
RYOAN LEGEND 2012 Junmai Daiginjo: Double Umami Finish – Umami Grand Cru
A Historic Revival by Sendai Isawa Family Katsuyama Sake Brewery
The Sendai Isawa Family Katsuyama Sake Brewery Co., Ltd., with a storied history spanning over 330 years as the official sake brewer for the Sendai Domain founded by the legendary samurai lord Date Masamune, has unveiled an extraordinary new release. In December 2024, the brewery introduced RYOAN LEGEND 2012 Junmai Daiginjo-Double Umami Finish – Umami Grand Cru, a sake that revives and redefines a 300-year-old recipe with modern craftsmanship.
Honoring Tradition Through Innovative Craftsmanship
This exceptional sake stands as a testament to Katsuyama Brewery’s commitment to preserving the traditions of the Edo period (1603–1868) while embracing innovative techniques. By employing a unique centrifugal pressing method, the brewery extracts “twice the umami components of rice,” creating a rich and flavorful profile. The sake is then meticulously aged for 12 years at a constant temperature of minus 5 degrees Celsius, achieving a depth and maturity that can only be attained through time.
The brewery’s revival of this historic recipe celebrates Sendai’s legacy, shaped by Date Masamune’s vision as both a samurai leader and a cultural pioneer. Just as Sendai Tansu reflects the city’s craftsmanship, Katsuyama’s sake embodies the region’s unique terroir and dedication to excellence.
Global Recognition for Exceptional Quality
Katsuyama Sake Brewery has garnered international acclaim, solidifying its status as a leader in the sake industry. Notable achievements include:
- Junmai Ginjo “Ken”: Winner of the SAKE COMPETITION in 2015 and 2016.
- Champion Sake (2019): Earned at the prestigious London IWC.
- Junmai Daiginjo “Den”: Awarded President Sake at France’s KURA MASTER in 2019.
- Junmai Daiginjo “Akatsuki”: Scored 95 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate in 2016 and achieved second place in the 2024 SAKE COMPETITION Super Premium category.
These accolades highlight Katsuyama’s ability to seamlessly blend tradition and innovation, setting a benchmark for quality and creativity in sake brewing.

The Significance of “Ryoan”
The name “Ryoan” pays tribute to Heizaemon Isawa, the sixth-generation owner of Katsuyama Brewery. Heizaemon’s contributions to Sendai, including the restoration of Zuihō-ji, the ancestral temple of the Date family, have left a lasting impact on the region’s cultural heritage. Inspired by his legacy and that of Date Masamune, RYOAN LEGEND 2012 encapsulates the pride and resilience of the samurai era.
A Symphony of Flavor and Craftsmanship
The production of RYOAN LEGEND 2012 is a meticulous process rooted in traditional Edo-period techniques. Using Yamada Nishiki Special A rice grown near Mount Izumigatake, enriched by silica-rich water, the sake captures the essence of Katsuyama’s terroir. The result is a perfect harmony of umami, depth, and crispness, achieved through:
- Centrifugal Extraction: Maximizes flavor while preserving clarity.
- Cold Aging: Twelve years of storage at minus 5 degrees Celsius refine the sake’s texture and taste.
Limited Edition in Luxurious Presentation
This exclusive sake is presented in a handcrafted Sendai Tansu, a traditional Japanese chest that symbolizes the city’s artisanal heritage. With only 50 sets available, RYOAN LEGEND 2012 offers a truly unparalleled experience for sake connoisseurs and collectors alike.
Product Details
- Name: RYOAN LEGEND 2012 Junmai Daiginjo-Double Umami Finish – Umami Grand Cru
- Ingredients: Rice (domestic), Rice Koji (domestic rice)
- Polishing Ratio: 35%
- Rice Variety: 100% Yamada Nishiki
- Alcohol Content: 16%
- Volume: 720ml
- Storage: Refrigerated (room temperature during transport is acceptable)
- Brewmaster: Mitsuaki Goto
- Recommended Serving Temperature: 8–14°C
- Price: ¥1,000,000 (excluding tax)
- Availability: Limited to 50 bottles
A Celebration of Samurai Heritage and Sake Excellence
The release of RYOAN LEGEND 2012 is more than a celebration of fine sake; it is a homage to the enduring spirit of Sendai’s samurai heritage. Combining a 300-year-old recipe with modern craftsmanship, this sake represents the pinnacle of Katsuyama Brewery’s dedication to tradition, innovation, and excellence. For those fortunate enough to experience it, RYOAN LEGEND 2012 is a rare treasure that embodies the rich history and artistry of Japanese sake brewing.
Read more: Sendai’s Isawa Family Katsuyama Sake Brewery: Reviving a 300-Year-Old Samurai Sake Tradition