Ichishima Honjozo
A beautifully balanced Honjozo sake from the renowned Ichishima brewery in Niigata—Japan’s snow country and one of the country’s most respected sake-producing regions. This sake is light, clean, and subtly aromatic, showcasing the brewery's dedication to precision and craftsmanship.
ABOUT THE BREWER
SAKE AWARDS
SAKE & FOOD PAIRING
SAKE TASTING NOTES
Founded in 1790, Ichishima Shuzo is located in Niigata, a region famed for its tulips, koi carp, and high-quality sake. Once among Japan’s largest landowners, the Ichishima family owned vast stretches of land between Niigata City and Shibata, where the brewery still stands today.
Ichishima combines deep-rooted tradition with a forward-thinking spirit. They use local ingredients and traditional methods, but also embrace modern touches—such as approachable, lower-alcohol sakes and contemporary packaging. They were also one of the first breweries in Japan to welcome women into their brewing team.
While Ichishima has earned many gold medals at Japan’s national sake tasting competitions in Hiroshima, their master brewer, Mr. Tanaka, says the real reward is crafting sake rich in umami—sake that brings a smile with every sip.