Sugita Shuzo was founded in 1873 in Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture, when the first-generation brewer relocated from Niigata to establish a new operation in the Kanto region. The Yuutomasamune brand was originally registered as Yuto Masamune, meaning superior grade, and was renamed to reflect the acclaim the sake received -- reportedly praised as the hero of the east after winning eight consecutive excellence prizes at regional competitions. All brewing uses Nikko mountain system underground water and follows the traditional Nanbu toji approach with佐瀬-style pressing applied from honjozo through daiginjo.
