Sake Brands
in Nara

KURAMOTO is a challenging brand launched by Kuramoto Sake Brewery in 2018, pursuing a "new standard" suitable for the present while respecting the history and tradition of Nara sake. It features refreshing aromas reminiscent of lychee, muscat, and grapefruit, expressing a "green" scent like Sauvignon Blanc in sake. It is a brand limited to special agents handled by the next-generation brewery owner, pursuing new flavors beyond the framework of traditional sake, and features a modern approach leading to wine and craft beer. In the rich natural environment of the Yamato Plateau, they are practicing quality-oriented sake brewing with small-scale production of about 70 koku per year.

Kingaku is a traditional brand brewed by Kuramoto Sake Brewery for generations, and was named because the distant peaks shining golden when clouds trail on the surrounding mountains and light shines through the gaps in the clouds become "Golden Mountains". Located in the mountainous area of the Yamato Plateau in Tsugehayama-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, this is local sake brewed with traditional methods using spring water from Mt. Yokotsu as brewing water. It is sake that the Kuramoto family has continued to brew rooted in the community, and embodies the typical taste of Nara sake as a reliable lineup mainly drunk by locals. They continue to practice quality-oriented sake brewing with a small-scale production of about 70 koku per year.

Komoriku no Sato is a brand of Kuramoto Sake Brewery, and "Komoriku" is derived from "Komoriku no Hatsuse" or "Komoriku no Hatsuse", which are pillow words for Nara, expressing the nature of the land surrounded by the rich nature of the Yamato Plateau. Located in the mountainous area of Tsugehayama-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, it is brewed using locally produced sake rice and spring water from Mt. Yokotsu in the natural environment of the Yamato Plateau at an altitude of 330 meters. Brewed by Kuramoto Sake Brewery, which produces about 70 koku per year on a small scale, it is a brand that reflects the local climate and history in sake, and features a taste that makes you feel the tranquility and richness of the mountain village.

Morohaku is a brand that was brewed by Nishida Sake Brewery, and is a historic brand name derived from "Nanto Morohaku", which has long been known as a famous sake of Nara. Nishida Sake Brewery was located in Tsuge-Tomoda-cho, Nara City, but has currently suspended operations. "Morohaku" is a brewing method that uses polished rice for both koji rice and kake rice, and is a high-quality sake brewing technique established in Nara during the Muromachi period. "Morohaku", which bears that name, was loved as a brand that inherited the tradition of historic Nara sake. Although it is not currently produced, it is remembered as a brand that conveys the history of sake brewing.

Onigonomi is a seasonal ori-zake (sake with sediment) developed by Imanishi Sake Brewery under the Mimurosugi brand, and is a rich freshly pressed raw sake that condenses the umami of rice under the theme of "delicious sake that even demons like". By bottling the sediment part after pressing as it is, it achieves a pleasant mouthfeel with moderate sweetness and fizzy gas feeling. Featured by a faint ramune-like flavor and a juicy sweet taste, using Hitomebore as raw rice, polishing ratio 70%, sake meter value -6, acidity 2.1, it is a sweet and fresh sake quality. The rich umami unique to ori-zake and the vibrant taste unique to raw sake harmonize, making it easy for sake beginners to drink. Using underground water from Mt. Miwa, Imanishi Sake Brewery, which has been brewing for over 360 years since its founding in 1660 in Miwa, the birthplace of sake brewing, combines the goodness of traditional sake brewing with modern friendliness. As a seasonal product that requires refrigeration, it is a popular brand loved locally where you can enjoy the freshness of freshly pressed sake.

Aun is a brand developed by Imanishi Sake Brewery, and its name is derived from the Buddhist term "Aun" (representing the beginning and end of everything). Imanishi Sake Brewery, located on the approach to Omiwa Shrine, puts spirituality and philosophy into the brand name as sake brewed in Miwa, a religiously and historically important land. As the word "Aun no kokyu" (breathing in unison) implies, it is characterized by sake quality that pursues harmony and balance, and is brewed under the concept of "Drinking Miwa" using underground water from Mt. Miwa. It is a brand that expresses the spirituality of Miwa, the birthplace of sake brewing, by Imanishi Sake Brewery, which has a history of over 360 years since its founding in 1660. In the land where the god of sake resides, the philosophy of sake brewing that reflects the harmony of opposites such as god and man, beginning and end, yin and yang in sake is reflected, and as one of the Mimurosugi brands, it plays a role in conveying the cultural and religious depth of the land of Miwa. Among Imanishi Sake Brewery's diverse product lineup, it transmits the culture of Miwa through sake as a brand that emphasizes history and spirituality.

