A supreme sakecrafted by a whisky legend and
a master of Japanese brewing.

Yumezukuri

 夢造

¥ 16,500 (Tax Included)

Crafting dreams.
Beyond sake—fermenting passion into every drop.

Master Brewer Naohiko Noguchi and Master Blender Seiichi Koshimizu—
two artisans united in pursuit of a single vision:
a drop of light to illuminate the future of Noto.

A sake infused with prayers, connecting people and place—
now taking flight toward the future.

Purchase

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to support recovery efforts for the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

CONCEPT

The Making of Yumezukuri (Naohiko Noguchi × Seiichi Koshimizu × Tansetsu Ogino)

PROFILE Profile

  • Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute

    Naohiko Noguchi 農口 尚彦

    Born in 1932 in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, into a family of master brewers, Naohiko Noguchi is the third-generation heir to his family's brewing legacy. He began his journey in sake brewing at the age of 16 and, in a rare achievement, became the head brewer (tōji) of Ishikawa’s renowned Kikuhime brewery at just 27. He quickly rose to fame as one of the “Four Great Noto Tōji.”
    Noguchi’s influence on the sake industry has been profound. He played a pivotal role in reviving the traditional yamahai brewing method, which had been fading in the postwar era, and became a key figure in its resurgence. He was also among the first to introduce daiginjo sake to the general market, sparking the nationwide ginjo sake boom.
    Over his career, he has won the prestigious Gold Prize at the Annual Japan Sake Awards 12 times consecutively and 27 times in total. Since 2017, he has served as the master brewer at the Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute, where he continues to shape the future of sake.

  • Chief Blender Emeritus of Suntory (Former Chief Blender of Suntory)

    Seiichi Koshimizu 輿水 精一

    Born in Yamanashi Prefecture in 1949, Seiichi Koshimizu joined Suntory Holdings in 1973. After working at the Yamazaki Distillery, he was appointed Chief Blender in 1999 and later became Honorary Chief Blender in 2014.
    The premium whiskies he crafted—such as Hibiki 21 Years and Yamazaki 50 Years —have earned worldwide acclaim. In 2010, he led a Japanese whisky maker to win “Distiller of the Year” at the International Spirits Challenge for the first time in history.
    Koshimizu also became the first Japanese inductee into the prestigious Whisky Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for only a select few worldwide. His achievements have paved the way for Japanese whisky on the global stage.

Limited-Edition Sake for
Reconstruction Support PRODUCT

“Yumezukuri” is a project led by master brewer Naohiko Noguchi, driven by his dream of creating world-class sake. Through the art of brewing, the project aims to make a meaningful contribution to society.

This blended sake is crafted from nine carefully selected undiluted vintages, drawn from a seven-year collection aged with care in the maturation cellar of the Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute. Brewed using the traditional yamahai method and five distinct sake rice varieties, each component has been expertly combined to achieve a perfectly balanced expression.

Naohiko Noguchi’s sake is crafted with aging in mind, giving it a distinctive and refined complexity. By skillfully blending multiple expressions, this complexity is further deepened—harmonizing umami, sweetness, and acidity to create an entirely new and exceptional flavor profile.

Departing from industry conventions—where blending typically involves the same label or the same rice variety—this approach may well open up refreshing new possibilities in the sake market.

Yamahaizukuri

This sake is brewed using the yamahai method, a traditional technique for creating the fermentation starter (shubo). Yamahai is one of the signature approaches that defines Naohiko Noguchi’s lifelong craft. It is rooted in a technique he mastered over three years of dedicated study in Kyoto during his early years as a brewer.

Though the traditional yamahai method involves greater risk, time, and effort, it remains at the very heart of the flavor Naohiko Noguchi strives to achieve.

Rich and full-bodied, yet remarkably smooth on the finish—this signature profile was established over 60 years ago when Naohiko Noguchi listened closely to the voices of local consumers in the mountainous regions. Interpreting their preferences as a form of cultural terroir, he shaped a flavor that continues to define his craft today.

Yumezukuri
Special Limited-Edition Sake in Support of Noto’s Recovery

720ml
Purchase

TASTE Taste

Tasting Notes

The unique appeal of this sake lies in its multilayered bouquet—an aromatic depth only possible through blending.
It opens with a smooth attack, followed by a gentle entry of soft sweetness and delicate acidity.
As it develops, the acidity gracefully supports a mellow umami that unfolds mid-palate.
Toward the finish, a lingering sweetness emerges, weaving into a complex and satisfying conclusion.

