Sake Brands
in Aomori

"Tamadare" was named after a legendary story of a priest at Hongyo-ji Temple in Hirosaki, who was moved by the sweetness of water droplets dripping from a rock while practicing Zen meditation. It features a gentle aroma and a quintessential Aomori flavor with integrated rice umami, acidity, and bitterness. It is a beloved local favorite enjoyed throughout the prefecture.

"Tsugaru Musume" is one of the brands in the Nakamura Kamekich product lineup.

"Inamuraya Bunshiro" is a brand that achieved a triple crown at the 2015 Aomori Prefecture Sake Awards, winning in the Ginjo (Daiginjo), Junmai (Junmai Daiginjo), and Ginjo (Aomori-grown rice) categories.

"Inamuraya" is a limited-run sake crafted with long-accrued techniques and careful low-temperature fermentation. To ensure quality is maintained throughout the distribution process, it is exclusively available through authorized specialty retailers. The goal is a sake that is rich and fragrant yet possesses a crisp and clean finish.

"Kikunoi" is one of the flagship brands of Narumi Jozoten.

"Tamamono" is one of the brands in the Narumi Jozoten product lineup.

"Hatsukoma" is a brand of Sato Shuzo. The brewery is currently closed.

"Oniwarai" is a brand of Sato Shuzo. The brewery is currently closed.

The "Manji" (swastika) was once the crest of the Tsugaru Clan, said to represent the spirit of "discarding self-interest to serve society." Since 1900, it has served as the official emblem of Hirosaki City. This historic mark, used as a flag insignia by the Tsugaru family during the clan administration period, is considered a symbol of virtue, harmony, and auspicious longevity.

"Kikusui" is one of the brands of Sato Shuzoten.

"Tsugarushu" is one of the brands in the Marutake Shuzoten product lineup.

"Dairinkikumori" is the genshu (undiluted) version of the flagship brand "Kikumori," offered as both Futsushu genshu and Honjozo genshu.

"Shirakami Roman no Utage" is a Junmai Ginjo brewed with Hana-fubuki rice, featuring a 55% polishing ratio, a sake meter value of +1.0 to +2.0, acidity of 1.4 to 1.5, and an alcohol content of 15-16%. It captures the essence of traditional handmade brewing, bringing out the rice's umami to create a mellow yet sharp dry profile. The Daiginjo version is also well-known for offering a surprisingly rich flavor despite its refined grade.

"Nishizawa" is a brand of Shirakami Shuzo, named after the original Nishizawa Shuzoten.

The brand "Shirakami" was named after the concept that World Heritage Shirakami-Sanchi equals "Nature," which in turn equals "Sake." Brewed with low-impurity well water (underground flow from Shirakami-Sanchi) filtered through the beech forests over centuries, it offers an exceptionally mild sweetness and rich umami. Primarily using the "Yamahai" method, they strive to create sakes that harness nature's power. Their Yamahai sakes are characterized by a clean, crisp finish without the typical gamey aroma, while retaining depth and body. The Daiginjo variety features a magnificent bouquet and refreshing mouthfeel, crafted using "Hana-omoi" sake rice and pure Shirakami-Sanchi spring water.

The brand "Yoshinozakura" was originally produced by Fukushima Shuzo, once one of the largest breweries in the Tohoku region, and was inherited by Yoshii Shuzo after the war. It is a prestigious brand with a history of approximately 100 years. In 1907, Fukushima Shuzo moved its factory and warehouse to Yoshino-cho in Hirosaki, drawn by a new site where pure underground water from Mount Iwaki flowed, making "Yoshinozakura" its flagship product. Yoshii Shuzo carries on this heritage, preserving it as a beloved local sake of Hirosaki.

"Joppari" is the flagship brand of Rokka Shuzo, named after the Tsugaru dialect for "stubborn" or "unyielding." Brewed with pure underground water from the Shirakami-Sanchi mountains and locally grown "Hana-fubuki" sake rice, it is a sake deeply rooted in the land of Tsugaru. They place immense effort into creating a powerful koji that produces the uniquely bold character of Joppari. Created by the first master brewer, Mr. Takezawa, during an era when sweet sakes dominated, he remained steadfast in his vision to produce a sharp dry sake with a Sake Meter Value (SMV) of +8. This signature dryness is a testament to the harsh, freezing winters of Tsugaru.

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

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