Sake Brands
in Iwate
Shichifukujin
Shichifukujin is a brand characterized by rich umami and excellent sharpness (kire). Originally a brand of Hakomasa Shuzo, it was inherited through the merger with Kikunotsukasa Shuzo. Centered on the Junmai sake series using Iwate Prefecture's sake rice "Yu no Ka," the super dry (cho-karakuchi) Junmai sake "Shichifukujin" features a clear and light mouthfeel, acidity, and sharpness. With a wide lineup ranging from rich Junmai sake to super dry, it features a flavor design that matches the local food culture. The handmade Junmai Daiginjo "Shichifukujin" achieves an elegant aroma and deep flavor through careful koji making and long-term low-temperature fermentation. As sake born from the harmony of people, it is a traditional brand that continues to be loved by the region.
RondoIwate
A brand that utilizes Iwate Prefecture's sake rice and the local terroir, developed as one of Kikunotsukasa Shuzo's diverse lineup. It is a sake that values regionality, fusing Iwate's rich nature with traditional brewing techniques.
Kikunotsukasa
A representative brand bearing the name of the brewery, embodying the tradition and innovation of the oldest brewery in Iwate Prefecture. The muroka nama genshu (unfiltered, unpasteurized, undiluted) "innocent" series was born from the desire to deliver the mellow aroma and refreshing taste of freshly pressed sake, characterized by a sake quality that values the natural taste without using any activated carbon. The soft mouthfeel from soft water brewing harmonizes with the vivid aroma and sharp, well-defined taste brought out by low-temperature fermentation for over three weeks. Maximizing the individuality of the underground water of Mt. Iwate and locally grown rice, it is supported by many sake fans as a brand that expresses the terroir of Shizukuishi.
Sugoi!! Aruten
A brand that challenges the potential of adding brewer's alcohol by reconsidering the technique in a modern way. With a flavor design that exceeds the concept of conventional Honjozo sake, it presents new possibilities for alcohol-added sake. It features a light and sharp mouthfeel and high cost performance, aiming for a sake quality that accompanies the daily dining table.
Nigori Sake Mori no Shiragiku
A brand that finishes with a taste tailored to modern preferences while inheriting the traditional style of Nigori sake (cloudy sake). It features a rich sake quality where the umami and sweetness of rice can be felt abundantly, and a soft mouthfeel. The balance of moderate sweetness and acidity is good, allowing you to enjoy the mellow drinking comfort unique to Nigori sake. It is a versatile bottle where the umami of the rice stands out even more when warmed, not to mention drinking it straight chilled.
Hirai Rokuemon
A brand bearing the name of the brewery owner inherited from the first generation, it is a new series designed by the 16th generation owner, Yuki Hirai. With the concept of "a juicy taste woven by rice and yeast," it aims for sake that is loved by the younger generation through modern sake quality design. With a flavor where fruity aroma and rice umami harmonize, it goes well with meals and is a versatile brand that can be enjoyed in various scenes. It expresses the attitude of Kikunotsukasa Shuzo, which does not fear innovation while inheriting tradition.
Hime no Kakushizake
A brand featuring motifs from Iwate's folklore and culture, characterized by elegant sweetness and a soft mouthfeel. Developed as part of a product line targeting women, it is finished with a sake quality that emphasizes ease of drinking and approachability. Using Iwate Prefecture rice, it has a good balance of understated aroma and moderate sweetness, and its charm lies in its gentle taste that does not overpower even when paired with meals.
Ginga Tetsudo no Yoru
A Junmai Ginjo sake with the motif of Kenji Miyazawa's masterpiece "Night on the Galactic Railroad." It is brewed using Iwate Prefecture's sake brewing rice "Gin Ginga" polished to 50% and Iwate Prefecture's original yeast "Giovanni no Shirabe." The blue bottle and label depict the Galactic Railroad running through the night sky, visually expressing the world of Kenji's story. It features a refreshing fruit aroma and a rich fragrance typical of Junmai Ginjo, with a mellow taste spreading in the mouth. As a brand with high cultural value that expresses the world of works by Kenji Miyazawa, a representative children's literature author of Iwate, in sake, it is highly rated both inside and outside the prefecture.
Sakuragao
A representative brand bearing the name of the brewery, embodying the climate and tradition of Morioka. Using Iwate Prefecture rice, it features a well-balanced taste and a sake quality that you won't get tired of drinking. With a flavor design that matches the local food culture, it has the versatility to be enjoyed widely from daily dining tables to special occasions.
Daichi no Ikkon
A brand expressing the blessings of rice and water nurtured by the earth of Iwate, characterized by strong rice umami and a clean aftertaste. As the name "Ikkon" (one cup/offering) implies, it is designed with a taste intended to be enjoyed with meals, emphasizing compatibility with local ingredients.
