Hirase Sake Brewery, founded in 1623, has been a part of the history of Takayama, a town that flourished as a merchant town. They brew sake using the mellow underground water of the Northern Alps and sake rice grown in Hida. The name of their flagship brand, Kusudama, comes from the "medicinal balls" that are displayed at celebratory occasions. Kusudama is brewed in the harsh winter cold that is unique to Takayama, and is enjoyed in a wide range of styles, including Kusudama Honjozo Josen, a favorite for everyday evening drinks, Kusudama Junmai Daiginjo, which uses Hida Homare rice polished to 40%, and Kusudama Junmai Ginjo, brewed with flower yeast, all of which are enjoyed on a variety of occasions.