It is the only brewery in Japan to adopt the most luxurious and meticulous brewing method.
Producing only one tank per week and only the highest class of sake.
The name Katsuyama literally means “Mt. Victoria.” The word katsu means victory, or outstanding excellence, while yama (mountain) indicates greatness, or a large immovable presence, making it a highly auspicious name.
Established in 1688, Katsuyama is a sake brewery with a tradition of well over three centuries. It was created to brew the top-class sake enjoyed exclusively by the feudal lords of the Sendai Domain, founded by Japan’s most famous military commander and respected samurai, Date Masamune, and one of the three major fiefdoms of the era.
To this day, Katsuyama carries on the reputation and tradition of its origins as a brewery for the lords. Brewing only junmai-shu,the true mainstream sake, it is also the pioneer in creating sake with clean umami that goes well with any cuisine, a trend that is starting to take hold in the world of sake.
How to enjoy Katsuyama sake
Katsuyama sakes are best chilled ahead of time and drunk in a wine glass. The greatness of Katsuyama sake cannot be appreciated adequately in ordinary sake cups. If no wine glass is available, choose a tall, wide glass with thin rim, and fill it about one-third full.
Pour a little at a time so that the temperature does not become too warm while drinking.
Check out the video for more tasting suggestions.
Katsuyama Lei – Signature of the Samurai clan.
A fruity aroma and rich taste evoking Japanese fine muskmelon, along with umami and its accompanying sweetness, make for a very drinkable sake. While ideal for those new to sake, the rich flavor also makes it well suited as an aperitif or starter drink, as well as just the right drink with sweet sauce meat dishes or tomato sauce stew.
It should be very well chilled even more than ordinary sake.
The name Lei comes from the wagtail, a sacred creature in Japanese mythology and messenger of the gods. The official signature of Date Masamune, founder of the Sendai Domain, happens to resemble the long flowing tail of this bird.
Discover more Katsuyama Sake selection at The Oaks Cellars now