Sake Brands
in Niigata

Hatsuhi Masamune is an auspicious brand by Hasegawa Shuzo, celebrating new beginnings and prosperity. Named with the wish to brighten people's hearts like the first sunrise of the year, it delivers joy to the dining table. While preserving traditional methods, it offers a sincere, timeless flavor long cherished by the local community.

NAGAOKA is a modern and stylish local brand that broadcasts the identity of Nagaoka-Settya, the town of brewing, to the world. Utilizing the pure water and rice of the region to the fullest, it pursues a light, fruity profile that pairs perfectly with modern lifestyles and international cuisine while remaining rooted in traditional techniques. Serving as a bridge between Nagaoka's history and its future, this brand captivates new sake fans both in Japan and overseas.

Echigo Nagaoka Jo represents the pride and samurai culture of the castle town of Nagaoka. Inspired by the history of the Nagaoka Clan that once ruled this land, it pursues a flavor of dignified elegance and a strong, consistent core. Balancing robust richness with a sharp finish, this sake, brewed in historic red-brick cellars, possesses a grand presence that tells the story of Nagaoka's legacy.

Koshi no Hakuro is the flagship brand representing the long history and tradition of Hakuro Shuzo. Achieving the pinnacle of Niigata's 'tanrei karakuchi' (light and dry) style, it features a crisp, clean finish and a sophisticated transparency that complements any cuisine. The label proudly features the 'Mitsu-kashiwa' crest of the Makino family, making it a supreme sake where local history and brewing passion resonate. From daily meals to special gifts, it remains a long-cherished staple of Nagaoka.

Koshi no Katsura is a brand inspired by the nobility and freshness after winter, signaling the breath of spring. Much like the resilient katsura tree, it offers a strong core balanced with an elegant aroma and mellow mouthfeel. This refined sake is designed to gently accompany the drinker's heart.

Koshi no Kurotaka is an authentic brand pursuing the power and sharp finish of a black hawk soaring through the sky. Its primary characteristic is a robust structure with a rich flavor where the energy of the rice is concentrated. While powerful, its aftertaste is surprisingly clean, earning deep trust from sake aficionados seeking a satisfying and dignified drink.

Koshi no Gingetsu is a refined brand by Onda Shuzo, pure and sophisticated like the moon in a night sky. While maintaining Niigata's characteristic 'tanrei' (light) style, it features an elegant ginjo aroma and a polished profile that draws out the delicate umami of the rice. An ideal sake for a quiet, reflective moment.

Kikuya is a brand named with the wish for eternal prosperity and lasting joy. Carrying the pride of the Onda family across generations, it is brewed with the meticulous handmade care that only a small-scale brewery can provide. Foregoing trends in favor of an honest pursuit of sake's quintessential deliciousness, this brand has earned immense trust from local fans in Nagaoka.

Maitsuru is the flagship brand representing Onda Shuzo. It is brewed with the goal of creating a flavor as pure and beautiful as a 'crane dancing elegantly.' Originating from a sincere commitment that includes cultivating its own rice, this sake offers a robust richness and sharp finish that directly conveys the power and vitality of the grain. Highly regarded as a hidden gem of Nagaoka, its honest craftsmanship is evident from the very first sip.

Yoshinogawa is a legendary brand representing Niigata, carrying forward traditional techniques that date back to the Warring States period. Walking hand-in-hand with the history of the brewing town Settya, its flavor is defined by overwhelming transparency and a sharp finish produced by pure water and selected rice. From long-selling classics like 'Gokujo Yoshinogawa' to the new-generation 'Minamo' series, it possesses a dignity that elevates any occasion. It is the quintessential Niigata sake, alive with the region's climate and 470 years of passion.

Koshi no Hien is a brand pursuing the nimbleness and sharp finish of a swallow ('hien') soaring through the sky. It is characterized by a refreshing sensation as it passes through the throat, followed by a gentle lingering sweetness of the rice. With an unpretentious and approachable character, it is loved by many as a sake that lightly brightens daily evening drinks.

Echigo Nagaoka Han is a brand that delivers the straightforward, dignified spirit of the former Nagaoka samurai to the modern age. Brewed with meticulous care using traditional techniques in a region where samurai culture still breathes, it balances a robust, rich flavor of rice with a clean, resolute finish. Condensing the history of Sekihara and the pride of Nagaoka, this sake is cherished as an elegant gift or for special celebrations, reflecting its prestigious name.

Gunki is a brand symbolizing over 300 years of history at Sekihara Shuzo. The name 'Gunki' (tortoise gathering) is auspicious, suggesting that a large gathering of tortoises—symbols of longevity—will invite even greater fortune and eternal prosperity. Worthy of its historical reputation as the 'East Yokozuna' (Grand Champion) in sake rankings, it features a quality where the power and gentleness of the rice are harmoniously balanced. As an authentic local sake nurtured by the terroir of Nagaoka, it continues to walk alongside the lives of local people.

Rokuroji is a brand born to honor the passion and skill of Rokuroji Goto, the legendary master brewer of Tochikura Shuzo. Goto won the top prize (Governor's Award) twice at the Echigo-style Sake Brewing Technology Competition and was named a 'Master Craftsman of the Modern World' (Gendai no Meiko). To live up to his name, the brand uses carefully selected rice polished to 50%, pursuing the ultimate 'rice umami.' While inheriting the master's legacy, the sake aims for an excellence that even transcends it, offering a refined dignity and strength that represents the pinnacle of Tochikura Shuzo.

Kome Hyappyo (A Hundred Sacks of Rice) is a brand that embodies the representative philosophy of Nagaoka. Its name originates from a historic episode during the late Edo period, when Torasaburo Kobayashi of the Nagaoka Clan chose not to eat donated rice but instead invested it in education for the future. Similarly, Tochikura Shuzo looks toward the future rather than temporary profit, as seen in their early transition to 100% Junmai production and unwavering commitment to high-quality rice. Achieving the pinnacle of the Niigata 'tanrei umakuchi' (light and flavorful) style, this sake radiates a pure brilliance that lights up hope for the future, standing alongside the pride of Nagaoka.

Koshi no Hakugan is the flagship brand representing the history and pride of Nakagawa Shuzo. It was named after the beautiful 'Hakugan' (white geese) that once descended upon the rice fields near the brewery. Utilizing the mystical 'blue water' from the Nishiyama Hills, it draws out the maximum power of the grain. While reflecting Niigata's 'tanrei' style, it offers a consistent umami core and a smooth finish. Its 'Kuromatsu' label won Grand Gold at a sake temperature competition, earning high praise as a sake that shines even more when warmed. It is cherished as a brand that allows for the enjoyment of sake's depth across a wide range of temperatures.