Nagara Izumi General Distributor – Tarutsuna Honten

Tarutsuna Honten’s history dates back to the late Edo period (around 1860) when its founder, Tsunajiro Kamiya, began selling Yoshino cedar barrels in Nagara. With his deep passion for sake, Tsunajiro started brewing his own in the early Meiji period (around 1870). Using the ultra-soft subsoil water of the Nagara River and the fertile resources of the Nobi Plain, he created Nagara Izumi sake. Once widely loved by locals, production of Nagara Izumi was halted due to the war. However, in 2020, the rediscovery of an old Nagara Izumi label sparked renewed interest. Encouraged by people nostalgic for its taste, the sake was revived after 75 years. Today, it’s so popular that reservations flood in from across the country during the new sake season. Nagara Izumi is now available in three varieties, including a Junmai Ginjo Unfiltered Nama Genshu that is carefully pressed using a traditional wooden vat, a Junmai Ginjo Hiire that is pasteurized for easy transportation at room temperature, and a Junmai Ginjo Zarugoshi that is filtered by hand using a colander for a distinct flavor. Made with G2 yeast developed in Gifu Prefecture, Nagara Izumi offers a crisp, refreshing taste with the fragrance of fresh green apples when opened. The store also sells a unique treat called Sake Kasu Karinto, a crunchy fried snack made using sake lees from Nagara Izumi, which is a popular souvenir.