"Daimyo Shoya Zake" is a brand of active nigori sake produced by Nishiuchi Sake Brewery. It is characterized by a fresh and rustic taste containing the umami of rice and fermentation gas, bottling the flavor of moromi as it is. Although the alcohol content is high in the 19% range, the mellowness unique to nigori sake and the effervescence harmonize, resulting in a rich and satisfying sake quality. You can enjoy it as it is chilled, or you can fully enjoy its individuality even on the rocks or mixed with soda. Preserving traditional manufacturing methods, the simple yet powerful taste goes well with richly seasoned dishes and shines as a sake to accompany meals. It is a gem that the brewery is proud of, conveying to the present day the luxurious and rich taste that former influential people such as "Daimyo" and "Shoya" would have enjoyed.

"Daishokukan" is a brand derived from the highest rank "Taishokukan" granted to Fujiwara no Kamatari, the deity of Tanzan Shrine located near Nishiuchi Sake Brewery. As a sake brewed in a historical place, it reflects sake brewing that values prestige and tradition. Using sake brewing rice from Nara Prefecture and brewed with clear underground water from the Mt. Tonomine system, this sake is characterized by a mellow taste that brings out the umami of rice and a sharp finish. It is a confident work that the brewery, which has walked with the history of Tanzan Shrine, sends out to the world bearing its historic name, and is also popular for special occasions and gifts. It is a bottle where you can enjoy a deep and calm taste that makes you feel the glory of Fujiwara no Kamatari and the romance of history.

"Hinode" was a representative brand brewed by Okano Sake Brewery, and as the name suggests, it was named with the image of bright hope and vitality like the "sunrise". Nurtured in the cool climate of Mitsue Village, this sake was characterized by a refreshing drinking mouth and mellow taste, and was indispensable for the evening drink of local people, such as undiluted sake and Honjozo. It has now become a phantom sake that is difficult to obtain, but its taste, which was once loved in the highland village, has been handed down as part of the local sake culture.

"Hatsugasumi" is a traditional brand that has continued since the founding of Kubo Honke Sake Brewery, and is a local sake that has been loved by the people of Uda Matsuyama for many years. Named as a brand that makes you feel the atmosphere of the four seasons, it strongly reflects the history and climate of the brewery. Centered on Kimoto-zukuri, it has solid acidity and umami, yet the mouthfeel is refreshing, and it is characterized by being enjoyable in a wide range of temperatures from cold to warm. It has outstanding compatibility with dishes using local ingredients in particular, and the unpretentious yet core taste that accompanies the daily dining table is attractive. It is a bottle that can be said to be the face of the brewery, conveying the appearance of good old sake to the present.

"Suiryu" is a brand that embodies the essence of "Kimoto-zukuri" and "aging" that Kubo Honke Sake Brewery has thoroughly adhered to. It was named because it hides the power of a legendary creature, the dragon, waking from sleep and ascending to the heavens. The dry sake quality honed by complete fermentation is rounded off by long-term aging and sublimated into deep and mellow umami. Its true value is most demonstrated in "Okan" (warming), and the soft aroma and richness that expand by warming unravel the drinker's heart. The simple and sturdy taste that strips away flashy aromas and sweetness and draws out the original power of rice gathers tremendous support as a sake for connoisseurs to accompany meals. The famous specialty "Kimoto no Dobu" is also listed in this lineup, constructing a unique worldview that is both rich and sharp.

"Akino Monogatari" is a sake characterized by a beautiful pale red color, brewed using ancient red rice cultivated in the land of Uda and Akino, which was once a hunting ground for royalty. The taste that makes you feel the romance of Manyo begins with gentle sweetness derived from rice, followed by faint astringency unique to ancient rice, and then crisp dryness typical of sake, allowing you to enjoy a complex and deep finish. Due to its beautiful appearance and mellow flavor, it is popular as an aperitif or dessert sake, and its individuality stands out even more by drinking it chilled. It is a special bottle created by the history and climate of Uda that can be enjoyed with both eyes and tongue.

"Chiyo no Matsu" is a representative brand that inherits the tradition since the founding of Yoshimura Sake Brewery, and was named with the hope that it will continue to be loved by people for a long time, like a pine tree that keeps its age for a thousand years. Brewed with clear water and high-quality rice from the Uda Highlands, this sake is characterized by a refreshing dry taste and is loved locally as a staple for evening drinks that you never get tired of drinking. In addition, this brand also includes unique products such as "Shinbutsu Shugo no Sake", possessing a profound worldview that fuses traditional manufacturing methods and historical backgrounds. It is a famous sake filled with the pride of the brewery that adds color to the daily dining table as a sake to accompany meals that brings out the taste of dishes.

"Rihei" is a Junmai Ginjo Genshu that bears the name of the particular founder, Rihei Kita, and conveys his original intention and passion to the present day. Using 100% Gohyakumangoku from Fukui Prefecture and completely fermenting it with the power of yeast, they realized an alcohol content of 20%, which is exceptional for sake. As indicated by the high alcohol content and acidity of 3.0, it is characterized by a profound and deep taste and high-quality acidity. While having a powerful impact like distilled liquor, the rich flavor resonates beautifully. It is a challenging bottle that embodies the uncompromising spirit of the founder and expands the possibilities of sake.

