Katesu Sake Brewery was founded in 1880. It sits in Niigata prefecture, situated opposite Tokyo and facing the Japan Sea. Owing to these geographical features, it is very hot in summer and cold and one of the snowiest countries in winter. Their town Aga-machi is located where the Agano River and the Tokonami River join and is surrounded by many mountains. Then fogs often gather along those rivers. Such a climate condition gives birth to the highest class sakamai (sake rice). Their brewery has been blessed with an excellent natural spring in which water is pure and soft.

Using highly polished select rice and clear water, their master brewer uses his special techniques to brew superior sake, both rich in aroma and clean in taste. Niigata is famous for its rice, and in collaboration with another local brewer, this brewery has formed a sake-rice cultivation group with nearby farmers that aims to further improve the quality of their rice. The fruits of their efforts have manifested themselves in the Kaetsu Sake Brewery winning gold medals in the National New Sake Tasting Contest in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004.