Sake Brands
in Niigata

Shimeharitsuru is a representative brand that can be called the soul of Miyao Shuzo. Brewed by Murakami's rich nature and the traditional techniques of over 200 years, its taste has received overwhelming support from sake fans nationwide as one of the famous sakes representing Niigata. Strictly selected high-quality rice and pure soft water are luxuriously used and carefully brewed over a long time at low temperatures. Its greatest features are a fine, silk-like smooth mouthfeel and an elegant aroma that is modest yet deep. A plump umami spreads gently in the mouth, and finally, it's a flawless balance that disappears cleanly and bravely. As an 'ultimate food sake' that never interferes with the taste of dishes but rather draws out their deliciousness to the maximum, it is highly praised by many professional chefs.

Kirinzan is an immovable flagship brand of Kirinzan Shuzo, named after the sacred mountain Kirinzan soaring along the Agano River. Pursuing the ideal form of Niigata's 'light and dry' style, it upholds the philosophy of being the 'ultimate daily sake' enjoyed with daily meals. Its greatest feature is the crystal-like transparency with all off-flavors removed and the vibrant sharp finish. The sake, sticking to local rice and carefully polished by in-house milling, never interferes with the taste of dishes, but rather gives a comfortable stimulation making you want to move the next chopsticks. While having a wide lineup from classic authentic dry to refined Daiginjo, the 'bravery (sharpness)' at its root is common. It is a 'dry masterpiece sake' representing Niigata that stays close to the daily life of drinkers and adds joy to the table.

Koshi no Kanbai is a supreme brand that has made its name known in the world of sake as the pinnacle of local sake and as a synonym for 'Tanrei' (light and clean) sake. Its popularity that swept the nation in the 1970s was truly a legend. It was not just a trend but a result of its genuine quality being recognized. Its true essence is the lightness as it slides down the throat and the lingering finish of sophisticated 'umami' that quietly follows. With one sip, one can tell that the elegant sweetness inherent in rice and the refreshing sharp finish are exquisitely harmonized. It is the 'ultimate food-pairing sake' that does not interfere with the taste of dishes but rather plays a role in enhancing them. Its pure taste that remains unchanged even as time passes continues to be a special existence for enthusiasts across Japan and the world.

Hakkaisan is an immortal masterpiece brand that symbolizes the 'light and dry' style of Niigata and has raised the standard of Japanese sake by one level. It is characterized by overwhelming transparency without impurities produced by the pure snowmelt water of the sacred Mt. Hakkai and a deep taste that allows you to faintly feel the sweetness of rice. Its quality, which stays close to any dish and never tires the drinker even after many glasses, transforms daily evening drinks into the best moments. In particular, special series aged for a long time in a snow cellar (Yukimuro) possess the mellowness and deep richness brewed by the passage of time. As a staple that colors the dining table, and as a sake for gifts or special occasions, it is a synonym for Japanese sake that continues to be loved across generations and borders.

Manotsuru is the flagship brand carrying the more than 120-year history of Obata Shuzo and is a world-renowned brand Sado is proud of. This sake, a fruit of Sado's rich nature as 'the island where crested ibises fly' and the passion of the brewers, can be called a treasure representing Niigata and Sado. Winning numerous gold awards at the National New Sake Competition and receiving gold medals at the IWC (International Wine Challenge), its quality is recognized as among the world's best. Provided in special spaces such as Air France's first class and TRAIN SUITE SHIKISHIMA, it has fascinated many executives. The fresh and elegant taste, symbolized by the 'Miku' series using 'Toki-certified rice,' achieving both environmental conservation and quality pursuit, is the ultimate expression of Sado's terroir.

