Sake Brands
in Fukuoka
Miinokotobuki
三井の寿 🏆 17 EC
"Miinokotobuki" is the brewery's flagship brand, combining "Mii" from Mii District and "Kotobuki" meaning celebration. It is also known as the origin of the name of the character "Hisashi Mitsui" in the manga "Slam Dunk," a connection born from the fact that the author Takehiko Inoue is a fan of the brewery. With a lineup centered on Junmai sake, the concept of sake brewing fusing science, sense, and passion is most strongly reflected. It features a balanced approach that cherishes traditional techniques while thoroughly analyzing temperature management and fermentation data. Winning numerous awards at international competitions such as the IWC SAKE category and Kura Master, it boasts quality recognized worldwide. As special projects, they also develop products that cherish the bond with fans, such as sake with 14 degrees alcohol named after Hisashi Mitsui's uniform number and limited edition products released on his birthday, May 22nd.
Biden
美田 🏆 1"Biden" is a brand meaning "Beautiful Rice Field," named with gratitude for the rich rural landscape of Tachiarai Town and high-quality rice. As a main brand of Miinokotobuki alongside "Miinokotobuki," it develops sake brewing centered on Junmai sake. Brewed with a method that fuses scientific data management and traditional Toji skills, it is characterized by clear and balanced sake quality. While utilizing the umami of rice, the finish is refreshing, accompanying a wide range of dishes as a food sake. Highly praised at international competitions, it boasts quality recognized worldwide. It is a brand where the passion for the beautiful rural landscape of the region and sake brewing has born fruit.
Tombo
蜻蛉 🏆 1 EC"Tombo" (Dragonfly) is a brand centered on Tokubetsu Junmai sake, brewed by polishing Yumeikkon rice to 60%. The brand name Tombo has been considered an auspicious creature serving gods since ancient times and is also called "Victory Insect" (Kachimushi) because it only moves forward. As per the concept of "drink smoothly," it is characterized by refreshing umami of rice and a sharp finish. The appearance of a dragonfly flying lightly as if sliding on the water surface is superimposed on the comfort of drinking. Using the underground water of the Yabe River, it is finished with a refreshing sake quality. It enhances dishes as a food sake, and the balanced taste that you never get tired of drinking is attractive.
Korokan
鴻臚館 🏆 1"Korokan" is a Junmai Daiginjo brewed with Yamada Nishiki polished to 45%, characterized by a moderate fragrance and a charming, sweet taste. The brand name is derived from the ancient diplomatic facility "Korokan," positioned as sake fragrant with history and culture. Fukuoka has flourished as a gateway for exchange with the continent since ancient times, and Korokan was its symbolic existence. When tasted, a gorgeous ginjo aroma spreads, and the flavor harmonizing rice umami and elegant sweetness symbolizes the "slightly sweet and plump" style that Hananotsuyu aims for. The delicate yet substantial flavor is preferred for special occasions and as gifts. It is an elegant and prestigious brand incorporating the history and culture of ancient Fukuoka into sake brewing.
Chikushino
筑紫野 🏆 7"Chikushino" is a brand bearing the name of the region where the brewery is located, expressing the climate and culture of Chikushino City. Named with attachment and pride for the local area, it is a brand expressing the historic regionality of Chikushino through sake.
Niwa no Uguisu
庭のうぐいす 🏆 13 EC
"Niwa no Uguisu" (Nightingale of the Garden) is the brewery's flagship brand, named after the scene of a bush warbler flying from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine to drink and play in the spring water of the brewery's garden. It began when the 6th generation owner vowed, "This water is pure, and I will brew sake worthy of the name of the Tenjin deity." Using the clear water welling up from the water vein of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine as brewing water, its purity is reflected in the sake quality. The taste is delicate yet the umami of rice is firmly felt, characterized by fresh and fruity acidity. As per the concept of "sake that makes you want to drink another cup" aimed by the 11th generation owner, it is designed so that you do not get tired of drinking it, playing the role of enhancing dishes as a food sake. Loved by a wide range of sake fans with a diverse lineup, including the Junmai Daiginjo "Kokoro" (Heart).
