Sake Brands
in Nagano

"Kyoka Suigetsu" is a limited distribution brand developed by Iwanami Shuzo with the theme of "refined beauty." Imagining a fleeting yet beautiful scene like "flowers reflected in a mirror or the moon reflected in water," it pursues a gorgeous aroma and a sense of transparency in taste. It is an elegant and graceful sake that colors special days and time with loved ones.

"Fukashitsuru" is a brand full of attachment to the local area, bearing the old name of Matsumoto, "Fukashi." With a lineup centered on Honjozo, it is characterized by an unadorned and honest taste that accompanies daily evening drinks. It is local sake rooted in the region that has walked with the history of Matsumoto Castle town.

"Sasanohomare" is a brand that conveys the warmth of handmade sake, brewed by Sasai Shuzo, a small community-based brewery. Rooted in the local food culture, it is characterized by a profound umami that tastes deeper the more you drink it, although it is not flashy. Because production volume is limited, it is loved as a hidden famous sake known to those in the know.

"Shunkairodori" is a seasonal limited brand from Daishinshu Shuzo that heralds the arrival of spring. It is characterized by the freshness unique to unfiltered unpasteurized sake and the creamy and juicy taste caused by the lees entwined. You can enjoy the gorgeous aroma like spring when flowers are in full bloom and the taste full of vitality.

"Shinano Kunsui" is a brand where Daishinshu Shuzo expresses the clear water and air of Shinshu. It is characterized by transparency like snowmelt water from the Northern Alps and a refreshing aroma, and when you put it in your mouth, you feel as if clear water permeates your body. It is a mealtime sake with a beautiful and clear taste that demonstrates its true value when enjoyed with meals.

"Yoikana" is the flagship brand of Yoikana Shuzo, bearing the word meaning affirmation and joy, "Yoikana" (It is good). It contains the wish to be sake that adds "joy" not only to celebratory occasions and special days but also to casual daily dining tables. The full umami of rice and the beautiful aftertaste where the goodness of water lives give peace of mind to the drinker.

"Yokobue" is a romantic brand derived from Yokobue, a lady-in-waiting to Kenreimon-in, the tragic heroine of "The Tale of the Heike." It is a "mellow dry" sake characterized by a rich aroma, a mellow mouthfeel where the umami of rice spreads, and a sharp aftertaste. From cold sake to warmed sake, it shows various expressions depending on the temperature, and it is a deep-pocketed sake that can be enjoyed according to the season and dishes.

"Maihime" is a traditional and elegant brand named after "Ohu Maiko" because it was founded in the year of Emperor Meiji's silver wedding anniversary. Using underground water from Kirigamine and carefully selected sake rice, it is characterized by a deep taste where the five tastes of sweetness, acidity, astringency, bitterness, and umami harmonize. From cold sake to warmed sake, it shows various expressions depending on the temperature, and it is a versatile mealtime sake that you never get tired of drinking.

"Suiro" is a limited distribution premium brand released by Maihime Shuzo born in 1999. "Sui" means beauty like jade, and "Ro" means dew drops that are fleeting yet beautiful, expressing a gorgeous and transparent taste. Through thorough temperature control and unfiltered bottling, it is a superb masterpiece that locks in the freshness of freshly pressed sake and the aroma like fruit.

"PRINCESS TIME" is a new sensation sake created by a female vice master brewer with the desire to "have people who are not good at sake and women enjoy it too." It is characterized by a fruity and sweet-sour taste like extremely sweet white wine. Along with the pop and cute design, it is a bottle that can be enjoyed like a dessert, coloring relaxation time gorgeously.

"Takao no Tengu" is a regional brand sake of Hachioji, Tokyo, using sake rice produced in Hachioji. Brewed with the technology of Maihime Shuzo, this sake coexists with the full umami of rice and refreshing sharpness. It is a tasteful bottle created by the bond beyond the region, woven by the feelings of the people of Hachioji and the nature of Suwa.

"Reijin" is the representative brand of Reijin Shuzo, brewed with underground water from Kirigamine and sake rice from Nagano Prefecture. It was named with the aim of having a beautiful and elegant taste like a "beautiful person." The transparent and smooth mouthfeel and the well-balanced taste where the umami of rice spreads go perfectly with a wide range of dishes, let alone Japanese food.

