Yamamoto Honke, currently in the 11th generation, was established in the old capital city Kyoto in 1677. Burned to the ground during the battle of Fushimi Toba in the 19th century — which resulted in the defeat of the shogunate — the brewery was quickly rebuilt with the support of the locals. Two things remain constant since establishment: the use of their well water called Shiragikusui, one of the seven mystical waters within the Fushimi region that produces a very smooth, well-balanced, soft and gentle mouthfeel; and that every time the heir becomes the president, their first names become Genbee.