Sake Brands
in Ishikawa

"Kaga no Tsuki" (The Moon of Kaga) is the signature brand of Kaetsu, expressing the pure elegance of the moon in the Kaga night sky through sake. It features flavor variations corresponding to the moon's phases, such as 'Full Moon' and 'Crescent Moon,' each offering a delicate finish like the wavering reflection of the moon on water, combined with gentle umami. With its sophisticated label design, it is a drop overflowing with the sentiment of Komatsu's rich terroir.

"Mujou" is a brand bearing the name of the brewery's core belief, 'brewing dreams.' Carefully crafted through traditional winter brewing, its flavor harmonizes the powerful umami of rice with a delicate aroma. It is characterized by a rich aftertaste that makes the drinker feel as if they are in a dreamlike state.

"Tedorigawa" is a traditional brand symbolizing the brewery's pride, named after Ishikawa's largest river sourced from Mount Hakusan. The harmony between the clarity of the Hakusan 100-Year Water and the umami of strictly selected rice possesses a transparency perfectly described as 'Kirei' (beautiful/clean). Loved locally for over 150 years, it is now an iconic sake from Ishikawa that has expanded its reach globally.

"Nichiei" is the timeless flagship brand of Nakamura Shuzojo, embodying over 200 years of tradition and prestige. Its name, meaning 'prospering every day,' carries a wish for the daily prosperity and happiness of the drinker. Having evolved alongside Kanazawa's rich food culture, this sake features a well-balanced, full-bodied flavor profile where gentle aromas harmonize with the natural umami of rice. By actively using Ishikawa-grown sake rice, it captures the essence of the local terroir, serving as a prestigious local sake representative of Kanazawa.

"Sogen" is the brand that symbolizes the pride of Oku-Noto, brewed by the very birthplace of Noto Toji. Backed by over 250 years of history, it utilizes long-term, low-temperature fermentation to slowly extract the full potential of the rice, achieving a deep, mellow umami and a sophisticated aroma. Its pinnacle, 'Dai-Ginjo Sogen,' is featured in ANA's international first-class service and is beloved worldwide as the ultimate expression of orthodox sake.

"Tengumai" is a supreme brand that Ishikawa prides itself on globally, named after a legend that 'Tengu (mountain goblins) danced with joy in a silent forest, intoxicated by the deliciousness of this sake.' Its most prominent features include a rich rice umami, lively acidity—representing the summit of Yamahai brewing—and a beautiful amber color born of aging. Harmonizing power and sophistication at a high level, its flavor pairs exceptionally well with fatty fish and meat dishes, earning high praise from top chefs worldwide.

"Chikuha" is the flagship brand of Kazuma Shuzo, a multi-award-winning sake that allows you to experience the terroir of Oku-Noto with all five senses. With a strict focus on Noto-grown rice and water, it pursues the 'softness' of super-soft water brewing and an 'accompaniment umami' that lets the cuisine take center stage. Whether served chilled for a refreshing feel or warmed to highlight rice's plump richness, it is an essential sake for any dining experience.

"Jokigen" is the flagship brand of Kano Shuzo, named with a wish for the drinker to 'always be in high spirits' (jokigen). The essence of this brand lies in its traditional Yamahai-shikomi process—established by Japan's leading Noto Toji, Noguchi Naohiko—which delivers a profound umami, powerful acidity, and an exceptionally sharp finish. Led by 'KISS OF FIRE,' which was served at official Nobel Prize events, it is the pride of Kaga, possessing world-recognized prestige and undeniable quality.

"Manzairaku" is the flagship brand of Kobori Shuzoten, named after a celebratory court music (Gagaku) piece in a tradition spanning back to the 18th century. It is brewed with the pristine snowmelt water of Mount Hakusan and strictly selected sake rice, including the rare 'Hokuriku No. 12.' While possessing a plump and deep umami, it is characterized by a refreshingly clean finish, making it a highly perfected sake for enjoying with food. As a representative brand of Ishikawa, it is beloved for everything from festive gifts to daily luxuries. Every glass carries a wish for the drinker to experience auspicious moments and continued prosperity.

"Kaga Tsuru" is a prestigious brand with nearly 400 years of history, named by the third Lord of the Kaga Domain, Toshitsune Maeda. Beginning as an exclusive sake for the Maeda clan, it continues to offer a 'rich (nojun) and deep umami' that perfectly pairs with Kanazawa's fresh seafood and traditional cuisine. From cultivating rice in partnership with the local JA Kanazawa to brewing with the skilled techniques of the Noto Toji, the sake achieves a beautiful coexistence of mellow richness and pleasant crispness. Its high quality has been recognized globally, being selected for ANA's international business class and winning a Gold Medal at the French contest 'Kura Master.' It is a symbolic sake of Kanazawa that condenses the pride and culture of the Kaga Million Koku into a single glass.

"Shinsen" is the flagship brand of Higashi Shuzo, named as a token of gratitude for the abundant blessings of the sacred Mount Hakusan. It embodies a 'true local sake' by using 100% Ishikawa-sourced ingredients, including Komatsu-grown rice, Hakusan underground water, and Kanazawa yeast. Its greatest appeal lies in the exquisite balance of a rich, full-bodied sweetness that spreads the moment it touches the tongue, followed by an astonishingly clean and sharp dry finish. The elegant aroma, which is brilliant yet unobtrusive at the dining table, has won numerous accolades in competitions both at home and abroad. Brewed within the ambiance of its historic cellars, it is truly a pure drop, much like a 'sacred spring' as its name implies.