Flavor Transitions at Different Temperatures

Enjoy pure, translucent aromas reminiscent of muscat grapes, ricotta cheese, and shiratama dango (glutinous rice dumplings).

A rich, rounded attack leads into a flavor profile centered on sweetness and umami. As the palate develops, delicate acidity emerges, leaving a fruity impression on the finish. This sake pairs beautifully with dishes that balance contrasting flavors—such as fresh mozzarella with seasonal fruits like muscat grapes, or prosciutto with figs—enhancing their complexity and adding depth to each bite.

The aroma of freshly steamed rice and subtle smoky nuances become more pronounced.

Aromas not present at lower temperatures—such as yeast and iodine-like notes—begin to emerge. The entry is smooth and seamless, with a well-balanced interplay of acidity, umami, sweetness, and bitterness. This creates a focused, harmonious body that delivers an overall sense of comfort. A touch of acidity in the finish adds clarity, leading to a clean, dry aftertaste.
This sake pairs beautifully with dishes rich in umami and fat, such as lightly seared seasonal fish (yakishimo-zukuri) or artisanal charcuterie.

A fusion of steamed rice, smoky notes, and bamboo-like aromas evokes the scent of Chinese chimaki (sticky rice dumplings).

A bold and powerful attack defines the first impression. Bright acidity leads the palate, tightening the overall structure. As the flavor develops, umami and sweetness emerge mid-palate, but the persistent acidity from the initial sip maintains a beautifully balanced body throughout. Toward the finish, the alcohol becomes more pronounced, delivering a warm, dry conclusion.
This sake pairs harmoniously with rich, creamy dishes such as risotto, cream stew, fricassée, or soy milk hot pot, complementing their dairy-like textures and enhancing the overall balance of flavors.

A complex aroma with notes of smoked meat, grilled cheese, and straw evokes a variety of culinary inspirations.

The attack is smooth and seamless, transitioning effortlessly through the mid-palate. Contrary to the boldness of its aroma, the flavor unfolds with remarkable elegance and comfort. On the palate, notes reminiscent of smoked elements and dairy-rich Maillard aromas—like raclette cheese—gently expand. A delicate acidity emerges toward the finish, creating a surprisingly clean and refined conclusion.
This sake pairs beautifully with dishes that combine subtle ingredients and bold preparation methods, such as gratin dauphinois, gnocchi with blue cheese sauce, grilled lamb or pork shoulder seasoned with herbs, or even spicy hot pot.

Yumezukuri
Special Limited-Edition Sake in Support of Noto’s Recovery

720ml
Purchase

A Story of Bonds STORY

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to support recovery efforts.

In December 2023, an award ceremony hosted by the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs was held in Kyoto. There, master brewer Naohiko Noguchi met globally renowned whisky blender Seiichi Koshimizu.

Though they differ in age and specialize in different genres, both are master craftsmen who have led their respective fields in the alcoholic beverage industry for many years. It didn’t take long for their conversation to spark a strong connection.

Their meeting was unexpected,
but it became a moment filled with the sense that something new was about to begin.

Shortly thereafter, on January 1, 2024,
the Noto Peninsula Earthquake struck, with its epicenter in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture.

Noto is the birthplace of Naohiko Noguchi, and his hometown of Noto Town suffered extensive damage. At the time of the disaster, Noguchi was safe, as he was at a brewery in Komatsu City for sake production. However, he was deeply pained to witness the devastation of his beloved hometown—not only the physical destruction, but also the loss of its intangible spirit and essence.

Around the same time, upon hearing news of the earthquake, Seiichi Koshimizu grew concerned for the master brewer he had only just met the previous month. He also began to wonder if there was something he could do to support Noto himself. As the situation in Noto gradually evolved,
Naohiko Noguchi and Seiichi Koshimizu reconnected, reaffirming their shared intentions and heartfelt commitment.

As professionals in the industry, they asked themselves: What can we do to stand alongside Noto on its long road to recovery?

And so, the two made the decision to create a new sake.
By combining the profound sake-brewing heritage of Noto embodied by master brewer Naohiko Noguchi with the blending expertise of renowned craftsman Seiichi Koshimizu, they believed they could bring a new kind of sake to life.

