Sake Brands
in Gunma
Yumeji Monogatari
夢二ものがたりThis brand is themed after the artist Takehisa Yumeji, expressing artistic sensibility through the medium of sake. It is characterized by a romantic image and a delicate, refined flavor.
Takasaki
高崎A brand named after Takasaki City, standing as a representative jizake of the region. It embodies the spirit of brewing with deep roots in the local community.
Fukurokan
馥露酣A brand that pursues deep, complex flavors through special brewing methods and careful aging.
Funao Taki
船尾瀧Named by the first generation Genki Shibasaki after the famous Funao Falls sourced from Lake Haruna. Brewed with the pure underground water of the Mount Haruna range, it offers a versatile quality: the Ginjo series provides a clean finish for Japanese dishes, while the Genshu series offers a rich body that even complements meat dishes.
Seijin
聖人This brand is no longer in production due to the brewery's closure.
Katsuragawa
勝楽雅和A variant orthography or related label of the "Katsuragawa" line, representing one of the traditional brands of Yanagisawa Shuzo.
Zetsumetsu Kigu Shu
絶滅危惧酒This unique brand is themed around preserving and passing down endangered brewing techniques using traditional methods and rare ingredients. Produced in limited quantities, it embodies the brewery's commitment to protecting the diversity and traditions of Japanese sake.
Musubito
結人A contemporary brand created by the 5th generation brewer, featuring a gentle sweetness and fresh profile achieved through pure rice (Junmai) brewing. It was developed to be exceptionally approachable, even for those who are new to or usually avoid sake. The name "Musubito" (The Connector) expresses gratitude for the many people whose cooperation brought this sake to life, intending to "bind people together."
Katsuragawa
桂川Named after the Katsuragawa River that flows behind the brewery, this is the flagship brand of Yanagisawa Shuzo, long cherished by locals. It is characterized by a rich flavor that maximizes rice umami, established through a tradition of brewing sweet sake using glutinous rice.
Abare Jishi
暴れ獅子Produced as a Junmai Ginjo Namachozo (unpasteurized storage) sake. The name "Abare Jishi" (Wild Lion) comes from a traditional lion dance performed at the Ogo Gion Festival, which is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property with a history of over 180 years. It is a sake rich in local character, infusing the region's traditional culture into its very brand.
Kimi no Matsu
君乃松Another brand by Nanatsuboshi Jozo, dedicated to brewing that is deeply rooted in the local community.
Tonetsuru
利根鶴This brand is believed to be named after the Tone River. It is no longer in production due to the brewery's closure.
Gunma Izumi
群馬泉 ECThe flagship brand of Shimaoka Shuzo, serving as a synonym for Gunma's craft sake. Brewed using the traditional Kimoto-style Yamahai method, it is aged for one to two years before shipping. It features sweet aromas of vanilla and honey, with a profound depth derived from the rice itself. It pairs exceptionally well with food and can be enjoyed both chilled and warmed, making it a beloved staple for daily dining.
Mutsuraboshi
むつらぼしA brand from the "Yume Uchū" (Dream Universe) series, representing one of the unique labels offered by Imai Shuzoten.
Shinryu
神龍Included in the product lineup as "Fuji Shinryū," this brand features an auspicious dragon motif, symbolizing good fortune.
Kazemakase
風まかせOne of Imai Shuzoten's primary brands, known as "Joshu Kazemakase," it is characterized by a smooth and refined flavor. The name translates to "Left to the Wind," expressing a light and pleasant profile that feels as free and natural as a breeze.
Niitayama
新田山A brand named after the Nitta district of Ota City, reflecting the region's rich natural beauty and historical heritage.
Otoko Isshin
男一心A secondary brand of Bunbuku Shuzo, its name translates to "A Man's Single-Mindedness," representing a strong and dedicated spirit.
Bunbuku
分福The flagship brand named after the Tatebayashi legend "Bunbuku Chagama" (The Miraculous Tea Kettle), symbolizing the sharing of happiness. It is characterized by a rich yet clean flavor, meticulously designed as a food-pairing sake that complements a wide range of dishes. Each bottle is carefully brewed using traditional methods, including the meticulous hand-washing of the rice.
Oze no Yukidoke
尾瀬の雪どけThe primary brand of Ryujin Shuzo, named to evoke the image of pure snowmelt flowing from the Oze highlands. The lineup consists almost entirely of premium Junmai Daiginjo (polished to 50%), offering exceptional quality at an accessible price. They offer a diverse range of products using rice varieties like Yamada Nishiki, Omachi, and Aiyama, with seasonal limited editions and Namazake being particularly popular. It is characterized by a beautiful balance of fruity, floral aromas and a gentle, enticing sweetness.