"Kikuhime" is a timeless masterpiece that has carved its name into history as a synonym for Yamahai-style brewing. By championing 'Yamahai-shikomi' ahead of the industry and drawing out the umami and acidity of rice to their limits, it has established an unshakable status as the representative of 'manly sake' (otoko-zake). Its most prominent feature is the overwhelming depth and powerful acidity born from the Yamahai process, which follows the laws of nature by slowly nurturing lactic acid bacteria and yeast. Furthermore, using Yamada Nishiki from the special A-A district of Yokawa, Hyogo, and aging for one to two years creates a flavor profile with layers of mellow aromas reminiscent of nuts and honey, and dense umami suggesting brown sugar. Its quality, honored with numerous international awards, is the very pride of Kikuhime as they continue to pursue the 'truth of sake' without being swayed by trends.

"Kagatobi" was named after the Kanazawa-born firemen's troop in old Edo, renowned for their bravery and called 'Kagatobi.' The sake features a sharp finish combined with rich umami, evoking the dignified and courageous spirit of those firemen. As a brand that symbolizes Fukumitsuya's 'Junmai-first' philosophy, it achieves the pinnacle of sophisticated dry sake through quality ingredients and exceptional brewing techniques.

"Kuroobi" is a premium brand created as 'the sake for experts (black belts).' It features a mellowed flavor born from years of aging and a complex, profound depth of body. Despite its powerful umami, the finish is clean, making it an exceptionally sophisticated sake to pair with food. It is truly a supreme glass brewed for those who are 'black belts' in the world of Japanese sake.

"Noto Suehiro" is the signature brand of Nakashima Shuzoten, long beloved in Wajima. Suppressing flashy aromas to pursue rice umami and a sharp finish, its flavor is the definition of 'sake that reveals its presence the more you drink.' Its unpretentious, tireless character shines as a brilliant supporting actor that further enhances the flavors of Noto's bountiful seafood.

"Goshoizumi" is the proud sole brand of Takeuchi Shuzoten, named after the village of Gosho where the brewery was founded. This brand is the fruition of a luxurious brewing process that only the smallest brewery in Kanazawa could achieve. Meticulously polishing premium sake rice to an average of 55% and fermenting it slowly at low temperatures, the resulting flavor is a masterful harmony of thick, rich umami and a smooth, clean texture. Their 'Genshu' (undiluted sake) is particularly noteworthy for its light mouthfeel that belies its high alcohol content; as you drink, its solid, dry character becomes more prominent. Known among enthusiasts as Kanazawa's 'phantom sake,' it is a true local sake highly evaluated by connoisseurs.

"Kaga Setsubai" is an emotionally evocative brand that captures the crisp winter air of Kaga and the beauty of plum blossoms peeking through the snow. Produced through the exceptional techniques of Nakamura Shuzojo, an organic-certified brewery, its Junmai and Junmai Daiginjo offerings are charms with their transparent, delicate flavors and profound finish. It is a masterpiece with a prestigious and graceful character that honors the aesthetic of Japan's four seasons.

"Renaissance Kanazawa" is a high-end brand from Nakamura Shuzojo that fuses Kanazawa's traditional beauty with modern sensibilities. It was named with the wish for a cultural rebirth and a new leap forward for Kanazawa. With lavishly selected ingredients and brewing techniques that brook no compromise, its powerful yet sophisticated flavor further elevates the world of fine dining.

"Kaga Daiko" is a sake named after the valiant resonance and dynamism of the Kaga Taiko drums, a traditional performing art of Kanazawa. It is characterized by a deep, long-lasting umami akin to the lingering sound of the drums, and a crisp taste that evokes the energy of a festival. Among Nakamura Shuzojo's diverse lineup, this brand expresses respect and love for local traditional culture through a powerful and accessible style.

"AKIRA" is a world-class organic Junmai sake that Nakamura Shuzojo proudly presents to the globe. Brewed exclusively with organic rice from the local Kanazawa farmer 'Kanazawa Daichi' within their organic-certified facility, it is bottled intentionally without filtration. It holds major international organic certifications: JONA (Japan), ICEA (Europe), USDA (USA), and COR (Canada). The sake is characterized by the pure, powerful umami inherent to rice and a clear, clean finish. It is a one-of-a-kind brand that reflects Nakamura Shuzojo's innovation for the environment and the vibrant 'life force' unique to organic cultivation.

"Supponpon" is a playful brand from Nakamura Shuzojo that pursues the charm of sake in its 'natural, naked' state. The unique name reflects a pure desire for people to enjoy sake without the need for complex theories. Its appeal lies in its unpretentious accessibility and the honest, straightforward deliciousness backed by solid brewing technology. It is a friendly drink that proposes new ways to enjoy sake.

"Marebito" is the supreme, limited-production luxury line that consolidates the pinnacle of Nakamura Shuzojo's 200-year expertise. The word 'Marebito' is an archaic term for 'a noble visitor from afar,' and this sake is brewed to be the finest drop for entertaining special guests. Using strictly selected premium ingredients and a lavish brewing process that spares no time, it achieves a blissful aroma and a deep, intricate flavor. Boasting a level of perfection comparable to a work of art, it is the brand that demonstrates the very top of Nakamura Shuzojo's technical capabilities.