Kudarizake (sake sent down to Edo)

Kudarizake refers to sake brewed in the Nada area (Hyogo Prefecture) and the Osaka area and sent to Edo during the Edo period. Because the sake was transported from these upstream regions down to Edo, it came to be called "kudarizake" (literally, "sake that came down"). Kudarizake was classed as local sake of the Kamigata region (the Kyoto-Osaka area). It was popular among the people of Edo at the time and was used especially for special gifts and celebrations. It was also known as "kudarimono" ("things that came down"). Because it has flavors and aromas distinctive to its home region, the tradition remains part of sake brewing today.