Sake Brands
in Niigata

Karakuchi Sankei is a Junmai brand boasting one of Japan's best sharpness, specialized in the ultra-dry style that Obata Shuzo is proud of. Along with the feelings contained in the name 'Sankei,' it is brewed with thorough commitment for dry sake enthusiasts. By carefully polishing Gohmanyakoku and Niigata-produced rice and slowly fermenting them at low temperatures, it has achieved an amazing dryness of a sake meter value of +14 to +16. However, it is not just dry. Within the soft mouthfeel produced by Sado's pure water, the original flavorful umami of rice is firmly alive. The clean and clear aftertaste is the ultimate dry Junmai sake that upgrades the daily dining table.

Gakkogura (School Brewery) is a brand symbolizing the innovativeness of Obata Shuzo, brewed at a brewery that regenerated the closed former Nishimikawa Elementary School. The school building, once called 'the elementary school with the most beautiful sunset in Japan,' has been reborn as a base for sustainable sake brewing. Using 100% Sado-grown rice (such as Toki-certified rice) and brewing with clean energy from solar power. As students and local people are also involved in the brewing, it is full of charm as a 'Sake Special District' that goes beyond a mere production base. Its taste is characterized by a fresh and pure transparency reflecting the terroir. Winning numerous awards at international competitions, it is a brand full of hope that conveys Sado's rich nature and warm community to the world.

Ichiho is a special Junmai sake that is a confident work of Obata Shuzo, directly bringing out the deliciousness of Sado-produced rice. This brand, born from the thought of 'giving thanks to a single ear of rice,' is a bottle that is unpretentious but gives a sure sense of satisfaction. It is characterized by a balanced taste in which the softness and gentleness of rice are melted. Rather than relying on flashy aromas, it balances the modesty as a 'side player of meals' that makes one feel relieved with one sip and the quality that one never tires of drinking and wants to have another glass. It is a friendly Junmai sake born from Sado's terroir that nestles in the daily dining table and makes ordinary dishes taste even more delicious.

Sashu Masamune is a legitimate brand of Obata Shuzo, crowned with 'Sashu' (the ancient name of Sado Province) and inheriting the traditional honorific title for sake, 'Masamune.' It condenses the history of sake brewing nurtured in Sado and the island's identity into a single bottle. Based on the spirit of 'Shiho-Wajo (Rice, Water, People, Sado)' which forms the basis of Obata Shuzo, it pursues a classic sake quality rooted in the region. The core umami of rice and the refreshing throat-feel, which are not swayed by trends, are just like the terroir of Sado itself. While protecting traditional brewing techniques, the attitude of continuing to nestle in the life of the island has a weight that can be called Sado's cultural heritage.

Oiran no Sato is a brand with a naming that symbolizes Japanese traditional beauty and elegance. As the name suggests, it is characterized by a gorgeous and glamorous aroma and a sophisticated taste that makes one feel a dignified inner strength. Based on traditional Sado sake brewing techniques while incorporating modern sensibilities, this sake's charm is the elegant aroma that spreads the moment it is poured into a glass. It is a sake for enjoying Japanese aesthetics with all five senses, suitable for dinner on special days or as a gift for loved ones.

Kiraran is a brand symbolizing the modern side of Hokusetsu Shuzo, which looks great in modern dining spaces and casual scenes. As the name with a light and popping sound suggests, it is characterized by an easy-to-drink and refreshing taste. This is a new-sensation bottle that would be recommended for those who want to start enjoying sake or those who want to enjoy pairing it with Western food or sweets. While utilizing the characteristics of Sado's pure water, it pursues a light mouthfeel that does not feel heavy. It is a playful sake born from free ideas that adds a sparkling color to daily life.

Tsubame Bunsui Sakura Matsuri is a stylish limited brand of Hokusetsu Shuzo, specially brewed to commemorate the 'Bunsui Oiran Dochu' (Oiran Procession), a spring tradition in Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture. The scene of the gorgeous festival, where an Oiran dressed in a glamorous costume marches under the cherry blossoms in full bloom, is sealed into a single bottle. It is characterized by a gorgeous and fresh aroma that makes one feel the arrival of spring and a gentle and light mouthfeel. It is very popular not only for cherry blossom viewing parties but also as a gift to celebrate a new start. It is a special sake for delivering the memory of Niigata's beautiful spring to the whole country and the world along with the ultimate taste played by Sado's prestigious brewery, Hokusetsu.

