurs who serve it. Building relationships through direct outreach with restaurant personnel has been essential, often involving slow but steady telephone and in-person communications.

Acknowledgment from the International Community

'Mine' has proven its excellence on an international platform as well. It recently received the Platinum Award in the Junmai Daiginjo category at the Kura Master 2026 competition in France. The competition is judged by European sommeliers and restaurant professionals who emphasize food pairings, aligning perfectly with 'Mine's' philosophy of being a sake best enjoyed with culinary delights.

Voices from Partner Restaurants

One of the partnered establishments, “Sora no Kanata” in Matsumoto, Nagano, expressed their admiration for the clarity of the sake, stating, “I was stunned to discover such a clear sake. Its purity reminds me of the waters flowing from the Northern Alps.” At their establishment, 'Mine' is often served in champagne flutes as the beginning of a special dining experience for guests.

Looking Ahead: Expansion Plans for 'Mine'

Reaching 150 establishments marks a crucial milestone for Azumino Mineral Water. It embodies the collective effort of employees, advisors, and the representative to build lasting relationships with dining partners who appreciate the value of Azumino’s water. Moving forward, the company plans to leverage these relationships to penetrate further into Nagano and Tokyo’s dining scenes as well as propose to restaurants and accommodation partners beyond their local region, ultimately showcasing the value of Azumino waters to a global audience.

Product Overview

• - Name: Junmai Daiginjo 'Mine'
• - Type: Japanese Sake
• - Volume: 720ml
• - Ingredients: Rice, Rice Koji
• - Sake Rice: Iwai or Yamada Nishiki
• - Polishing Ratio: 35% or 40%
• - Key Features: Utilizing Azumino's natural water
• - Sale Model: Limited Release Catering to Restaurants
• - Official Website: Azumino Mine

This journey of 'Mine' underlines how dedication to quality and the story behind the product can lead to a resonance with customers and businesses alike, proving that sometimes, the best experiences come from the deepest connections to our natural resources.