Kumaya Sake Brewery was founded in 1716 by the Ihoriya family and is now in the hands of its 14th generation. Over more than three centuries, the brewery has built close relationships with local growers in Okayama, a region renowned for its exceptional Omachi sake rice. This prized variety forms the foundation of Kumaya’s “An” range.

Omachi is celebrated for giving sake remarkable complexity, depth, and individuality, but it is also one of the most challenging sake rice varieties to cultivate. The plants grow particularly tall, making them vulnerable to strong winds and requiring carefully selected, sheltered growing sites. Cultivating Omachi successfully demands considerable skill and attention, earning it comparisons to Pinot Noir among sake rice varieties.

Okayama accounts for around 90% of Japan’s Omachi production, a testament to the region’s particularly favorable conditions for growing the variety. Kumaya’s long-standing relationships with local growers allow the brewery to showcase the distinctive character of both Omachi rice and its Okayama terroir.