Kitaya
喜多屋 🏆 16 EC"Kitaya" is the representative brand bearing the brewery's name and boasts a wide lineup from daily sake to high-class sake. In particular, products using Fukuoka Prefecture's original sake rice "Gin no Sato" have an exquisite balance of fruity aroma and rice umami, and are acclaimed in global competitions. It is a local sake representing Yame, filled with the desire since its founding to "convey joy to many people through sake."
Komagura
独楽蔵 🏆 1 EC
"Komagura" is a brand handled by Morinokura, expressing the passion for sake brewing that keeps spinning round and round like a spinning top (koma). Aiming for sake brewing that continues to evolve like a spinning top keeps spinning, it embodies the brewery's stance of continuing new challenges while protecting tradition. It features a fruity and gorgeous aroma and a light mouthfeel. With a modern flavor design, it is a sake quality that can be enjoyed widely from sake beginners to enthusiasts. When enjoyed cold, the refreshing aroma and light taste stand out, functioning as an excellent supporting actor that enhances meals. It is popular as a unique brand showing various expressions like a spinning top.
Wakanami
若波 🏆 1 EC"Wakanami" is the brewery's flagship brand, named after the young waves of the Chikugo River (also known as Chikushi Jiro) flowing in front of the brewery. It contains the desire to instill the clear flow of the Chikugo River and the youthful energy reflected therein into the sake. The sake brewed by a young team of five centered on siblings features a fresh and approachable taste, respecting tradition while adding new sensibilities. Using the underground water of the Yabe River, they utilize the blessings of the region's water. With careful handmade production unique to small-scale production, they pursue balanced sake quality utilizing the umami of rice. It is a symbol of new sake brewing spun by the young generation in Okawa.
Yamanokotobuki
山の壽 🏆 7"Yamanokotobuki" is the flagship brand of the brewery, named with gratitude for the blessings of nature in Kitano Town surrounded by mountains. Despite being a brand with a history of over 200 years, it was significantly refreshed by the transition to a young team system. The sake brewed by brewers in their 30s and under with teamwork reflects new sensibilities while based on traditional techniques, characterized by innovative approaches in both sake quality and design. With a lineup centered on Junmai sake, they pursue a balanced taste utilizing the umami of rice. Brewed carefully in a small but functional brewery after overcoming devastating typhoon damage, the sake is a bottle where you can feel the sincere attitude unique to a brewery that has experienced difficulties.
Shigemasu
繁桝 🏆 9 EC"Shigemasu" is the flagship brand of Takahashi Shoten, which has a history dating back to the 2nd year of Kyoho (1717). It is an auspicious name filed with the wish for "more and more prosperity." Using sake rice from Fukuoka Prefecture (Yamada Nishiki, Omachi, Gin no Sato, Yumeikkon) and underground water from the Yabe River, it is brewed with traditional techniques continuing for over 300 years. They have a particularly strong commitment to koji making, featuring plump rice umami and a sharp finish. It has a high degree of perfection as a food sake and is loved widely from daily evening drinks to gifts.
Shiraito
白糸 🏆 3 EC
"Shiraito" is the name of the brewery, presumed to be derived from Shiraito Falls, a famous spot in Itoshima. It is a brand name evoking a clear stream of water, expressing the rich nature of Itoshima. It is a brand where the climate of Itoshima and the tradition of Shiraito Shuzo merge.
Bandai
萬代 🏆 7"Bandai" is a brand crafted by the skills of brewers who insist on carefully selected ingredients and manual work, using underground water from Mt. Sangun and sake rice from Fukuoka Prefecture. It features a rich sake quality with abundant ginjo aroma, not only complementing Hakata's local cuisine but also having a presence that even drifts a unique style. Through traditional techniques inherited for generations and commitment to local ingredients, it realizes a flavor deeply rooted in Fukuoka's food culture. It offers a diverse lineup such as "Daiginjo Chikuteki" and "Super Dry Junmai Sake Hakata no Mori."
