Kinunomine

The "Kinunomine" brand was born in 1929 when three neighboring breweries merged under the government's support program for small-scale sake producers. With its high technical capabilities, it also developed as a contract producer for major manufacturers, but as the sake market shifted, management became difficult, and the brewery experienced a period of town ownership and dormancy.

Afterwards, the current management took over the brewery and, alongside a large-scale renovation, decided to convert it into a "junmai brewery." It introduced a Fine Cold System maintained at minus 10°C — taking advantage of high-quality rice mainly from Iinan Town and the cool climate — and started afresh as a brewery dedicated to small-batch, carefully crafted junmai sake.

While raising its reputation domestically, it has also accelerated overseas expansion through actions such as opening a Bangkok office in Thailand and exhibiting at receptions hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Thailand. To mark the 10th anniversary of its establishment, new products such as Junmai Daiginjo 50, the premium gift bottle "Aka-Gawara," and the 100ml "Mini Nomine" series have launched one after another — the brand continues to evolve as a sake brand that connects "travel and food."

A brewery in Iinan Town, Shimane, brewing only junmai sake

In the mountains of Iinan Town in the Chugoku range, the brewery brews only junmai sake, primarily using high-quality rice from Iinan Town. A Fine Cold System maintained at minus 10°C is installed inside the brewery, supporting stable quality and a crisp character.

A "Kinunomine" for the table — at its best when warmed

As the brewer says, "Kinunomine pairs well as warm sake (nuru-kan)," and slightly warmed sake is its forte. It is enjoyed as a food-pairing sake that brings out gentle umami when matched with daily dishes such as oden, hot pots, simmered dishes, and grilled fish.

Sake reaching the world, and "kinuchan direct international"

With its Bangkok office in Thailand as the export hub, the brewery has achieved cumulative exports of 10,000 bottles. For overseas customers, the "kinuchan direct international" service ships Junmai Daiginjo 40 directly to local buyers, delivering Japanese sake along with the climate and culture of Japan.

A sake brewery recognized as a tourism facility

As an experiential brewery offering tours and tastings, it has been selected for the top 10% of paid tourist facilities worldwide in a travel review site's award. Inside the brewery lined with brewing tanks, you can feel the scene of sake-making up close.