Sake Brands
in Ishikawa

"Hatsugogoro" was named with the intent to look back at the origins of sake brewing. It is characterized by a delicate and clear flavor brought out through low-temperature aging. It is a fresh brand that offers a sense of revitalizing wonder to both sake novices and seasoned drinkers alike.

"Fukumasamune" is the most beloved local brand in Kanazawa. Over its history of nearly 400 years, it has evolved alongside Kanazawa's culinary culture. It is characterized by a plump and accessible flavor that fully draws out the inherent umami of rice. As a synonym for traditional 'Kanazawa sake,' it is widely enjoyed for everything from daily meals to special occasions.

"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.

"Kyoka" is a brand named after Izumi Kyoka, the legendary master of Japanese fantasy literature born in Kanazawa. It captures the world of Kyoka's literature with an elegant, almost dreamlike aroma and a smooth mouthfeel. With label designs overflowing with literary sentiment, this prestigious series expresses Kanazawa's aesthetic sense through Japanese sake.

"Shishi no Sato" is the soul of Matsuura Shuzo, brewed within the historic terroir of Yamanaka Onsen. The brand name 'Shishi' (Lion) represents awe for the local guardian deity, while 'Sato' (Village) signifies the lives of the people in the community. Its most prominent feature is a silky, gentle mouthfeel produced by 'Yakusui,' the ultra-soft water springing from the hallowed grounds of Iou-ji Temple. The harmony of rich rice umami, gentle aromas, and a clear acidity that stimulates the appetite pairs masterfully with Kaga's multi-course Kaiseki cuisine. Their uncompromising commitment to 'Junmai-only' brewing creates the 'best food-matching sake' that elevates the rich culinary experience of this hot spring district.

"Judaime" is a special Junmai Daiginjo brewed to commemorate the ascension of the 10th generation head of Hashimoto Shuzo. It is the flagship brand symbolizing the brewery's determination and expertise, carrying the weight of over 260 years of history. Crafted with the utmost care by skilled Noto Toji, its appeal lies in a prestigious flavor where a mellow mouthfeel meets a dignified finish, accompanied by an elegantly spreading aroma.

"Dainichizakari," named after the sacred Mount Dainichi, is a traditional brand that has long been cherished in the local Kaga region. It is characterized by a robust and solid umami where the bounty of pure water and rice harmonize perfectly. Its rich and composed flavor, evoking the brewery's continuity since the Edo period, continues to fascinate many sake enthusiasts.

"Togashi no Jin" was named after the Togashi clan, who ruled as the protectors of Kaga during the medieval period. This brand is brewed with a sense of respect for history and a love for the local community in every drop. As the name 'Jin' (Benevolence) suggests, it is crafted to offer a compassionate, deep, and gentle flavor profile—a characterful sake to be savored alongside the romantic history of Kaga.

"Masurao" means 'strong man' or 'noble man' in ancient Japanese, and as the name implies, it is a brand that pursues a powerful and robust flavor profile. It maximizes the appeal of Yamahai-style brewing, expressing a solid umami core and a profound, heavy body. This authentic sake features a great drinkability where masculine boldness coexists with delicate technique. Its substantial flavor pairs masterfully with rich dishes and meats.

"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.

"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.

"Noguchi Naohiko Institute" is a supreme brand that bears the brewery's name itself, embodying the pride and philosophy of a master craftsman. The experience of over 70 years accumulated by Noguchi Toji—holder of the highest number of awards in Japan—is condensed into every drop using the finest modern facilities. The lineup centers on the 'Noguchi Gosai' (Five Colors) series, inspired by Ishikawa's traditional crafts. His Yamahai-style products, in particular, are characterized by a creamy body and powerful acidity, yet finished with an astonishingly refined and clear throat feel. The flavors deliver deep emotion, like a work of art connecting the 'past, present, and future' of sake. True to its name as an institute, it represents the summit of constantly evolving techniques and is a coveted choice for professionals and enthusiasts worldwide.

"Harukokoro" (Heart of Spring) is the most precious brand for the Nishide family, symbolizing the brewery's revival and rebirth. Reclaiming this once-lost name and brewing it again with their own hands, the brand is filled with a profound 'love for local sake.' Its defining feature is a traditional, rustic flavor profile that recreates 'Kimoto' brewing from 100 years ago. Fermented by natural lactic acid bacteria living in the brewery, the sake harmonizes powerful umami with a robust acidity, maturing into a deep complexity as it ages; it is a 'living sake.' The label expresses the joy of spring's awakening. This one-of-a-kind Kimoto Junmai sake carries both the warmth of a small family-run business and an unbreakable will.

"Hirohisa" bears the name of the current head, Hirohisa Nishide, who bought back the brewery, symbolizing his unwavering determination. It pursues the ultimate in family-brewed, handmade quality. Every drop represents a tribute to traditional techniques and the passion to reclaim lost time—truly a sake of the soul.