Hiramatsu
比良松 🏆 5Hiramatsu is a sake brand brewed by Shinozaki and derives from the place name of Hiramatsu, Asakura City, where the brewery is located. Using underground water from the Aso mountain range as brewing water and high-quality rice nurtured in the Asakura region, one of Kyushu's leading granaries, it is a brand that embodies regionality. Inheriting the traditional technology of sake brewing for over 220 years, they are also working on improving sake quality to match modern tastes, featuring a product composition centered on Junmai sake. Junmai sake 70% is a sake quality that makes the most of the original umami of rice brewed at a rice polishing ratio of 70%, with a balanced finish that has both a plump taste and good sharpness. Its high quality has been publicly evaluated, such as winning gold prizes in three categories of Junmai sake, Junmai Ginjo sake, and Daiginjo sake at the appraisal sponsored by the Fukuoka Prefecture Sake Brewers Association. The soft and smooth mouthfeel utilizing the characteristics of underground water called famous water of the Aso mountain range is a major feature of Hiramatsu, and the mellowness created by this water quality attracts many drinkers. When drunk chilled, the refreshing and crisp taste stands out, at room temperature, the plump rice umami expands, and when warmed, the soft sweetness and umami stand out even more, allowing you to enjoy changes in expression depending on the temperature range. It is a brand that goes well with local food culture, such as local cuisine of the Asakura region, seafood of Hakata, and dishes using agricultural products of the Chikugo Plain, and is familiarly used as a food sake on a daily basis.
Tenshin
天心 🏆 3"Tenshin" is the flagship brand of Mizokami Shuzo, widely familiar not only locally as Kitakyushu's local sake but also to customers from afar. Using rice from Yahata and groundwater from the Sarakura mountain range, all processes are carefully done by hand. The environment suitable for cold brewing and traditional techniques realize a delicate and balanced flavor. It pairs well with local food culture, especially seafood and Kitakyushu's local cuisine, enhancing the meal. Derivative brands such as "Seiya no Gin," "Kaze no Gin," and "Ten no Chu" are also produced.
Ikekame
池亀 🏆 5"Ikekame" is the flagship brand holding the brewery's name, an auspicious sake imaging a turtle, a symbol of longevity and prosperity. Utilizing the rich natural environment of Mizuma-machi, Kurume City, and the blessings of the Chikugo River, it is carefully brewed using traditional methods. It features a rich flavor that cherishes the umami of rice, with a substantial body and richness. Aiming for sake that can be enjoyed slowly and for a long time like a turtle, it has a gentle and well-balanced sake quality that you won't get tired of drinking. Designed to be suitable for enjoying as warmed sake, the sweetness and umami of the rice expand fully when heated. With an auspicious name suitable for celebratory occasions and a rich flavor, it is a brand loved locally for a long time.
Kikubijin
菊美人 🏆 5"Kikubijin" is a historical brand known for being loved by poet Kitahara Hakushu, who wrote its name in calligraphy. Loaded with Fukuoka Prefecture's Yamada Nishiki and "Yumeikkon" using underground water of the Yabe River system, it is brewed with the traditional technique of Yanagawa Toji. The greatest feature is the "Noujun Umakuchi" (rich and savory) taste due to glutinous rice four-stage brewing, etc. While having plump rice umami and sweetness, the sake quality with a good crisp finish boasts outstanding compatibility with Kyushu cuisine with strong seasoning.
Souden
蒼田 🏆 1 EC"Souden" is a limited brand for exclusive dealers of Kitaya, and the brand name is an image of "lush green fields." To bring out the individuality of the rare rice "Omachi," which is said to be the ancestor of sake rice, to the fullest, it is brewed using Kitaya's original yeast. It has a fruity and gorgeous aroma, a plump umami unique to Omachi, and acidity harmonized, creating a satisfying taste.
