Sake Brands
in Niigata

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.

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.

Yoyoizumi is a flagship brand that can be said to be the crystallization of traditions and techniques inherited generation after generation in the long history of Koshitsukano Shuzo. Combining the feelings of the two integrated breweries into one, the wish 'to deliver delicious sake endlessly like a spring' is put into the name. Its greatest feature is its pursuit of a deep taste that never gets tired of while focusing on the royal road of typical Niigata light and dry style. The sake, carefully brewed with underflow water from the Gozu mountain range, allows one to firmly feel the natural umami of rice in a refreshing mouthfeel. The versatile deliciousness that stays close to every scene, from home tables to gorgeous banquet seats, has been loved for a long time across generations around local Agano City. It is a highly trusted item putting the weight of the brewery's history into a cup.

Koshi no Keisui is a brand pursuing pure and innocent beauty, brewed with the image of clear mountain streams in Agano. This sake, symbolizing the blessings of abundant water flowing from the Gozu mountain range, aims for a crystal and unclouded taste like pure water flowing through mountain valleys. Its greatest feature is the overwhelming refreshing feel and pure throat feel. While eliminating all off-flavors and making the most of the deliciousness of water itself, it elegantly keeps a faint sweetness of rice. The heart-cleansing drinkability, like taking a deep breath in nature, demonstrates its true value especially when drunk chilled. It has outstanding compatibility with delicately flavored fish dishes and dishes utilizing the umami of vegetables, and it is a sake like 'water art' providing peace to the drinker's heart.

Koshi no Ajiwai is a brand deeply rooted in the local food culture, pursuing the 'rich flavor of Echigo' as the name suggests. It is brewed with the aim of drawing out the essential umami of rice to the maximum, as a sake that richly colors daily tables accompanying the severe winter in Niigata. Its greatest feature is the plump and tolerant mouthfeel that gently wraps the taste of dishes. The firm flavor of rice that does not stay within the framework of light and dry style can be felt, and you can realize its depth as you continue to drink. Compatibility with local Agano City specialties and home cooking is considered first, and its stable deliciousness does not waver whether cold or hot. It is a comfortable sake filled with a sense of security, connecting regional bonds and brewing traditions to the next generation.

Torachiyo is a brand expressing strength and indomitable spirit, named after the childhood name of the Echigo hero, Lord Uesugi Kenshin. It is brewed pursuing dignified dignity and drinkability reminiscent of the brave figure in his young days when he ran through the Sengoku turbulent times. Its greatest feature is the tight dry finish and powerful rice umami, suitable for the name. The taste, where Echigo brewers pour all their skills and incorporate traditional Yamahai brewing etc., lets one feel definite vitality in the depth, not just being dry. While having a profound presence, the aftertaste is surprisingly brave, with a refreshing feel as if giving courage to move on. It is a brand with hot feelings supported as a cheer for modern people who continue to challenge, and as a cup when making an intention for special days.

Kirin is the face of Kaetsu Shuzo and a flagship brand boasting a history of over 140 years. It originates from 'Kirinyama Castle' that used to be in this area, and was named after 'Kirin,' a Chinese auspicious beast said to appear in a peaceful world. It is a noble yet friendly sake nurtured by the deep misty climate along the Agano River. Its greatest feature is the neat taste backed by outstanding technology inherited by a family where two generations served as Japanese sake appraisers. Using strictly selected sake rice and pure water from the Tokonami River, and fermenting slowly at a low temperature, it draws out a clear finish without off-flavors and the original soft sweetness of rice. Loved locally beyond time, its high quality, highly evaluated at domestic and international competitions, is truly suitable for the name 'auspicious beast.' It is a dignified Niigata sake that harmonizes with any dish and brings a peaceful atmosphere to the table.

Homare Kirin is a premium brand boasted by Kaetsu Shuzo. Among the flagship brand 'Kirin,' it is a sake full of dignity, brewed by gathering the essence of the brewery's techniques, especially pursuing 'honorable' quality. Its greatest feature is the extremely refined sake quality, finished under strict quality standards by two generations of Japanese sake appraisers, using highly polished selected rice and special yeast. The gorgeous and elegant aroma, silk-like smooth mouthfeel, and comfortable aftertaste integrate to produce a supreme moment. It is often chosen for celebratory seats, gifts for important people, or as a luxurious reward for oneself, and it is truly one of the masterpiece items of the brewery filled with pride and passion of Echigo brewers.

Kanbara is a brand respecting the brewery's identity, conveying the original trade name of Kaetsu Shuzo, 'Kanbaraya.' It is a sake that protects the tradition from the era when this area was called Kanbara District, Echigo Province, and shapes a deep attachment to the land of Agano. Its greatest feature is the taste that suppresses glamour and conveys the original 'strength' and 'flavor' of rice straightforwardly. By using stout sake rice nurtured by the severe climate of local Agano Town and brewing powerfully with traditional methods, it achieves umami that seems to surge from the back of the throat as you drink. The sincere brewing without eccentricity reminds one of the starting point of Japanese sake that never changes even if the times change. It is a brand that stays close to the daily life of Agano Town and continues to support the local flavor, letting one feel the weight of history.