This project was born from that shared commitment.
Even now, long after the devastating earthquake, recovery in the affected areas of the Noto Peninsula remains an ongoing journey.
A portion of the proceeds from this sake will be donated to support the region’s recovery efforts. But more than that, we hope that everyone who holds this sake in their hands will think of Noto, feel a connection to it, and carry a spark of hope for its restoration in their hearts.

Our mission, above all,
is to craft a sake so exceptional, it leaves a lasting impression on the heart.

Yumezukuri
Special Limited-Edition Sake in Support of Noto’s Recovery

720ml
Purchase

DESIGN Design

Yumezukuri is designed to evoke the grandeur and gentleness of Noto’s natural landscape for those who hold it in their hands. The label is made from traditional Japanese washi paper, hand-crafted at Noto Nigyo Washi—the only washi studio in Noto—and infused with locally sourced diatomaceous earth. Adorning the label is the dynamic calligraphy of the name “Yumezukuri.”
The name Yumezukuri embodies Naohiko Noguchi’s lifelong philosophy of brewing: to pursue his dreams and create the finest sake of his career. This cherished word, which has guided him for many years, was chosen for this project as it resonates deeply with both the spirit of the initiative and the character of the sake itself.

Bottle Refined Strength That Preserves Delicate Flavors

The bottle, with its substantial weight and presence, is an original design from the Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute. Its thick, UV-blocking glass makes it ideal for further maturing the harmonious blend crafted by Seiichi Koshimizu and Naohiko Noguchi.

Washi Paper Label In Noto, even the soil is gentle.

Noto Nigyo Washi is a washi studio based in Wajima City on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. The third-generation artisan, Kazuyuki Tomi, developed a unique washi paper infused with soil, where tiny earth particles appear within the hand-crafted sheets, giving each one a distinct and textured character.
Known for its originality, the studio uses traditional Noto techniques to incorporate elements of the region’s nature—like wildflowers and tree bark—directly into the paper. The diatomaceous earth used in this project also comes from Noto’s soil.
There’s a local saying: “In Noto, even the soil is gentle.”
It speaks to the warmth of the people and the richness of the land. When you touch this washi paper, you can almost see the beautiful landscapes of Noto—and begin to understand the heart behind those words.

Calligraphic Title A Noble Dream Taking Flight on the Global Stage

The striking calligraphy of Yumezukuri was created by Tansetsu Ogino, renowned for his work on the labels of Suntory whiskies such as Hibiki and Chita. Ogino explored the meaning of the word Yumezukuri—the name given to the sake crafted by Naohiko Noguchi and Seiichi Koshimizu—from multiple angles, thoughtfully interpreting its spirit and expanding its possibilities through imagination.
The resulting form and brushwork convey both dignity and dynamic energy. Within these two characters, one can feel the passion of the many artisans who contributed to this project. We sincerely hope that this embodiment of craftsmanship, carried by the power of this calligraphy, will help Yumezukuri take flight as a sake beloved around the world.

Yumezukuri
Special Limited-Edition Sake in Support of Noto’s Recovery

720ml
Purchase

Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute

農口尚彦研究所

Established in 2017 in Kanagasomachi, a mountainous region of Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture.

With a mission to pass down the skills, spirit, and life’s work of master brewer Naohiko Noguchi—revered as the “God of Sake Brewing”—to the next generation, the brewery combines traditional techniques with modern innovation to craft its sake.

Over more than 70 years of dedication to sake brewing, Naohiko Noguchi has continually pursued innovation—playing a key role in reviving the once-forgotten yamahai method and contributing to the rise of the ginjo sake movement. His lifelong commitment has been rooted in preserving Japan’s sake heritage while constantly striving to elevate it to new heights.

Carrying forward that philosophy, we strive to nurture the culture of sake while living in harmony with the rich natural surroundings and supporting our local community. In recent years, our efforts have extended beyond sake brewing to include collaborations across various industries, all with a shared mission: to preserve and celebrate traditional crafts and Japanese culture.

Through the delicate filter of sake, we convey the timeless beauty of Japan’s uniquely evolved traditions—heritage passed down through generations, rich with spirit and soul.

Yumezukuri
Special Limited-Edition Sake in Support of Noto’s Recovery

720ml
Purchase

　　　　

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