Sake Brands
in Miyazaki

Tokiichi is Unkai Shuzo's pinnacle daiginjo, named after master brewer Tokiichi Matsumoto who brings over 50 years of experience. This sake crystallizes the brewer's exceptional skill and experience—a craftsman who received the "Contemporary Master Craftsman" title from the Minister of Labour and was also awarded the Medal with Yellow Ribbon. Employing the traditional "tsurushi-shibori" (hanging press) method, where drops fall naturally by gravity alone, this luxurious pressing technique achieves an impeccably clear flavor free of off-notes. With an astonishing track record of consecutive Gold Awards at the National New Sake Appraisal, it demonstrates outstanding quality and consistency. Brewed with Aya spring water, selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Waters, and carefully chosen sake rice polished to its limits, it features an exquisite balance of elegant ginjo aroma and a delicate yet profound flavor. Presented in a special wooden box, it carries a refined dignity befitting special occasions and is highly regarded as a premium gift.

Ayanishiki is a honjozo sake brewed by Unkai Shuzo using Aya spring water, selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Waters. Known as the "phantom sake" due to its rarity. Brewed with Yamada Nishiki rice polished to 65%, using the pure water nurtured by the laurel forests of Aya. It features a light mouthfeel and a sweet lingering finish, making it an approachable sake even for beginners. With a standard alcohol content of 15-16%, it is versatile enough to enjoy across a wide range of temperatures from chilled to warm. With over 10 Gold Awards at the National New Sake Appraisal, its exceptional quality is well established. Production is so limited that it does not even appear on Unkai Shuzo's official website, making it an extremely rare brand that is difficult to obtain even locally. It is one of Miyazaki's representative sakes, born from the fusion of Aya's rich natural environment and Unkai Shuzo's craftsmanship.

Garaku is one of the brands produced by Unkai Shuzo. As a sake brewed using Unkai Shuzo's traditional methods and the clear water of Aya, it forms part of the company's lineup.

Hatsumiyo is a honjozo sake named in commemoration of Emperor Jimmu's enthronement as the first emperor. With a history as an offering sake to Miyazaki Shrine, which enshrines Emperor Jimmu, it is a brand deeply rooted in the myths and history of Miyazaki. Characterized by a gentle aroma and an elegant, light flavor, it has a crisp, clean finish that enhances the taste of accompanying dishes. It pairs particularly well with Miyazaki's regional cuisine such as free-range chicken dishes and fresh seafood. Brewed with Aya spring water from Japan's 100 Best Waters using traditional methods with meticulous care. Often chosen for Shinto ceremonies and celebrations, it is positioned as a brand that embodies the culture and traditions of the region. At 15.5% alcohol, it offers the versatility to be enjoyed across a wide range of temperatures from chilled to room temperature.

Kiku Hatsumiyo is a junmai (pure rice) version of the Hatsumiyo brand. Brewed exclusively with rice and rice koji, it pursues the inherent umami of rice for a richer flavor profile. It combines rich aroma and sweetness with body and crispness, featuring the deep flavor unique to a junmai sake made solely from rice and rice koji. Like Hatsumiyo, it shares a deep connection with Miyazaki Shrine and is often chosen as the sake of choice for special occasions. Brewed with Aya spring water and carefully selected sake rice, the full-bodied flavor characteristic of junmai sake pairs well with richly seasoned dishes, and it is cherished as a local sake to enjoy alongside Miyazaki's regional cuisine. It is a crystallization of Unkai Shuzo's junmai brewing expertise, drawing out the full umami of rice.

Sentoku is the flagship brand of Sentoku Shuzo, the pride of Miyazaki Prefecture's only sake-exclusive brewery. It is brewed using traditional methods with subterranean water from the Gokase River sourced from Takachiho and sake rice cultivated by local contract farmers. The lineup ranges broadly from honjozo to daiginjo, with junmai sake at its core. The junmai sake in particular is a masterpiece, with Miyazaki Prefecture-grown rice polished to 60%, capturing the umami of rice in every drop. It is characterized by a gentle aroma and a clean mouthfeel, with an acidity of 1.5 that achieves an exquisite balance perfect as a food-pairing sake. It possesses the robust flavor and rich taste common to Kyushu sakes, with enough strength to stand up to sweetly seasoned dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with Miyazaki's local cuisine, including Nobeoka's famous chicken nanban, as a local sake that has been nurtured alongside the region's food culture. With an impressive record of gold medals at the Annual Japan New Sake Awards, it demonstrates consistent technical skill and high quality. Sentoku is a signature Miyazaki sake brand that embodies the philosophy and craftsmanship of Sentoku Shuzo, which continues to preserve sake culture in the shochu kingdom of Miyazaki.

Yume no Naka Made is the pinnacle junmai daiginjo of Sentoku Shuzo, a luxurious bottle made with Yamada Nishiki rice from Takachiho polished to 50% or less. With 700 kg of rice washed entirely by hand and brewed carefully using only rice and rice koji, it is a crystallization of the brewery's technique and passion. It features an elegant, fruity aroma and a refreshing mouthfeel, with the umami of rice clearly present within its clean, refined flavor. Its crisp and refreshing drinkability holds a universal appeal that is widely embraced by sake beginners and connoisseurs alike. Using subterranean water from the Gokase River sourced from Takachiho as brewing water and fermenting slowly at low temperatures, it achieves a delicate and elegant flavor. At 15% alcohol, serving it chilled best highlights its gorgeous aroma and refreshing taste. Named for its flavor that inspires a feeling of happiness, making one want to keep drinking even into one's dreams, this brand is often chosen for toasts on special occasions and as gifts, and stands as a masterpiece embodying Sentoku Shuzo's technical prowess. It is truly a dream-like junmai daiginjo born from Miyazaki Prefecture's ingredients and traditional craftsmanship.