Hyakunengura
百年蔵 🏆 5"Hyakunengura" is the flagship brand of Ishikura Shuzo and also the name of the facility "Hakata Hyakunengura." It is a brand expressing the tradition of the brewery with over 150 years of history and the technology cultivated over many years. Representative products include "Daiginjo Hyakunengura 40" and "Ginjo Josui," continuing sake brewing filled with pride as the only brewery in Hakata.
Morinokura
杜の蔵 🏆 3 EC
"Morinokura" is the flagship brand holding the brewery's name, expressing "Mori" (grove/shrine forest) enshrining the god of sake brewing and "Kura" (brewery) protecting tradition. It is a brand embodying the brewery's respect for the god of sake brewing and their stance of cherishing traditional methods. It features a rich flavor that cherishes the umami of rice, with a substantial body and richness. As sake brewed in a brewery protected by the god of the grove, they continue to protect careful handmade techniques. Designed to be suitable for enjoying as warmed sake, the sweetness and umami of the rice expand fully when heated. Pursuing a sake quality that harmonizes with the food culture of the Chikugo region, it is a brand loved locally for a long time.
Shun
駿 🏆 3"Shun" is a confident work of Isonosawa that has further evolved "Yu." Expressing the strong vitality of Ukiha's water and rice, it features a mellow umami and beautiful acidity. It is a talented group that is highly evaluated overseas, such as winning the gold medal in the 2025 France "Kura Master" Junmai category. As a sake that is accepted in the world, it is opening up new possibilities.
Hananotsuyu
花の露 🏆 3"Hananotsuyu" is the brewery's flagship brand, and the name is derived from the elegant term "Hana no Tsuyu" (Dew of Flowers) used to praise excellent sake in ancient Chinese poetry. Based on a slightly sweet and plump flavor, it expresses the charm of sake that is not just dry. Using the clear underground water of the Chikugo River and high-quality rice from the Chikushi Plain, it is carefully brewed with traditional handmade techniques. The mouthfeel is soft, the umami of rice spreads gently, and the finish is refreshing and sharp. Highly evaluated in domestic and international competitions, such as receiving the highest award in the Sake Competition Junmai Sake Division and winning the Gold Medal at Kura Master Junmai Sake Division, it boasts quality recognized internationally while maintaining a traditional sweet style. Designed with an emphasis on compatibility with food, it harmonizes with the seafood and mountain products of the Chikugo region and is a brand that accompanies a wide range of dishes as food sake.
Kanhokuto
寒北斗 🏆 2"Kanhokuto" is the flagship brand bearing the brewery's name, pursuing a dignified and clean sake quality like the Big Dipper shining in the winter night sky. The brand name embodies the wish to be a clear, beautiful sake like the Big Dipper shining in the cold winter night sky, featuring a refreshing flavor based on a dry and light profile. With a sharp finish and a clean drinking sensation, it functions as an excellent supporting actor that enhances meals.
Isonosawa
磯乃澤 🏆 2"Isonosawa" is the flagship brand bearing the name of the brewery, which can be said to be the origin of Isonosawa. Using plenty of Ukiha's famous water, it features a transparent taste where the umami of rice and the goodness of water harmonize. While protecting tradition, it continues to evolve to match modern dietary richness, and is a standard bottle that continues to be loved by the region.
Kurokabuto
黒兜 🏆 2"Kurokabuto" is a powerful brand imaging a warlord's helmet, expressing the bravery and spirit of Sengoku warlords in the sake quality. The black-lacquered helmet symbolizes the power and dignity of a warlord, infusing that imposing appearance into the sake quality. It features a sturdy and satisfying flavor, with a rich sake quality that fully brings out the umami and richness of rice. Designed to be suitable for enjoying as warmed sake, when heated, the sweetness and umami of the rice expand fully, making you feel roundness and gentleness within strength. It goes well with local cuisine of the Chikugo region, hot pot dishes, and strong-flavored dishes, making it ideal as a dining sake to enjoy with meals. It is popular as a masculine and sturdy brand incorporating the spirituality of warlords into sake brewing.