Maru ni Boichi is a brand embodying the pride and spirit of the brewery, named after the family crest of Kaetsu Shuzo, 'Maru ni Boichi' (1 in a bar in a circle). Bearing the family motto 'to make the world round, flat, and straight' in the name, it is brewed aiming for a sake that makes the drinker's heart calm and positive. Its greatest feature is the harmony of 'round mouthfeel' without corners and 'straight passing taste,' as if reflecting the family motto. While drawing out the umami of high-quality local rice to the maximum, it achieves a comfortable finish as if a single line passes through. The unique naming and the label with the family crest are impressive, and you will be convinced by its sincere brewing as you drink. It is a traditional item carefully nurtured in Agano as a sake that colors the gathering with family and friends, wishing for regional peace and harmony.

Hadeppa no Kaori is a brand symbolizing regional passion, named after 'Hadeppa,' which means 'fine appearance, highlight' in the Agano dialect. Born from bonds with local young farmers, this sake pursues a powerful and gorgeous quality that lets one feel regional pride with all five senses. Its greatest feature is the rich aroma and taste that directly feels the life force of rice nurtured in the severe nature of Oku-Aga, believing in its power. While maintaining the traditional sharp finish of Kirinzan, the deep umami that seems to take a step further uplifts the drinker's heart. It has a gorgeousness suitable for local festivals and gatherings, exactly like a 'Hadeppa (highlight),' and it is a sake of bonds and pride nurtured along with the smiles of local people.

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.

Tokikaze is a modern brand imaged as a refreshing breeze arriving on the wings of the Japanese Crested Ibis (Toki), a symbol of Niigata. Like the crested ibis soaring freely in the sky of Sado, it is brewed aiming for a free, light, and refreshing quality. Its greatest feature is the refined taste reflecting the sensitivity of the times, feeling fruity nuances while being refreshing. The pure environment along the Agano River and the latest brewing technology merge to present the possibility of new Niigata sake beyond the framework of traditional Japanese sake. The label design is also modern, easy to match with a wide range of dishes regardless of Japanese or Western style, and drinking by enjoying the aroma in a wine glass is also recommended. It is a sake like a refreshing breeze symbolizing Niigata flapping its wings toward the future, with thoughts for environmental protection also included.

Yae Kubiki is the pinnacle brand of Kubiki Shuzo, crystalizing the 'eight blessings' (Yae) nurtured by the rich nature of Kakizaki into sake. It is a limited brand handled only by specific authorized dealers, and it is a special sake where one can touch the abyss of the regional terroir. Sake rice, water, and the unique climate of this land. The traditional skills of the brewers gather all these blessings into one, achieving overwhelming quality. It features a dignified and deep flavor that makes the scenery of Kakizaki come to mind with every sip. It is a masterpiece where the brewery's passion and philosophy are condensed, expressing terroir like wine beyond the framework of sake.

Mano Tsuru Devil's Dry is Obata Shuzo's extra-dry concept that pursues extreme dryness with a sake meter value of +15 or more. It is an ambitious work for the international market, combining the sound of the traditional 'Manotsuru' with English branding. Using Niigata-produced Gohmanyakoku and thorough fermentation management, it eliminates the sweetness of rice to the limit while sealing in the delicate umami behind it. The sharp finish and crystal-like refreshing feeling are truly a dry taste with 'devilish charm.' As the ultimate in-meal sake that lightly flushes fatty seafood and powerful meat dishes and invites the next bite, it is making dry sake enthusiasts all over the world enthusiastic.

Ofuku Masamune is the flagship brand of Ofuku Shuzo. Long cherished as 'the sake that invites happiness,' it has graced many celebrations and special occasions. As a brand from the birthplace of 'Sokujo-moto,' it features a flavor that is clear yet maximizes the rich umami of the rice. Rooted in the spirit of traditional Niigata brewing, its steady, reliable profile has made it a classic Niigata sake loved by many.

Ioshiro is a historic brand named with the wish for a family's prosperity and health across generations. Filled with the expert skills of Echigo Toji, this sake offers a gentle sweetness of rice that envelops the drinker in warmth. It is a timeless flavor perfectly suited for shared meals with loved ones.

Yamakoshi is a Junmai Ginjo brand that embodies the pride of the Yamakoshi district—a hidden gem in Chuetsu recognized as a National Agricultural Heritage site. It is made using 100% Gohmanyakoku rice, raised with motherly care by local farmers in high-altitude terraced fields where the air feels divine. The sake is as clear as a fresh breeze over the terraces, yet possesses a flavor reflecting the rice's powerful vitality. The passion of the people who protect the traditions of bullfighting, Nishikigoi (koi fish), and the beautiful satoyama landscape is distilled into every drop.

Chiyo no Miyako is an elegant brand named with a wish for the eternal prosperity of the capital. It is characterized by a sophisticated and dignified flavor nurtured by the pure waters of Echigo. Balancing deep umami with a sharp finish, this sake evokes a sense of quiet inspiration, making it ideal for special moments.