Ishimoto Shuzo (Koshi no Kanbai)

Operating Tohoku/Niigata
Years Active 1907 – present
Region Tohoku/Niigata
Country Japan
Japanese Name 石本酒造
Prefecture Niigata
Status Operating
Owner Family (Ishimoto family)
Water Source Shinano River underground water (soft water)
Rice Varieties Gohyakumangoku; Koshitanrei; Yamadanishiki
Toji School Echigo
Production Size Medium
Key Brands Koshi no Kanbai; Koshi no Kanbai Muku; Koshi no Kanbai Chotokusen; Koshi no Kanbai Kinmuku
Famous Brands Junmai Daiginjo; Junmai Ginjo; Ginjo; Tokubetsu Honjozo
Website koshinokanbai.co.jp
Coordinates 37.8361, 138.9603

About Ishimoto Shuzo (Koshi no Kanbai)

Credited as the single most influential brewery in establishing the tanrei karakuchi (light dry) Niigata style in the 1970s-80s. Koshi no Kanbai sparked the jizake boom that revolutionized premium sake across Japan. Extremely difficult to obtain.