noun
brewing tax
Historical tax levied on sake brewing, particularly during the Edo period. Rarely used in modern contexts except in historical discussions.
江戸時代には、造石税が酒造業者に課されていた。
During the Edo period, a brewing tax was imposed on sake brewers.
Modern term for alcohol tax in general, whereas 造石税 specifically refers to the historical tax on sake production volume.
Compound of 造 (ぞう, 'brewing'), 石 (こく, a traditional unit of volume for sake), and 税 (ぜい, 'tax'). The term reflects the tax being based on the amount of sake brewed, measured in koku.