Mineno Hakubai is a brand for dedication that carries the tradition of the brewery spanning 400 years. Based on the unique philosophy of 'Hojun Karakuchi' (rich and dry), it doesn't just end with being dry but combines the rich umami of rice and a dignified aftertaste. The taste created by Niigata's gentle nature and technology polished by history has an elegance that nestles in the essence of Japanese cuisine. The trust that has been loved for many years in the local Niigata area coexists with a strength that complements any gastronomy and a gentleness that deeply permeates the hearts of the drinkers. It is an immortal masterpiece with history and style that every Niigata local sake fan knows.

Hakuryu is a flagship brand symbolizing the brewery that Hakuryu Shuzo, founded in 1839, has continued to brew for over 180 years. It originates from the founder, who used to run a shipping business, naming the brand after the 'dragon, the guardian deity of the sea' wishing for safety of voyages and prosperity of business, and it combines strength and elegance suitable for the name. Its greatest feature is the overwhelming transparency woven by high-quality sake rice grown with contract farmers in the fertile land of Agano and clear water of the Agano River system. While maintaining traditional light and dry style, the taste that draws out the deep umami of rice is truly a legitimate Niigata sake to be proud of. The astounding record of winning the Monde Selection Gold Award for over 30 consecutive years proves its unchanging high quality. It is a famous sake representing Agano that demonstrates its true value in every temperature range, from chilled for a clear throat feel to hot for a plump aroma.

Kakurei is the flagship brand of Aoki Shuzo, named by Suzuki Bokushi, the author of 'Hokuetsu Seppu.' It is an auspicious name associated with the longevity of the crane, imbued with long history and tradition. Using the rich nature of Minami Uonuma and the pure meltwater of Mt. Makihata, it features a delicate flavor unique to the snow country. While light (Tanrei), the umami of the rice is firmly felt, creating an excellent balance as a food sake. It is a dignified sake produced by Aoki Shuzo's traditional brewing techniques and the terroir of the snow country.

Myokosan is the flagship brand of Myoko Shuzo, bearing the name of the sacred peak—the pride of the region. Using pure water from the Myoko mountain range and carefully selected sake rice, it is characterized by a crisp, refreshing quality where the gentle umami of rice lives within. Its flavor perfectly symbolizes the dignified air and rich natural blessings of Myoko. Valuing harmony with food culture, it is widely loved not only locally but also as a representative craft sake of Niigata.

Kikusui is a global brand that tells the identity of the brewery itself. Especially, the Namagenshu 'Funaguchi Kikusui Ichibanshibori,' which seals the freshly squeezed freshness in an aluminum can, has established an immovable status as a masterpiece indispensable for talking about the history of sake. Fresh and fruity aroma, gushing powerful umami, and a clear mouthfeel without any off-flavors. It is the 'real taste' that previously only brewers and craftsmen enjoyed. Also, it develops a diverse lineup that accompanies various scenes, from standard 'Kikusui Junmai' to high-end Daiginjo. Combining quality backed by tradition and innovation that always leads the era, it is a brand that embodies the 'freedom' and 'fun' of sake.

Takanoi is the brand bearing the brewery's name, where its pride and tradition can be felt most closely. While mastering the 'Tanrei Karakuchi' standard of Niigata sake, its flavor bringing out the gentle umami of rice has long been loved by people in local Ojiya. Its greatest charm is the clean taste that one never grows tired of even when drinking daily, combined with a versatility that harmonizes with any dish. The stable quality that can be enjoyed across all temperature ranges, from chilled to warmed, proves the brewery's high technical skills. Filled with the brewery's sincerity, it is a bottle that stays close to daily life and warmly colors the dining table.

Taiyozakari is a flagship brand of Taiyo Shuzo. Brewed using rice from Niigata Prefecture, clear water from Murakami, and the techniques of skilled Echigo brewers, its taste is a legitimate Niigata sake representative. While it is light and dry, it is characterized by a deep taste that makes one feel the umami of rice and a sharp finish. The stable quality that fits any scene from daily meals to celebratory days has gained strong support from enthusiasts locally and nationwide for many years. It is a brand that embodies 'Niigata's sake,' continuing to convey the weight of tradition in a form that harmonizes with modern food culture.