NOBU is a premium brand released to the world by Hokusetsu Shuzo, crowned with the name of the world-renowned charismatic chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. This series, loved and drunk at 'NOBU' restaurants all over the world, has established its position as 'the best sake that complements dishes' across borders and cultures. Each lineup, including Ginjo, Daiginjo, and top-class products using centrifugal separators, pursues the ultimate balance to support diverse gastronomic experiences, from delicate Japanese cuisine to powerful fusion dishes. The taste, which has captivated celebrities all over the world including Robert De Niro, is a global standard born from Sado's rich terroir.

Sado no Doburoku is a brand that connects Sado's rich rural culture to the next generation and can be called the origin of Sado Hakko. It has sublimated the most primitive and energy-filled form of sake, which is not pressed, into a sophisticated quality with high brewing technology. The thick and rich mouthfeel and the sense of satisfaction where the rich flavor of rice spreads throughout the mouth. The fresh taste that conveys the breath of fermentation as it is is the terroir of Sado itself. It is a flavorful and powerful bottle loved by health-conscious people and true sake lovers.

Sasaiwai is the flagship brand symbolizing the spirit of Sasaiwai Shuzo. The name, which carries the wish to be 'sake that celebrates local joy,' promises a warm taste in harmony with Niigata's gentle nature. The 'Sasajirushi' series, which they specifically focus on, pursues an exquisite balance of being 'rich yet easy to drink and never getting tired of.' By sticking to non-filtration and in-bottle aging, it realizes a pleasant sharpness where the aftertaste disappears quickly while drawing out the sweetness and umami of rice to the maximum. Also attractive is its lineup that meets diverse needs, such as 'Sasasunday,' which is easy for women and young people to get familiar with, and the sophisticated 'Chikurin Sofu.' It is a sincere hand-crafted sake that nestles in the daily life of Niigata and turns everyday moments into celebrations.

Echigo Tsurukame is the immovable signature brand that bears the name of the brewery. Based on the traditional virtue of Niigata sake, 'clean taste,' it is a modern sake where the plump umami of rice and comfortable acidity are harmonized at a high level. Especially the Junmai Ginjo series recommended for enjoying in wine glasses is characterized by a fresh aroma reminiscent of green apples and melons and natural sweetness derived from rice. While sticking to traditional hand-crafted production methods, thorough quality control by one-time pasteurization and in-bottle storage supports the stable deliciousness that gives an impression whenever drunk. Loved by various generations, including being sold on the Joetsu Shinkansen, its taste is like a 'gem of the dining table' that Niigata is proud of.

Nisai no Kamoshi is an innovative brand born from the challenge of young talents who throw a stone into the future of the sake industry. Brewers and sellers under 30 years old team up and pack sensibilities and passion that only that generation can create into the bottle. The biggest feature is an approach that overturns common sense, using the highest quality table rice, Niigata-produced Koshihikari, with a polishing ratio of 60%. It coexists with a fruity and fresh aroma reminiscent of bananas and pears, a plump sweetness unique to table rice, and an amazing clean aftertaste. Along with the sophisticated appearance that won the Good Design Award, its taste that makes one feel a new era is a drop that symbolizes the 'new dawn' of sake.

Fukugao is a flagship brand that embodies the brewery's thoughts. It is brewed with the aim of bringing small happiness and a literal 'smiling face (Fukugao)' to the drinkers' daily life. The biggest feature is the silky smooth and rounded mouthfeel created by the super soft water of the Igarashi River. Reserved yet elegant sweetness and gentle acidity melt together in an exquisite balance, elegantly conveying the rich umami of rice. While having various expressions from traditional Junmai sake to a surprising bottle aged in whiskey barrels, a common gentleness flows at the root. It is a sake that warms the heart, filled with the terroir of Sanjo and the sincerity of the brewers.

Echigo Heiya is a brand with deep attachment to the region, containing the blessings of the vast Echigo Plain in a single bottle. The strength of the rice nurtured in this fertile land, including Sanjo City, and the transparent drinking mouth that makes one feel the clear air are attractive. It goes well with any dish and is a presence that supports daily evening drinks casually and with certain satisfaction. The simple yet strong taste that reminds one of the rich terroir of the Echigo Plain is deeply rooted in the lives of local people.

Usuya is a special heritage brand that carries on the history of Fukugao Shuzo dating back to its founding. It looks back at the origin of the brewery and expresses the depth of tradition polished over many years. It is characterized by a calm and dignified taste and a rich, lingering aftertaste. While making one feel the weight of history, its sophisticated balance that never feels old-fashioned is the very figure of 'sake loved across time.' It is a bottle full of style suitable for when you want to savor important time carefully.

