Nagai Shuzo

Nagai Shuzo (永井酒造), founded in 1886, is located in Kawaba Village, Gunma Prefecture. The brewery's origin dates back to when the first-generation brewer, Shoji Nagai (永井庄治), discovered the exceptional water of Kawaba and decided to pursue sake brewing. Positioned near the headwaters of the Tone River (利根川), the brewery is surrounded by nature and even owns forests to ensure a stable water supply for brewing.

Nagai Shuzo adheres to the motto of crafting sake that expresses "natural beauty." They emphasize a balance between water, rice, and technique in their brewing process. The water comes from the natural springs of Oze (尾瀬), and the rice includes Yamadanishiki (山田錦), contract-grown in Bessho (別所) in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture. Their product lineup features four distinct types: sparkling, still, vintage, and dessert sake.

In 2023, Nagai Shuzo opened a tasting room called SHINKA, which includes an attached brewing research facility. This new development reflects their commitment to elevating the value of sake and exploring new approaches to brewing. The brewery continues to innovate while staying deeply connected to its natural surroundings and traditional craftsmanship.