Sake Brands
in Aomori

"Tsugaru Kaikyo" is one of the brands in the Rokka Shuzo product lineup.

"Yuten" is characterized by the noble aroma of Ginjo and a mellow umami. It is a local Tsugaru sake deeply loved by the world-renowned woodblock artist Shiko Munakata. In 1968, Munakata spent about two years designing the entire packaging—from the label and calligraphy to the box and wrapping paper—utilizing both his signature "Ura-saishiki" (back-coloring) and "Omote-saishiki" (front-coloring) techniques.

"Hagoromo" is one of the brands in the Hirosaki Meijo product lineup.

"Hirosaki-jo" is a beloved local brand named after the iconic Hirosaki Castle. Its profile is crisp and clean, much like the dignified beauty of the cherry blossoms in full bloom at the castle. The gentle umami and sweetness of the rice are pleasantly highlighted, making it an excellent choice for women or those new to sake. It pairs exceptionally well with meat dishes, fried foods, and various cheeses.

"Kanita" is one of the brands in the Kaneta Tamada Shuzoten product lineup.

"Tsugaru Kuroudo" is a brand that was inherited when another brewery in Hirosaki closed down.

"Hana-ippu" was launched in 2004 with the goal of creating an easy-to-drink sake. Characterized by its gorgeous aroma and balanced sweetness, it is highly popular among young women. True to its name, the flowery fragrance combined with a rounded sweetness has earned it a loyal following. The "Hana-ippu Junmai Ginjo" uses "Hana-fubuki" Aomori sake rice for the koji and "Masshigura" table rice for the mash. The "Hana-ippu Tokubetsu Junmaishu" is an award-winning sake (Tsugaru Local Sake Grand Prix), noted for its elegant aroma and gentle, rounded umami. The Junmai Daiginjo is admired for its refined fragrance and juicy, gentle flavor profile.

"Tamagawa" is one of the brands in the Kaneta Tamada Shuzoten product lineup.

"Zan" is one of the brands in the Kaneta Tamada Shuzoten product lineup.

"Kita no Mahoroba" is one of the brands in the Matsu Midori Shuzo product lineup.

"Deka" is one of the brands in the Matsu Midori Shuzo product lineup.

"Reiho" is one of the brands in the Matsu Midori Shuzo product lineup.

"Shichirobei" is a label launched about 15 years ago, named after the hereditary title held by the family’s 3rd through 12th generations. It is available only through specialty local sake shops and direct partners. Characterized by a rich umami and a sharp, dry finish, this sake truly shines when served warm (atsukan). The 17th-generation head and master brewer, Yoshiaki Takenami, firmly believes that "the true taste of sake lies in warming it!" Following this philosophy, everything from regular sake to Junmai Daiginjo and unpasteurized raw sake (Namagenshu) is brewed with the primary intent of being enjoyed warm.

"Iwaki Masamune" is a long-standing brand named after the Iwaki River, which originates from Mt. Iwaki (Tsugaru Fuji) and once flowed behind the original brewery site in Itayanagi. It is available for distribution through wholesalers.

"Akegarasu" is a brand of Osanai Shuzoten. The brewery is now closed.

"Sotogahama" is a limited-distribution brand from Nishida Shuzoten, named after the historical name of the Aburakawa district in Aomori City, where the brewery is located. Brewed with Aomori's "Hana-fubuki" sake rice and soft water from the Mt. Hakkoda spring system, it features a deep rice umami and a sharp, dry finish, though a subtle sweetness can also be detected. The "Sotogahama Junmai Gingo Haikara/Monochro" labels were developed entirely from scratch by the brewery's young staff in their 20s and 30s, led by the future 6th-generation head, Rikuro Nishida. This project was completed without direct supervision from the master brewer, relying instead on their own experience and creativity. "Haikara" (the 30s project) focuses on a 13% low-alcohol concept, while "Monochro" (the 20s project) aims for a brilliant quality, polished to 50%, suitable for competition standards. Sotogahama represents the traditional Nishida Shuzoten's dedication to nurturing young talent and embracing new challenges through limited-release innovative sake.

"Ajigasawa" is a brand line from Ozaki Shuzo, brewed using the pristine underground water of the Shirakami-Sanchi mountains.

"Iwakigawa" is a brand line from Ozaki Shuzo.

"Buna no Shirakami" is a brand named after the beech (buna) forests of the Shirakami-Sanchi mountains.

"Shirakami no Kin-ayu" is a brand named after the yellow-marked sweetfish (ayu) that inhabit the clear streams of Shirakami.

"Sake Brewed with Shirakami-Sanchi Spring Water" is a product whose name directly states its use of water from the UNESCO World Heritage site.

"Shirakami no Shizuku" is a brand evoking the image of the pure "drops" of water from the Shirakami-Sanchi mountains.

"Kami no Za" (The Seat of God) is a brand named after the sacred and majestic image of the Shirakami-Sanchi mountains.

"Inagawa" is a brand of Hachinohe Shurui Daini Factory. The brewery is now closed.

"Gonohe no Donberi" is a Junmai Nigori (cloudy) sake, featuring a refreshing sweetness and a slightly dry aftertaste.