Typically Iwanoi’s sake is brewed to ~17% ABV then adjusted with water to down ~15%. However this genshu or undiluted sake, is brewed complete at 13% without any water added. The name of the sake, Karuiwanoi, combines “light” and “Iwanoi”, and you can feel the fruity aroma from the Nanbu Toji guild yeast. Perfect for enjoying on the terrace.

It pairs well with seafood but you can enjoy this sake on its own, without accompanying meals.

Established in 1917 with 175 shareholders from seven

villages in the Hanaizumi region, Iwanoi was founded as a publicly-owned local company with the aim of preventing illegal production of doburoku (unrefined sake) and providing winter employment opportunities for local farmers. 

Today, it continues to thrive with 181 shareholders, mainly from Hanaizumi Town. Unlike many sake breweries, it  operates as a community-owned enterprise rather than a family-run business. Iwate Prefecture is renowned as the birthplace of the Nanbu Toji, the largest association of master brewers in Japan, which remains highly active to this day.

https://www.iwanoi.co.jp/