"Hakuju" is the highest peak Daiginjo sake that gathers the best of Kita Sake Brewery's technology, and was named after the old name of "Shirakashi" (white oak) growing in the grove of Kashihara Jingu. Polishing King of Sake Rice "Yamada Nishiki" from Hyogo Prefecture to 40%, it is brewed slowly at low temperature. It is characterized by a gorgeous and elegant aroma like fruit and a delicate taste with a sense of transparency, keeping an exquisite balance between gentle sweetness and a refreshing aftertaste. It has a history of winning the Gold Prize at the National New Sake Appraising and Deliberating Fair, and its high quality is guaranteed. It is a famous sake full of grace that is loved as a toast sake to color sunny days or as a gift for important people.

"Asukaji" was a brand of Kishinotake Sake Brewery, named after the ancient roads of the Asuka region, which can be said to be the spiritual hometown of Japan. Brewed in a land overlooking the Yamato Three Mountains, which were also sung in the Manyoshu, this sake was loved as a taste that makes you feel the romance and history of the ancient capital. It is not currently produced, but its name, nurtured by the climate of Manyo, is etched in the memories of local history enthusiasts and sake fans.

"Kishinotake" was the representative brand of Kishinotake Sake Brewery, bearing the name of the brewery. Loved by the locals in Yagi-cho, Kashihara City, it was familiar as local sake close to daily life. Even in its refreshing taste, there was a depth that made you feel the clear stream of the Yoshino River and the nature of Yamato, and it was valued as a sake during meals that enhances dishes. Currently, production has ended while being regretted, but its soft taste has been handed down along with the memory of sake brewing that was once in this place.

"Ukon Tachibana" is a brand with a noble and elegant name derived from the "Ukon no Tachibana" (Mandarin Graphic on the Right) in the Shishin-den Hall of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Brewed in the rich nature and historical background of Asuka Village, this sake had an elegant aroma even in its refreshing taste, and a taste that made you feel the atmosphere of the ancient capital. Currently, sales are suspended, but its name has been handed down along with the history of Asuka.

"Shusse Otoko" (Success Man) is the flagship brand of Kawai Sake Brewery, which, as the name suggests, contains auspicious meanings such as "success in life". Brewed with traditional careful handmade methods, this sake is characterized by a crisp aftertaste while having a solid rice flavor and richness. It is very popular for celebrations and gifts, and its powerful yet warm taste that seems to deliver energy and good luck to the drinker is attractive.

"Unebi" is a brand named after "Mt. Unebi", one of the Yamato Three Mountains viewed from Imai-cho, Kashihara City, where the brewery is located. Like the gentle and graceful figure of Mt. Unebi, it is characterized by a soft mouthfeel and a gentle taste where the umami of rice spreads gently. This sake, bearing the name of a mountain loved since the Manyo era, is a bottle you want to enjoy leisurely while feeling the history and nature of Nara.

"Kaguyama" is a brand derived from "Ama no Kaguyama", which has been regarded as the most sacred among the Yamato Three Mountains. Like its noble image that appears in myths and the Manyoshu, it was brewed in pursuit of a gorgeous and dignified aroma and a sophisticated and beautiful taste. It is loved by many people as a sake that colors the dining table on special days, and as a cup that makes you think of the ancient times of Nara.

"Jobonjiya" is a brand that symbolizes the pride and tradition of the brewery, bearing the trade name of Kawai Sake Brewery since its founding. Poured with the skills and spirit cultivated over history of more than 280 years, it is characterized by a profound yet sophisticated taste. Its taste, which makes you feel the history of the brewery which is an Important Cultural Property, invites the drinker to a journey of deep history along with the atmosphere of Imai-cho in the ancient capital, Nara.

"Sokyu" is a brand named after Sokyu Imai, a tea master and wealthy merchant associated with Imai-cho who was active in the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Against the background of the history of Imai-cho, which has a deep connection with the culture of tea ceremony, it is finished with a light and sharp dry taste. This sake, considered primarily for its compatibility with meals, enhances the taste of various dishes including Japanese food, and is loved by gourmets as a famous supporting role during meals.

"Manyo Asuka Cup" is a cup sake that you can enjoy easily, themed on the history of Nara and Asuka and Manyo romance. The package depicting the landscapes of the Yamato Three Mountains and Asuka is perfect for memories of the trip, and the inside is also filled with authentic sake carefully selected by Kawai Sake Brewery. It is a friendly bottle that allows you to easily feel the climate of Nara during sightseeing or daily evening drinks.

"Imai no Sato" is a brand with attachment to the local area, bearing the name of "Imai-cho", an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Like the townscape retaining the atmosphere of the Edo period, it is characterized by a calm yet profound and timeless sake quality. Melting into the daily lives of local people and continuing to be loved at the dining tables of Imai-cho, it is a bottle worthy of being called "sake of the village".