Gyokusendo Shuzo

Located in the mountains of southern Gifu, Gyokusendo Shuzo has been producing high quality sake since 1806. Their local Mino district is famed for extremely soft water excellent for producing delicate sake, with a local legend claiming that water flowing from the Yoro waterfall already tastes like fine sake. They keep production small in order to maintain high quality standards. Their locally focussed “Mukade” series of sake uses primarily rice grown in the area and features a characteristic centipede on the label. A local symbol of humility, perseverance, and the health, the local samurai clans featured the centipede on their banners as an underestimated creature that was nevertheless loyal and protects its young fiercely.