Matsumoto Shuzo 

Matsumoto Shuzo (松本酒造), established in 1791, is located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City. The brewery was founded by the first-generation Jihei Matsumoto (松本治兵衛) in Yasaka Yumiyacho, Higashiyama (八坂弓矢町、東山). In 1922, they expanded their operations to Fushimi in search of high-quality groundwater, while continuing to be influenced by Kyoto’s Higashiyama culture (東山文化).

At Matsumoto Shuzo, the brewers meticulously oversee each process with their own eyes and hands, ensuring a heartfelt approach to sake making. Using groundwater from their brewery grounds and carefully selected sake rice, they aim to craft sake with a subtle aroma (控えめな香り), light taste (軽い飲み口), and a deep, rich flavor (奥行のある旨味), complemented by refreshing acidity and a hint of bitterness.

Matsumoto Shuzo is known for their limited-distribution junmai sake brand, Sawaya Matsumoto (澤屋まつもと), which is celebrated as the ultimate food-pairing sake. This sake is characterized by its smooth and easy-drinking qualities that enhance the flavors of various dishes. Their popular Shuhari (守破離) series is appreciated for its balanced rice flavor and refreshing carbonation, appealing to a wide range of sake enthusiasts.

In addition to their sake production, Matsumoto Shuzo preserves the cultural heritage of Kyoto sake brewing. They maintain key historical elements such as their brick chimney (レンガ煙突), the Taisho-era brewing warehouse (大正時代の仕込み蔵), and the sukiya-style Man'yo-in (万暁院), which also serves as a guest house. Through these efforts, Matsumoto Shuzo continues to uphold the traditions and climate that define the art of Kyoto sake brewing.