While the brewery was established in 1923, it is located in an Edo-period (1603-1868) post town lined with historical merchant buildings, designated by the government as a preservation area of important traditional architecture. When Fukuchiyo Brewing Company launched their now-exalted sake brand Nabeshima in 1998, they named it after the Nabeshima samurai clan, which ruled over what is now Saga prefecture for around 300 years. Nabeshima sake is loved for its sweet, elegant, juicy style and clean, dry finish. The brand wins consistently at the International Wine Challenge, and their daiginjo was awarded Champion Sake at the 2011 competition.