Kikusui Blue Stag 7 Junmai is crafted in Iida City, southern Nagano, where Kikusui has been rooted since 1944 following the consolidation of 38 local producers. Made with locally grown Takane Nishiki rice and pristine underground water from the Central Alps, this expression highlights the character of Nagano’s agricultural and natural environment. A distinctive Henpei Seimai rice-milling process shapes each grain more closely to its natural form, removing selected outer portions while retaining more of the starch. Although this method requires additional time, it helps create the rich, clear profile and pronounced umami that distinguish Blue Stag 7.