Sake Brands
in Aomori

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

"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.

"Tsugaru Jongara" is one of the flagship brands, known for its highly aromatic and gorgeous character.

The brand "Houhai" takes its name from "Houhai-mai," a specialty sake rice developed in Aomori in 1976. The name "Houhai" (meaning "plentiful cup") is also inspired by the local Tsugaru folk song "Houhai-bushi." Known for its delicate sweetness and elegant aroma, Houhai is considered the ultimate food-pairing sake. A subtle fragrance with a hint of plump rice notes provides a refreshing and rounded taste profile. It is often described as resembling an Aomori apple—fresh, with a honey-like sweetness balanced by a mild acidity. Unusually for a brewery of its size, they perform their own rice milling, showing their deep dedication to the raw ingredients. The brand has earned prestigious accolades, including being served in JAL First Class and at the Japanese Embassy in Spain. "Houhai-mai" accounts for about 50% of the rice used, with other varieties including Misato-nishiki, Yamada-nishiki, Kame-no-o, Hana-fubuki, and Hana-omoi. About 80% of their rice is sourced from within Aomori Prefecture, and Miura Shuzoten remains the only brewery to use "Houhai-mai."

"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.

"Matsu Midori" is a brand named after an ancient pine tree over 300 years old.

"Rokkon" takes its name from the Buddhist term "Rokkon Shojo" (purifying the six senses), where "rokkon" refers to the six sensory organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. True to its commitment as a Junmai brewery, every sake is produced without added alcohol and shipped after being stored in bottles without filtration. Their brewing philosophy rests on three pillars: "Sincere Brewing," "Junmai Production," and "Making Sake that Complements Food." As a tribute to the meticulous polishing of rice, which they treat like gems, specific labels are named after gemstones such as "Diamond" and "Jade." Brewed with pure water from Shirakami-Sanchi and Mt. Iwaki, and using Aomori's "Hana-fubuki" sake rice, Rokkon features a rich, umami-forward profile with a sharp, clean finish that mirrors the majestic peaks of Mt. Iwaki.

"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.