Fukugenshu (restored historical sake)

Fukugenshu (literally "restored sake") refers to sake that recreates the brewing methods of ancient Japan. It is made by reviving flavors of the past, mainly based on historical documents and traditional methods handed down in particular regions. Representative examples include Goishu (御井酒) and Jidenshu (地伝酒) from the Izumo region, and Jishu (地酒) from Kagoshima Prefecture. Fukugenshu is characterized by strong umami and sweetness, and it is often used as a seasoning in cooking. It is said to pair well with local dishes such as ago noyaki (a flying-fish fish cake) from Shimane Prefecture and tsukeage (a fried fish cake) from Kagoshima Prefecture. Because the brewing method uses the alkalinity of wood ash to neutralize acidity, it is also sometimes called Akumochishu (灰持酒, ash-preserved sake). Thanks to these tradition-based techniques, fukugenshu is a special kind of sake that lets drinkers experience a part of Japan's drinking culture.