Masumi Miyasaka Brewing Company Japanese sake since 1662
There are breweries that need no introduction — and Masumi is one of them. Founded in 1662 in Suwa, Nagano Prefecture, Miyasaka Brewing Company is one of the most famous and respected sake producers in Japan. A history spanning over 360 years, a legendary yeast discovered in their tanks, and a connection to the land that few producers worldwide can boast.
From today, their sake is available on Maltese. Here’s everything you need to know.
Who is Masumi — Miyasaka Brewing Company
Miyasaka Brewing was founded in 1662 in Suwa, a city on the lake of the same name in the heart of the Japanese Alps in Nagano. The cold climate, the pure mountain water, and the locally grown Miyama Nishiki rice are the basic ingredients of every production.
But the real turning point in Masumi’s history came in 1946, when yeast N°7 was discovered in their fermentation tanks — a strain so exceptional in quality and stability that it is now distributed and used throughout Japan. A yeast born in Suwa that changed the history of sake worldwide.
Futsushu: everyday sake elevated to an art form
Futsushu is the most common category of sake in Japan — often translated as "ordinary sake" or "table sake." But as with wine, the category doesn’t tell the whole story: a Futsushu produced by a brewery like Masumi is a completely different product from an industrial production.
Some technical features to know:
Seimaibuai 70%: 30% of the rice grain has been polished away. A standard level for Futsushu, but with Nagano’s Miyama Nishiki rice and yeast N°7, the result is well above the category average.
Self-produced Shochu: the alcohol added in Masumi’s Futsushu is not industrial neutral alcohol, but shochu produced internally by the brewery. This gives the sake an unexpected softness and depth for the category.
Karakuchi: Japanese term for "dry." The profile is sharp, clean, and easy to drink — the ideal sake to accompany a meal without ever overpowering it.
Masumi sake available on Maltese
Karakuchi Gold Futsushu | 15% ABV | €8.00 (18 cl)
The table sake from a legendary brewery. Nagano’s Miyama Nishiki rice, Masumi yeast N°7, self-produced shochu. A decidedly dry and drinkable profile, with fresh notes of green bamboo, apple, and light hints of rice. Light and clean on the palate, with unexpected softness. Dry, clean, and satisfying finish.
Serve at 10–12°C in a traditional sake cup (ochoko) or a small glass. Ideal pairings: sushi, sashimi, tempura, fish dishes, Japanese and fusion cuisine. Also excellent as a light aperitif.
⭐ 5/5 — average rating from Maltese customers.
👉 Buy Masumi Karakuchi Gold Futsushu
Why choose Masumi
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| History | Founded in 1662 in Suwa, Nagano |
| Rice | Miyama Nishiki from Nagano — zero km |
| Yeast | N°7, discovered in the brewery in 1946 |
| Added alcohol | Self-produced shochu (not industrial alcohol) |
| Profile | Dry, clean, soft, food-friendly |
| Alcohol content | 15% vol. |
Order Masumi sake on Maltese
Now available on Maltese with shipping in Italy within 24–48h. The everyday sake from a legendary brewery — since 1662.
👉 Discover the complete Masumi — Miyasaka Brewing Company collection
