Founded in 1861. A famous critic once said of Hidakami that it is a model sake of high quality. Though it is recognized as one of the finest sakes from the northeast, it is also one of the hardest to find. This sake is brewed using low-temperature fermentation, with the belief that 80 per cent of sakes production depends on the condition of water absorption and the steaming of the rice. The results are a fine quality sake with a light taste. Another product from the same brewery, Shinzeki, is a regular commodity that is more widely distributed. The brewers received a gold medal award at the All-Japan New Sakes Contestin 1988 and again in 1992.


The name Hidakami comes from the fact that in and around the town of Ishinomaki, the famous Kitakami river used to be called Hidakami, with the meaning of being blessed by the sun.