Sake Brands
in Mie
Zaku
作 🏆 47 EC
"Zaku" is a brand born from the idea contained in the character "make" (作), meaning "sake is something created together with the person who drinks it." It is characterized by an elegant and gorgeous aroma and a transparent umami, while retaining a freshly pressed gas sensation. Despite being pasteurized, it possesses a freshness like unpasteurized sake, and its smooth mouthfeel and crisp finish captivate drinkers. Having won numerous awards at international liquor competitions, it is a bottle leading the modern sake scene.
Miyanoyuki
宮の雪 🏆 23"Miyanoyuki" is a renowned sake representing Mie, named after the "Miya" of Ise Jingu Shrine and the "Yuki" (snow) of the Suzuka Mountains. It is carefully brewed at low temperatures using clear subsoil water derived from the Suzuka River and carefully selected sake rice. Its flavor is characterized by a light and clean profile that also expands with the plump umami and sweetness inherent in the rice. Its crisp finish that one never tires of drinking is an excellent match for cuisine, and it has long been loved as a dining sake that enhances the seafood and mountain delicacies of Ise-Shima.
Jikon
而今 🏆 9 EC
"Jikon" is a brand named from the Zen phrase "Not being trapped in the past or the future, living this moment hard now." Fresh and juicy fruitiness and clean acidity harmonize in an exquisite balance. The sweetness and umami that spread the moment you put it in your mouth captivate many sake fans. It is one of the masterpieces representing modern times, also known as a premium sake that is difficult to obtain.
Hanzo
半蔵 🏆 15"Hanzo" is a premium brand representing Ota Shuzo, bearing the name of Iga's hero, Hattori Hanzo. A talented sake chosen as the toast sake at the Ise-Shima Summit, captivating VIPs from around the world. Using Iga's "Kami no Ho" and other ingredients, it achieves a gorgeous aroma, refined sweetness, and a sharp aftertaste. It is a famous sake staking the pride of Iga, making its name known to the world like a ninja.
Rumiko no Sake
るみ子の酒 🏆 1"Rumiko no Sake" is a popular brand, which can be said to be the face of the brewery, bearing the name of the brewery owner and toji, Rumiko Moriki. Named by Akira Oze, the author of the manga "Natsuko's Sake," who also handled the label illustration. Full of tenderness from being handmade and the umami of rice unique to junmai sake. Along with the label that has a story, it is a bottle you want to taste while feeling the passion of the maker.
Okagesama
おかげさま 🏆 11"Okagesama" is the flagship brand of Iseman, expressing the heart of Ise known for "Okage Mairi" (Thank-you Pilgrimage). Using subsoil water from the Isuzu River and carefully selected sake rice, it is brewed carefully in a brewery close to the sacred precincts of the shrine. Characterized by a fruity aroma and a well-balanced taste where you can feel the umami of rice even within its cleanliness. It is very popular as a gift to convey feelings of gratitude or as a souvenir from Ise.
Fukii
噴井 🏆 6"Fukii" is the main brand of Ishikawa Shuzo, named after the self-flowing water (fukii) that gushes out from within the brewery grounds. Taking advantage of the characteristics of high-quality subsoil water containing moderate minerals, it finishes with a clear and refreshing taste. The crisp throat feel goes perfectly with richly flavored dishes. You can enjoy a sophisticated mouthfeel with outstanding coolness like spring water.
Fukuwagura
福和蔵 🏆 7"Fukuwagura" is a Japanese sake of a new era brewed with traditional skills and the latest technology. Using sake rice and yeast from Mie Prefecture and clear water from Matsusaka, they realize a fresh and clear taste without unpleasant tastes. The charm is that you can enjoy the fresh taste just pressed anytime due to four-season brewing. It is a brand full of possibilities, proposing pairings not only with Japanese food but also with Western food and sweets.
Seiun
青雲 🏆 11"Seiun" is the flagship brand of Goto Shuzojo, derived from the phrase "Seiun no kokorozashi" (ambition of blue clouds/lofty ambition), expressing a noble spirit aiming for heights. It is characterized by a clean and light taste with a gentle umami of rice, making it a sake one never tires of drinking. It has been long loved in local Kuwana as a daily evening drink, possessing a versatility that naturally harmonizes with any dish. It is an approachable sake that makes you feel a freshness like a clear blue sky.
Hokosugi
鉾杉 🏆 6"Hokosugi" is a brand imbued with the wish to be a sacred and powerful sake like the cedars soaring in the sacred precincts of Ise Jingu Shrine. They have a wide lineup from regular sake to Daiginjo sake, and "Yamahai Shikomi" in particular has an exquisite balance of richness and acidity. It nestles close to the food culture of Ise-Shima, and its charm is a taste that you never get tired of drinking, which can be enjoyed both chilled and warmed. It is a synonym for local sake of Ise, continuing to be loved mainly locally.
Takijiman
瀧自慢 🏆 8 EC"Takijiman" is the main brand representing the brewery, brewed with the subsoil water of Akame 48 Waterfalls. With the motto "We cannot make sake that 100 people drink and 100 people say is delicious, but we can make sake that 100 people drink and 100 people are surprised by," they pursue quality-oriented sake brewing. A talented sake with many awards in global contests and served at the Ise-Shima Summit. The clear and transparent taste and balanced umami continue to fascinate drinkers.
Suzukagawa
鈴鹿川 🏆 7"Suzukagawa" is a brand that inherits the traditions of Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten, continuing to be loved in the local Suzuka region. Brewed with clear subsoil water from the Suzuka Mountains, it is characterized by a gentle, elegant aroma and a plump flavor where the rice umami expands. Enjopyable across a wide range of temperatures from chilled to warmed, it is a staple sake that one never tires of, accompanying daily dining tables as a food-pairing sake. The label featuring patterns of local Ise Katagami (paper stencils) is also beautiful, making it a masterpiece that lets you feel the climate of Mie.