Echigozakura is a flagship brand of Echigozakura Shuzo and an item pursuing the traditional beauty of Niigata sake. Like a cherry blossom that blooms all at once after the silent winter of snow country Niigata, it values a pure and transparent taste and a gorgeous aroma that spreads softly. By the traditional Niigata 'light and dry' technique using moderate brewing alcohol, it achieves surprisingly refreshing and sharp finish while making the most of the umami of rice. While having a refined taste, it also has a familiarity that can be enjoyed daily and enhances the taste of a wide range of dishes. It has won many awards at domestic and international competitions, and its high quality is guaranteed. It is a brand loved beyond time, where the sincerity of Niigata's sake brewing and modern technology are in magnificent harmony.

Koshi no Yukitsubaki is a supreme brand of Yukitsubaki Shuzo, which is a full-volume Junmai brewery. Named after the snow camellia, an icon of the snow country, it pursues a clean and strong-core taste as if feeling the breath of spring that comes after enduring a severe winter. Using strictly selected rice from Niigata Prefecture, it is carefully brewed over time at low temperatures during the severe winter season. While it has the rich umami of rice unique to Junmai-shu, the aftertaste is surprisingly refreshing, and its beautiful sharp finish is its greatest attraction. The elegant aroma that is not too gorgeous and pleasantly passes through the nose enhances the taste of various dishes as well as Japanese food. It is a Junmai Ginjo sake that Niigata is proud of in the world, combining dignified dignity and the weight of tradition born from traditional 'handmade' brewing that does not spare time and effort.

Koshi no Bairi is the flagship brand representing DHC Shuzo. Pursuing the perfect harmony of rich umami and a gorgeous and elegant aroma, its quality is highly evaluated, such as shining with many gold awards at various exhibitions. It is characterized by high versatility that demonstrates its true value in all drinking scenes, from scenes where you carefully enjoy its rich afterglow alone to as an in-meal sake that enhances the meal. Brewed under the philosophy of 'extraordinary balance that can be enjoyed any way you drink it,' it is a bottle that attracts everyone from beginners to enthusiasts, symbolizing modern Niigata sake.

Echigo Yukikura is the representative brand of Tamagawa Shuzo, embodying Uonuma's wisdom of making sake delicious with the power of snow. In the 'Yukikura' (snow cellar) storing 1,000 tons of natural snow, it is aged slowly at an extremely low temperature of about 2°C year-round. By sleeping in this quiet environment, the sake loses its rough edges and transforms into an incredibly mellow and delicate flavor. Maintaining freshly-pressed freshness while adding depth through aging, its quality is truly a work of art touched by 'snow magic.' It is a clear and transparent cup of sake symbolizing the terroir of the snow country, Uonuma.

Koshi Meijo's flagship brand, a sake known for its solid richness and deep umami. Its primary characteristic is a satisfying, full-bodied profile that stands apart from the typical 'tanrei' trend of Niigata. Offering a wide range from premium Junmai Ginjo to everyday Junmai, it has earned high praise and silver medals at international competitions.

Koshi no Homare is the flagship brand representing Niigata, polished by Hara Shuzo for over 200 years. Brewed in Kashiwazaki overlooking the Sea of Japan, it uses pure underground water from Mount Yoneyama and carefully selected Niigata-grown rice, crafted with traditional techniques. Its most distinctive feature is a flavor that is both 'Tanrei' (light) and 'Hojun' (mellow), making it impossible to grow tired of. Within its clarity, stripped of impurities, the deep inherent umami of rice resonates, further enhancing the flavor of cuisine. It is a reliable masterpiece that has comforted the hearts of locals and travelers alike for many years.

