Sake Brands
in Kyoto

"Izumigawa" is the representative brand of Sotetsu Shuzo, as if bottling the pure original landscape of Yamashiro-cho, Kizugawa City. Using the rich underflow of the Kizugawa river (formerly called Izumigawa) which is the origin of the name, it is characterized by a simple and gentle taste that maximizes the pure sweetness of rice. While it lacks flashiness, it pursues an honest sake quality that makes one feel relieved at one sip, gently staying close to home cooking and never getting tired even if drunk every day. It is a symbol of warm local sake that has been loved for over 100 years in the Yamashiro area, coexisting with local people's lives.

"Ooni" (Great Ogre) is a sake brewed with themes of strength and mystery in the land where the ogre legends of Mt. Oe live. As the name suggests, it is characterized by a strong and solid drinking experience, where the pure sweetness of rice and the sharp dryness of the finish perform in exquisite balance. Especially the Junmai吟醸 using "Gohyakumangoku" grown in rice terraces by the "Society for Making Local Sake in Oe" is a gem concentrating local passion. Strong like an ogre, yet somehow letting one feel kindness as well. It is a unique brand embodying the soul of Oe, Fukuchiyama.

"Nohana" is a brand imaged after the rich nature of Nohana, Fukuchiyama City and the simple yet strong vitality of wildflowers blooming there. Valuing local ingredients and carefully brewed with traditional methods, the sake features a pleasant co-performance of the pure sweetness of rice and the sharp finish brought by clear water. While unadorned, the mellow umami that spreads with one sip gives a sense of satisfaction as if tasting the climate of Fukuchiyama itself. It is a warm local sake that always stays close to local banquets and family gatherings, bringing smiles.

"Okinazuru" is the brand symbolizing Oishi Shuzo's tradition, bearing the names "Okina" (Elder) and "Tsuru" (Crane), symbols of longevity and good luck. Transmitting the traditional "Kimoto-zukuri" method from the Edo period to today, it is characterized by deep body and strong umami born through being brewed slowly over time. The natural acidity brought by lactic acid bacteria tightens the whole taste, and the robust sake quality that makes one feel the vitality of rice itself exhibits its true value even more when warmed. It is a dignified sake to be loved across eras, where the history of over 300 years and Oishi Shuzo's spirit of valuing dialogue with nature dwell.

"Idugen" is a brand bearing the store name symbolizing Seki Shuzo's tradition, pursuing the pinnacle of hand-made brewing. The sake produced by the time-consuming traditional method of "Fukuro-shibori" boasts ultimate purity, collecting only drops that fell by their own weight without applying any pressure. The delicate sweetness inherent in rice and elegant aroma spread as if unraveling in the mouth, and indeed, Kameoka's history and the maker's thoughts are condensed in every single drop. While mass production is impossible, the joy when encountering it is all the greater. It is a masterpiece suitable for gifts to precious people or coloring special times.

"Yasaka-zuru" is the flagship brand of Yoshioka Shuzojo, bearing a wish for eternal prosperity of the Yasaka land and the name of the auspicious bird, crane. Brewed by traditional "Kifune-shibori" to scrape off all off-flavors, the sake resonates with the clear water of Mt. Kongodouji, creating a beautiful taste as clear as a mirror. With one sip, the soft sweetness inherent in rice spreads quietly, and the finish is characterized by an elegant result that clears away like spring meltwater. Please enjoy the exceptional umami where Yasaka's climate and the maker's sincerity dwell, carefully spun one by one by the hands of artisans.

"Ichi" is the supreme brand of Nagao Shuzo, aiming for "the only one, the first one, and the best one" at the edge of the Tango Peninsula. The brewery workers who have watched over Nakahama's freezing sea polished every drop with traditional skills. It fusioned the wild umami inherent in rice and the sharp finish born from Ukawa water in top-prize balance. Discarding ornate decorations and honestly pursuing "tasty sake," the taste shows the figure of true local sake that one never gets tired of exactly because it doesn't aim for eccentricity. Please enjoy the powerful resonance where the pride of the maker, living with Tango's severe nature and staking their life on this cup, dwells.

"Choro" is the flagship brand bearing the name of the sacred mountain Mt. Chorogatake, receiving its clear water. The taste where the spirit of Tajima Toji dwells is clear like Kyotanba's severe winter, characterized by a transparent mouthfeel. Yet, the finish where the mellow umami inherent in rice quietly follows has a calmness and dignity suitable for the name "Choro" (the elder). Whether enjoyed chilled and sharp, or as lukewarm sake with an inclusive taste, it stays close to any meal and becomes the best supporting actor that makes conversation lively. Please savor the traditional taste that the region is proud of, a crystallization of Kyotanba's rich nature and the producer's unremitting efforts.

"Yosamusume" is the flagship brand representing the brewery, symbolizing Yosano's rich nature and the warmth of the people living there. Imaging Yosa Village, which has been loved since the Manyo era, it pursues a gentle rice umami and a soft mouthfeel created by spring water filtered through granite. Characterized by a good balance that stays close to dishes and one never gets tired of even if drinking every day, it is indeed like the "Flagship Daughter of Yosano" indispensable for local dining tables. While valuing tradition, the taste that somehow makes one feel freshness delivers smiles to many people across eras.

"Jakuchu" is a masterpiece brand of Taniguchi Shuzo where the art of Edo period genius painter Ito Jakuchu and Tango's passionate sake brewing are fusioned. The "Uryu-zu" (Rain Dragon) used on the label is a precious ink wash painting by Jakuchu owned by the brewery itself, and the lively figure of the dragon beautifully symbolizes the powerful yet delicate umami of Kyoto's unique sake rice "Iwai." The Junmai Daiginjo, with rice polished down to 50%, has a gorgeous aroma and a dignified sharpness. It boasts a high-quality taste suitable to be called "an art of a single drop." "Jakuchu" draws Tango's climate inside the glass with a brush named tradition. It is a supreme cup dedicated to everyone who loves art and delicious sake.

"Ice Breaker" is a summer limited brand of Kinoshita Shuzo that revolutionized the way of drinking sake. This sake with an impressive penguin label is a powerful and rich Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu designed on the premise of "drinking on the rocks." The taste that changes as the ice melts and the mellow umami that rises within the coldness are full of exhilaration that blows away the summer heat. "Ice Breaker" boldly proposes a new way of enjoying sake. As its name suggests, it is a cup that brings smiles, as if breaking the barriers of people's hearts.