Tokiwamatsu is a traditional brand inherited by Murayu Shuzo, a historical brand that has been loved for many years in its local Niigata. Its name, symbolizing unchanging quality, contains the brewery's vow to deliver delicious sake in any era, like the pine needles that never wither. Drawing a line from the innovative sweet style of the 'Murayu' brand, it is characterized by a very elegant taste where dignified Ginjo aroma and sophisticated sweetness are harmonized. The pure philosophy of owner-brewer Mr. Murayama, 'making things that I feel are delicious,' lives in this local traditional brand, boasting a high degree of perfection that makes one stand tall every time they drink it.

Hanakoshiji is a flagship brand of Murayu Shuzo for the local community, reflecting the rich landscape of Kosudo, Niigata. Fitting for the beautiful name 'Path of Blooming Echigo,' it is brewed carefully with as much time and effort as upper classes, even though it is Futsu-shu (regular sake). The biggest feature is the exquisite resonance of the rich sweetness that colors daily life and the sharp finish that disappears amazingly quickly. The elegant aftertaste reminiscent of high-grade Japanese sweets never loses its charm whether chilled or warmed. It is a sake like a local treasure, concentrating the brewery's sincere attitude of 'delivering high-quality sake to local dining tables.'

Takamura Kei is a special brand among Murayu Shuzo's limited lineups where the technical beauty and artistry of owner-brewer Kensuke Murayama are pursued to the limit. It is a supreme sake born from a stoic attitude aiming for the best taste without being bound by specific specifications. Based on the elegant sweetness characteristic of the 'Murayu' brand, it further sharpens it to realize the ultimate sophistication woven by depth and complexity. The high informative content in one sip and the artistic degree of perfection where they are beautifully harmonized possess a style suitable for being chosen as a drink for a special day. It is a rare brand where you can experience the 'ultimate of sweet style,' with only a limited number released to the world.

Murayu is a revolutionary brand that shook the sake world by challenging Niigata's 'Tanrei Karakuchi' (light and dry) market with the new concept of 'elegant sweet style.' Its taste, inspired by 'Wasanbon' sugar, has no stickiness like sugar, and multi-layered sweetness and a clean finish that disappears quickly coexist. Details such as rice type, polishing ratio, sake meter value (SMV), and acidity are not disclosed at all. This mysterious policy is the strong belief of owner Mr. Murayama, who wants people to 'throw away prejudices called specs and purely enjoy the deliciousness felt by the tongue.' By adopting ranking like German wine (Black, Navy, Akane, etc.), it continues to propose new ways to enjoy sake. Coupled with the rarity created by limited distribution, it is a brand that can be called a pioneer of the sweet sake boom, making sake fans across the country enthusiastic.

AWANAMA is an innovative sparkling cloudy Namazake brand where the latest technology and traditional beauty are fused. The biggest feature is the adoption of original high-pressure processing technology (HPP) that can maintain the freshness of Namazake at room temperature without any heat sterilization (Hiire). The fruity and fresh aroma, as if tasting the freshly squeezed one on the spot, and the stimulation of fine carbon dioxide gas pop comfortably. Also, the modern design PET bottle container with a hemp leaf motif won Italy's 'A' Design Award.' It is a flagship that symbolizes the brewery's challenge, renewing the conventional image of sake and making it possible to enjoy Namazake in every scene around the world.

Hatsuhana is a brand full of emotion named after the splendid cherry blossom trees blooming along the Kaji River in Shibata City. Its taste embodies the philosophy of 'balance over assertion' and has been loved locally for many years as an existence that gently colors the daily dining table. By suppressing excessive floral aroma and sweetness, the sake quality where the original umami of rice and gentle acidity are exquisitely harmonized accompanies any dish softly. Just like the 'first flower that blooms in that year,' it is a sake with refined dignity that delivers a refreshing spring breeze to the drinkers' hearts.

Kanemasu is a traditional flagship brand named after the brewery. It continues to protect the orthodox taste nurtured by the rich land and water of Shibata. Its name is a symbol of the brewery's history, pride, and deep respect for the land. Based on approachable sake quality rooted in the region, it is attractive for its transparency that never tires the drinker and a certain presence that complements meals. While valuing tradition, it constantly continues quality improvement adapted to modern needs and is loved across generations as a bottle indispensable for the daily life of local Shibata people.