Gizaemon
義左衛門 🏆 4"Gizaemon" is a flagship brand representing the brewery, bearing the name of the founder of Wakaebisu Shuzo, Gigzaemon Shigeto. Inheriting the founder's thought of "Delicious sake to more people," it is brewed imagining the smiles of drinkers. The refreshing aroma and clear taste go perfectly with food. Various limited sake appear every season, and it has the charm of not boring fans.
Mie no Kanbai
三重の寒梅 🏆 6"Mie no Kanbai" is the flagship brand of Maruhiko Shuzo, born in Showa 59 (1984). The name "Kanbai" (Winter Plum) derives from the dignified appearance of plum blossoms blooming ahead of other flowers in the bitter cold of winter, imbued with the wish to brighten the hearts of drinkers. Carefully brewed through low-temperature long-term fermentation, it is characterized by a plump aroma, smooth throat feel, and good aftertaste. Delicious chilled or warmed, it is widely loved both inside and outside the prefecture as a food-pairing sake that enhances the taste of cuisine.
Tabika
田光 🏆 4 EC"Tabika" is a limited distribution brand packed with Hayakawa Shuzo's passion, named after the Tabika River flowing near the brewery and the place name. Its greatest feature is the ultimately smooth and gentle mouthfeel resulting from brewing with ultra-soft water. While using unique sake rice such as Bizen Omachi, it never becomes heavy, and the umami of the ingredients spreads transparently. Bottled with freshly pressed freshness, it is a work of art with an exquisite balance of transparency and umami.
Wakaebisu
若戎 🏆 5"Wakaebisu" is a traditional brand that has been carefully protected since the founding of the brewery. Inspired by Ebisu-sama of the Seven Lucky Gods, it is imbued with the wish that good fortune will visit those who drink it. It has been loved for many years as an indispensable sake for local festivals and celebrations. The mellow taste where you can feel the umami of rice can be enjoyed in a wide range of ways, from chilled to warmed.
Tenka Nishiki
天下錦 🏆 4"Tenka Nishiki" is a rare brand brewed in an old brewery remaining on the ruins of the encampment of the former Todo domain. They adhere to traditional production methods that spare no effort, such as old-fashioned tank pressing. Characterized by a gentle and nostalgic aroma, and a profound taste where you can firmly feel the umami of rice. Although the distribution volume is small due to small-scale production, it is a gem supported by enthusiastic fans.
Hayate
颯 🏆 10"Hayate" is a limited distribution brand of Goto Shuzojo that makes you feel the wind of a new era. Its greatest feature is its refreshing and crisp, light mouthfeel, like a "Hayate" (gale/swift wind). Designed to suit modern dietary habits, it plays an exquisite balance of fruity aroma and fresh acidity. It is a stylish and modern sake whose charm is maximized when drunk chilled.
Kankoubai
寒紅梅 🏆 3 EC
"Kankoubai" is the flagship brand of Kankoubai Shuzo, also drawing attention for its novel designs such as animal labels. Maximizing the characteristics of sake brewing rice such as Gohyakumangoku and Yamada Nishiki, it is finished with a fresh and fruity aroma and a beautiful clear taste. Especially the Junmai Ginjo class is popular for its stylish and modern sake quality that makes you want to enjoy it in a wine glass. It makes you feel the sake of a new era where tradition and innovation are fused.
Haisei Basho
俳聖芭蕉 🏆 2"Haisei Basho" is the flagship brand of Hashimoto Shuzojo, bearing the name of the local great figure, Matsuo Basho. It was brewed aiming for a taste that is deep and permeates the heart, much like Basho's Haiku. The gorgeous aroma derived from flower yeast and the plump umami unique to Yamada Nishiki harmonize. It is a Japanese sake filled with the spirit of Iga, where you can feel warmth somewhere even within sophistication.
Uzume
鈿女 🏆 2"Uzume" is a representative brand of Ito Shuzo, derived from "Ame no Uzume no Mikoto," the goddess of performing arts appearing in the legend of Ama no Iwato. Imbued with the wish to be a sake that makes drinkers smile and softens the atmosphere, like the goddess also known as the mask of "Okame." It is characterized by a light mouthfeel that is easy for women to drink and a gorgeous aroma. Brewed with traditional techniques, this sake is a gem that adds glamour to celebratory occasions and fun gatherings.
Shuho
秀峰 🏆 1"Shuho" is a sake named after the beautiful mountain shape of Mt. Kyogamine. It was brewed aiming for a noble and clear taste like the peak of a mountain. Its charm lies in the good balance where you can feel the umami of rice even within the crisp dryness. Supported by people who love local nature, it was popular as a cup to taste while being grateful for the blessings of the mountains.
Hanabusa
英 🏆 2"Hanabusa" is a limited distribution brand of Moriki Shuzojo, which is particular about special brewing methods and raw material rice. "Hanabusa" means "superior / gorgeous," and as the name suggests, it aims to be a sake with outstanding individuality and gorgeousness. Pursuing safety, security, and the taste of nature, such as using organically grown rice from Iga. It is a premium taste that combines strength and elegance.
Suzushika
鈴鹿 🏆 2 ECTenichi
天一 🏆 1"Tenichi" is a traditional brand representing Hayakawa Shuzobu, named with the ambition of aiming for "Tenka Ippin" (Best under Heaven). It is the definitive version of daily sake that one never tires of, loved by the people of Mie for many years. It is characterized by a mellow mouthfeel and a somewhat nostalgic and comforting taste where the original umami of the rice lives. Delicious chilled or at room temperature, its flavor becomes even richer when warmed, and it goes excellently with home-cooked meals.