Kitaguni no Koibito
A low-alcohol sake with an alcohol content of 8%, developed as a pioneering product targeting women. Characterized by a fruity, sweet, and refreshing taste, it is suitable for sake beginners and those who prefer a light mouthfeel. While pursuing ease of drinking, its charm lies in the exquisite balance where you can feel the rice umami typical of sake and gentle sweetness. It is best enjoyed chilled as an aperitif or dessert sake.
Morioka SAKE Sparkling
A sparkling sake with 6% alcohol content, characterized by a pop taste where the refreshing sensation of carbonation, elegant sweetness, and refreshing acidity harmonize. As a brand that transmits Morioka's new sake culture, it is loved by younger generations and women. Possessing both the magnificence of champagne and the depth of sake, it is also ideal for parties and toasts.
Asabiraki
The brand name "Asabiraki" is attributed to a poem in the Manyoshu and is derived from a pillow word (makurakotoba) for a poem about a ship rowing out in the early morning. It features traditional brewing techniques cultivated in the home of Nanbu Toji and brewing using the underground water of "Daiji Shimizu," selected as one of the 100 Famous Waters of Heisei. The delicate and soft mouthfeel from soft water brewing harmonizes with the tanrei taste from Tsuki-haze koji making, bringing out the umami of Iwate Prefecture rice. The highly fragrant and elegant sake quality brewed by long-term low-temperature fermentation has received high acclaim, such as winning consecutive awards at the National New Sake Appraisal. With a flavor design that emphasizes compatibility with local Iwate food culture, especially seafood and mountain produce, it is rooted in the region as a sake that accompanies meals. It is a brand where the skills of the Nanbu Toji, brewed by a Contemporary Master Craftsman who continues to innovate while protecting tradition, shine.
Akabu
The brand "AKABU," which can be said to be a symbol of reconstruction born after the earthquake disaster, contains the passion of the young brewery owner Ryunosuke Furudate. Using Iwate Prefecture's sake brewing rice "Yu no Ka" and "Gin Ginga," it features a soft and gentle mouthfeel due to soft water brewing and a fresh fruit aroma. Its charm lies in its drinkability that makes the cup progress smoothly and its good compatibility with fresh seafood from Sanriku, fully exercising its individuality as a "sake of the sea." The modern and sophisticated taste, fusing young sensibility and traditional brewing techniques, fascinates many fans. As a brand containing the story of revival from the disaster and new challenges, it is one of the sakes symbolizing Iwate's reconstruction.
Kairyu
A traditional brand inherited from the Otsuchi Town era, featuring a powerful name expressing the Sanriku sea. With a flavor design emphasizing compatibility with seafood, it is finished with a sake quality that enhances seafood dishes.
Hamamusume
With a brand name evocative of the Sanriku beach, it expresses its individuality as sake brewed near the sea. It has a wide lineup from Junmai Daiginjo to Junmai sake, each brewed with careful production. As the "Nisai" (two years old) notation indicates, they also develop products emphasizing the deepening of taste through aging, conveying the charm of sake raised over time.
Iwategawa
With a brand name evoking the image of the Kitakami River system, a clear stream in Iwate, it expressed the nature and climate of Iwate. Although it is no longer produced, it is recorded as part of the history of local sake culture.
Kanzan
Using Chuson-ji Temple's mountain name "Kanzan" as the brand name, it embodied the history and culture of the region as sake brewed in the land of the World Heritage Site Hiraizumi. Brewed by traditional Nanbu Toji techniques and using Iwate Prefecture's "Gin Ginga," the Junmai Ginjo realized a refined aroma and refreshing aftertaste through long-term low-temperature fermentation. Its high technical skill has been evaluated, such as winning consecutive Gold Prizes at the National New Sake Appraisal. As a brand fusing the historical and cultural value of Hiraizumi with Iwate's sake brewing technology, it was a sake representing the region.
Oshu no Ohhho
A brand characterized by friendly naming and sake brewing rooted in the region. With a taste that matches the rich nature and food culture of Oshu (Southern Iwate region), it was loved as a sake coloring the daily dining table.
Sekinoichi
A representative brand bearing the name of the brewery, embodying the philosophy of "the number one sake that makes the people of the world happy." Using underground water from the Ou Mountains and four types of sake rice (Yamada Nishiki, Gohyakumangoku, Toyonishiki, and Gin Ginga), it features a deep taste brewed by Nanbu Toji traditional techniques. Finished with a sake quality where a gorgeous aroma and rice umami harmonize due to cool water and yeast producing a high ginjo aroma. Against the background of the rich water and rice farming culture of the Ichinoseki region, the flavor design that matches the local food culture is attractive. Receiving high international acclaim such as winning the Platinum Prize at the MILANO SAKE CHALLENGE, it is attracting attention as a brand transmitting Iwate's sake culture to the world. Loved by many sake fans due to careful brewing and the inheritance of tradition.