also: とじ
noun
chief brewer at a sake brewery
Refers specifically to the master brewer responsible for sake production. A traditional and respected role.
この酒蔵の杜氏は、若い頃から修業を積んできた。
The chief brewer of this sake brewery has been training since he was young.
杜氏の腕が酒の味を決める。
The skill of the chief brewer determines the taste of the sake.
Kana spelling is sometimes used in explanatory contexts or when the kanji is not needed.
Alternate reading; less common than とうじ.
蔵人 refers to brewery workers in general, while 杜氏 is specifically the master brewer in charge.
The origin of the reading とうじ is uncertain, but the kanji 杜氏 literally means 'Mr. To' or 'To clan', possibly from a historical figure or family associated with sake brewing.