Yatsushika Shuzo was founded in 1864 in the Kuju highlands of Oita Prefecture by Aso Toko, and the brand name was formed by combining the names of the third proprietor Aso Kanpachi and master brewer Nakama Shikataro. The brewery sits at the foot of the nine peaks of the Kuju range, where volcanic spring water from the mountains flows into the fermentation tanks, and harsh winter temperatures in the Kusu basin support cold-climate brewing suited to crisp, dry sake. In 1985 the brewery shifted its house style to the light and dry profile it maintains today, and the Yatsushika lineup now extends from classic junmai to the Yatsushika Goshu premium series introduced at the brewery's 150th anniversary.
