Sake Brands
in Akita
Emotion 2011
This "Emotion" sake was central to Fukurokuju Shuzo as part of the first NEXT FIVE series, expressing passion through collaboration. It blends the techniques and creativity of five young brewers, carrying a strong will to lead the future of Akita sake. The balance between traditional methods and modern sensibility is exquisite, marking it as a monument to the project's vision.
Shangri-la 2013
As the finale of the first NEXT FIVE series, this sake led by Yamamoto Group is named "Shangri-la" after the mythical earthly paradise. It marks the culmination of the joint project, representing the fruits of shared knowledge and experience between the five breweries. A symbol of new possibilities for Akita sake, it features a rich and profound taste worthy of the project's grand achievement.
The Beginning 2010
As the historic first release of NEXT FIVE, led by Aramasa Shuzo, this sake symbolizes the "beginning" of the project. It is a landmark bottle that gathers the skills and ideals of five breweries, born with a fierce determination to lead Akita's next generation. Representing the innovative journey of collaboration proposed by Yusuke Sato, it is a legendary monument in the Akita sake world.
Echo 2012
Central to Kuribayashi Shuzo as part of the first NEXT FIVE series, this sake explores the theme of "Resonance." It illustrates how the techniques of the five breweries respond to one another, sublimating their distinct traits into a single masterpiece. By fusing traditional methods with modern creativity, the passion of Akita's young brewers resonates beautifully in this bottle.
Passion 2011
Led by Akita Shuzo as part of the first NEXT FIVE series, this sake is themed around "Passion." It embodies the unyielding enthusiasm of the young brewers and their fierce determination to carry the torch for Akita's next generation. Uniting the skills and ideals of five breweries, it is a powerful expression of their drive to innovate while honoring tradition.
Ine to Agave
An innovative craft sake that breaks new ground by fusing traditional brewing methods with agave syrup. It features gentle aromas of muscat and mandarin orange, with a fruity taste where rice umami and smooth acidity harmonize. The purity of naturally grown rice meets the depth of a low polishing rate, creating a versatile drink that pairs with various cuisines.
Kanto
Named after the historic Kanto Festival of Akita, this brand symbolizes the region's vibrant culture and tradition. Brewed with spring water from Mt. Taihei, it maintains stable quality through year-round production and meticulous care. It features a soft mouthfeel nurtured by Akita's terroir, capturing the festive spirit and heritage in every drop.
Yukino Bijin
The flagship brand of Akita Shuzo, known for its modern taste harmonizing gentle Ginjo aromas with crisp acidity. As part of NEXT FIVE, it is crafted in small tanks to achieve elegant richness and a refreshing, clean mouthfeel. It offers a beautiful expansion of rice umami on the palate followed by a sharp finish, embodying the new generation of Akita sake.
Yama-yu
A limited private brand bearing Aramasa's original shop name, designed to maximize each rice variety's character through Kimoto and Kioke mashing. The series features colorful labels like Red (Omachi), Blue (Miyama Nishiki), and White (Akita Sake Komachi). With pleasant acidity and complex umami from wooden vats, it offers a sophisticated exploration of rice-driven flavors.
Koutoku
Kiwamu
No.6
The definitive Nama (unpasteurized) series of Aramasa, designed to highlight the raw appeal of Kogyo No. 6 yeast. It features a brilliant acidity akin to white wine, harmonized with dense sweetness and aromas of peach and strawberry. The complex umami from wooden vats and a refreshing pétillant sparkle make it a modern masterpiece that breaks all conventions.
Hijoushu
Colors
The pasteurized series of Aramasa designed to express the diverse character of Akita's sake rice varieties. Brewed entirely through Kimoto and Kioke methods, it achieves a profound flavor despite its low-alcohol original strength. Each color in the lineup represents a different rice, vividly painting the rich landscape of Akita's terroir.
Yuuwa
Aramasa
The namesake brand and origin of the brewery, representing the quest for the future of local sake while honoring antiquity. It purely embodies the Aramasa identity: 100% wooden vats, Kimoto method, and No. 6 yeast. By trusting the power of raw materials and excluding all additives, its taste conveys the true vitality of Akita's terroir.
Shimizu no Mai
Utilizing spring water as pure as its namesake "Shimizu" (Pure Water), this brand pursues the rich and robust flavors of rice. It can be enjoyed at various temperatures, with its mellow richness blooming beautifully when served warm (Atsukan). A local favorite that embodies Akita's food culture, it adds a touch of refinement and deep flavor to any daily meal.
Takashimizu
Akita's most iconic brand, Takashimizu is beloved nationwide as the quintessential daily sake for casual enjoyment. Crafted with ultra-soft water from the sacred Takashimizu well, it offers a soft mouthfeel with balanced acidity and elegant umami. With premium Akita rice, water, and mastery in perfect harmony, this classic sake never tires the palate and defines the standard for Akita quality.
Kunibanzai
Named with prayers for the nation's prosperity and long life (Banzai), this auspicious brand embodies the founding spirit of the Meiji era. Brewed with Araya's pure spring water in an architecturally significant wooden cellar, it preserves the authentic form of traditional Akita sake. A source of local pride, its evocative taste echoes the vibrancy of a bygone brewing town and the enduring passion of its artisans.