Koshiji no Kohbai is a brand imagining the beauty of red plums blooming with dignity along the roads of Echigo. Like red plums blooming in the cold of early spring, it expresses the pure charm of sake brewed through the severe winter of Niigata. Using traditional brewing techniques and locally produced sake rice, its flavor is based on the 'Tanrei' taste typical of Niigata sake, while also offering a flowery and elegant aroma like red plums and balanced umami. It has a broad depth that exerts its potential at wide temperature ranges from chilled to warmed, and it is an emotional bottle that one wants to enjoy along with the changes of the seasons.

Koshi no Kagetora is the flagship brand representing the tradition and pride of Morohashi Shuzo. It is named after 'Nagao Kagetora,' the early name of warlord Uesugi Kenshin, who spent his youth in Tochio. Brewed with soft spring water from 'Todo no Mori' and an ancient well on the premises using 100% Niigata-grown sake rice, it is characterized by a gentle aroma and a dignified, crisp finish. Despite being dry, it has no rough edges, offering an incredibly smooth and silky mouthfeel that almost reminds one of rice juice, captivating fans across Japan.

Naebasan is the flagship brand of Naeba Shuzo, bearing the name of the sacred Mt. Naeba, a symbol of Tsunan Town and one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. The high-altitude moors spreading near the 2,145m summit and the pure white snow that piles up in winter. The pure brewing water nurtured by that majestic nature is the clean soul of this sake. The characteristic of the taste is 'light and dry,' which follows the royal road of Niigata sake. However, it is not just dry; the elegant and smooth mouthfeel produced by soft water brewing and the gentle umami of rice are layered to create a transparency like snowmelt water. The noble sharpness that complements any dish is just like the refreshing breeze blowing through the vast foot of Mt. Naeba. It is a representative drink of the brewery that expresses the terroir of the snow country Tsunan most purely.

Chiyo no Hikari is the flagship brand symbolizing over 160 years of history, bearing the brewery's name. While embodying the classic Niigata style of 'Tanrei Karakuchi' (light and dry), it is characterized by a quality where the gentle sweetness and mellowness of rice resonate, rather than being just dry. It possesses the versatility to complement any cuisine, offering a refreshing sensation when chilled and a plump umami when warmed. It is a staple craft sake that has been loved in local Niigata for many years, gently accompanying everyday happiness.

Soutenbou is an ambitious brand from Kawachu Shuzo, launched in 2000 with the goal of reviving the Echigo-style 'tanrei umakuchi.' Named after a legendary local mountain, its name carries the passionate message of 'sake brewed with the thoughts (sou) of the craftsmen and the blessings of heaven (ten).' With a steadfast commitment to using spring water from the Nishiyama Mountains and the rare local sake rice 'Takane Nishiki,' it achieves both the gentle umami of rice and a light, ephemeral finish. While carrying the weight of tradition, this sake carves out a new horizon, standing as a 'modern classic' nurtured by the terroir of Nagaoka and Mishima.

Chojasakari is a major historical brand of Niigata Meijo, named with the wish that 'everything prospers like a Choja (wealthy person) and auspicious events happen frequently.' As the name suggests, it has long been valued as a sake for celebrations and milestone events in the region. Nurtured by the severe cold of the snow country, Ojiya, it features a clean and light flavor while being carefully crafted to have a moderate umami and richness. The depth that one never tires of and harmonizes with any dish is truly the dignity of a 'Choja.' It is an auspicious sake that continues to stay close to people's happy moments.

Utashiro is an up-and-coming brand created by the new system of Tenryohai Shuzo as a 'flagship brand for the era to come.' The brand name is derived from a place name that once existed in Sado, containing a determination to connect history to the future. Its greatest feature is its amazingly beautiful transparency. By thoroughly eliminating miscellaneous tastes, the pure umami of rice, fruity acidity, and pleasant sweetness coexist in perfect balance. If you take a sip, you will roll your eyes at its freshness and want the next glass. It is a next-generation sake that nestles most in today's sophisticated food culture, condensing Tenryohai Shuzo's passion and philosophy.