"Miyasaka" is a series that re-examines the roots of Miyasaka Brewing and fuses return to the origin with new challenges. As the birthplace of "Association No. 7 Yeast," they pursue its potential and design with emphasis on the balance between rice umami and acidity. The fresh and juicy taste adds color to the modern dining table and proposes a new way to enjoy sake.

"Hijiridake" is the highest grade brand of Kikusui Shuzo, named after Mt. Hijiri, a famous peak in the Southern Alps. By highly polishing carefully selected Yamada Nishiki and slowly fermenting it at low temperature for a long time, gorgeous ginjo aroma and plump taste are realized. Its quality is highly evaluated, winning numerous gold medals in domestic and international contests.

"Zankuro" is a dry series of Miyajima Saketen with the theme of "Cutting cleanly." pursuing the vivid sharpness and the cleanliness of the aftertaste, like the Engetsusappo (Full Moon Killing Technique) appearing in the novel "Nemuri Kyoshiro." The aftertaste that cuts sharply while making you feel the umami of rice goes well with fatty meat dishes and dishes with strong seasoning.

"Suigakuso" is a new pure rice sake line blending tradition and innovation of Miyajima Saketen. Using low-polished rice, it features a rustic taste utilizing the powerful original umami and acidity of rice. It is a bottle with depth and responsiveness that can be enjoyed both cold and hot.

"Chiquito" is a new type of sake that is low alcohol and sweet and sour. As the name meaning "small" in Spanish implies, the size and taste that can be enjoyed casually are attractive. It is easy to drink for sake beginners and women, and is also recommended as a dessert sake or aperitif.

"Kanane" is a Junmai Ginjo sake of Senjo aimed at a taste that resonates with the heart like music. Using Miyama Nishiki from Nagano Prefecture, gorgeous aroma, transparent sweetness, and refreshing acidity harmonize. It contains the wish that you enjoy the harmony played together with the meal.

"Konna Yoru ni..." (On Such a Night...) is a popular series of Senjo, filled with attachment to the nature and animals of Shinshu. Animals of Ina Valley such as deer and salamanders looking up at the moon are drawn on the label. The balance of juicy umami and acidity is exquisite, and together with the bottle design with a story, it directs a special night.

"Senningura" is a brand sticking to traditional handmade brewing, which is the spiritual pillar of Senjo. Named after the old storehouse "Senningura" on the premises of the brewery. Protecting the old-fashioned manufacturing method, it features a deep taste filled with the skills and soul of the brewers.

"Senjo" is the main brand bearing the name of the brewery, where tradition since its foundation and innovation coexist. With the philosophy of "making the most of what we have now," they practice sake brewing sticking to local rice, water, and people. It is filled with pride as local sake of Shinshu Ina Valley, loved across generations.

"Nanatsu no Warai Sake" is a brand symbolizing the founding spirit of Nanawarai Shuzo. It contains the positive message of "Nanawarai Yaoki" (Seven laughs, eight risings), meaning to laugh off difficulties and move forward. It features a pure and deep taste created by the underground water of Kiso.

"Bi ROKU" is a new attempt of Nanawarai Shuzo that harmonizes with the beautiful nature of Kiso. A sophisticated "beautiful" taste woven by traditional skills and clean water. It is a bottle where you can enjoy a pleasant aftertaste and pairing with meals.

"Zenkichi" is the first limited distribution brand of Nakazen Shuzoten. Mainly using "Sankanishiki", a suitable rice for sake brewing in Nagano Prefecture homegrown by the brewers, it is brewed by traditional handmade methods. It features a gentle and clear aroma, a light gas feeling, and a transparent modern taste where sweetness and acidity harmonize.

"Yamabiko" (Mountain Echo) is a brand aiming for a powerful yet refreshing taste that echoes through the mountains of the Northern Alps. It features a crisp mouthfeel that makes you feel the clear water and air of the mountains. It is familiar as a drink to enjoy after climbing or in nature.