Sake Brands
in Niigata

Ayu Masamune is the flagship brand carrying the brewery's pride, named by Prince Wakamiya Yukichi of Kyoto Fushimi. Brewed carefully using 6 tons of spring water per hour amidst the severe cold of a heavy snowfall region, its gentle 'Amakuchi' (sweet) profile is its most distinctive feature, which is rare for Niigata sake. While bringing out the plump umami of rice, it has a light and pure finish. Its uniquely smooth texture provides a comfort that is unforgettable once tasted. It is a traditional masterpiece long loved in local Myoko and cherished by fans nationwide as 'the sake from the thatched-roof brewery in Saruhashi.'

Yukiotoko is a brand of Aoki Shuzo, derived from the legendary creature appearing in 'Hokuetsu Seppu.' As a brand that conveys the folk tales and traditions of the snow country recorded by Suzuki Bokushi to the present day, it expresses the cultural background of the region. The name embodies the mystique of the snow country and the harsh yet rich nature of the heavy snowfall area. It is cherished as a unique brand fusing the snow country culture of Minami Uonuma and the tradition of Aoki Shuzo. It is a sake unique to the snow country, characterized by a literary and mysterious image.

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.

Tsunan is a representative standard brand of the brewery that directly carries the name of the hometown that Tsunan Jozo is proud of. Honest and without eccentricity. As a daily sake loved by the local people and as a bottle to greet people visiting Tsunan, it brews the climate of this place as it is. Its taste is exactly the royal road of 'Tanrei Karakuchi' (light and dry) that Niigata is proud of. In the clean drinking taste without impurities, the umami of high-quality local rice and the soft nuance of pure soft water are harmonized. Good chilled and good warmed. For daily evening drinks and as a souvenir to give with memories of Tsunan, it provides a sense of security that does not change in any era.

Shirataki is a brand bearing the house name as it is, representing the origin of Shirataki Shuzo's journey and spirit for over 160 years. The pure aspiration since its founding to brew sake as clear and beautiful as a 'white waterfall' flowing down from the mountains of Yuzawa lives in this single bottle. Its taste, where traditional techniques and the latest sensibility harmonize, features both the soft umami of rice and the dignified crispness produced by the water of the snow country. The pride of Shirataki Shuzo, which continues to pursue high quality without being swayed by trends, is contained, letting us feel the depth of the brewery's history every time we drink it. It is indeed the backbone of Shirataki Shuzo and an eternal standard to be passed on to the future.

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.

Iono is a brand of historical significance, born when Takanoi Shuzo first challenged snow storage in Japan. Its name derives from 'Iono no Kuni,' an ancient name for the Uonuma region, containing deep respect for the local terroir. Its greatest feature is the incredibly smooth and rounded flavor created by maturation in the snow cellar. The quality, where traditional brewing and pioneering technology fuse, integrates a flowery aroma with depth from aging, truly embodying the 'blessings of snow country.' It is evaluated as a dignified brand symbolizing the brewery's transformation.

Kintsuru is the only brand representing Kato Shuzo Ten and is a brand deeply loved by Sado islanders as a daily sake. The essence of the brewery, 'using local ingredients and making sake loved by local people,' is condensed into this single bottle. While following the royal road of Niigata sake, 'Tanrei Karakuchi' (light and dry), it is characterized by an exquisite balance that pulls out a plump umami instead of completely erasing the sweetness of rice. It demonstrates its ability in all temperature ranges from cold to warm, and nestles supremely in home-style dishes such as seasonal fish dishes and simmered dishes. It is a sake like the sincere spirit of Sado itself, having won trust only with quality without putting out any flashy advertisements.

Masukagami is a flagship brand that conveys the history of Masukagami to the present. As its auspicious name meaning 'mirror (sake surface) wishing for ten thousand years of longevity' suggests, it has long been loved as a gift and as a sake that colors good daily days. It is characterized by a light and deep taste that carefully draws out the umami of Niigata rice. The calm and refined aroma harmonizes widely from delicate Japanese food to modern Western food and has a soft mouthfeel that heals the drinker's fatigue. The different charms depending on the temperature range, such as refreshing when chilled and plump umami when warmed, are due to refined traditional techniques. It is a sake that represents 'sincerity' itself, reflecting the climate of Kamo and staying close to the drinker's heart.

Denemon is the representative brand symbolizing the pride of Echigo Denemon, bearing the brewery's store name as it is. 'Den' means the wisdom and skills handed down through generations, and 'Den' means the pride of craftsmen who keep it, containing deep respect for tradition. The sake quality is a very well-balanced finish where the gentle sweetness and umami of rice harmonize in a light and clean drinking taste typical of Niigata. Faithful to traditional methods and with a sophistication that also suits modern palates, it is a bottle that embodies the brewery's philosophy, gently enhancing the taste of overall Japanese food, including fish dishes.

Yamashiroya is a brand bearing the name of the house founded in 1845, which is one of the roots of Koshi Meijo. While paying respect to its history, it plays a role in passing down traditional techniques to the modern era. It pursues the universal appeal of brewing that remains beloved across generations.

Waraku Goson is a brand that forms the spiritual basis of Ikeura Shuzo, containing a deep philosophy leading to Ryokan's thoughts of 'harmonious enjoyment and mutual respect.' It is a sake that produces a rich time where people surrounding sake enjoy themselves harmoniously and care for each other. While protecting traditional brewing techniques of Nagaoka, it pursues a personality as a supporting role that enhances the taste of meals. It features a calm aroma and a mellow flavor where the sweetness of rice spreads gently. Its warm quality is widely familiar from daily dining tables to important banquets, and has been long loved in the region as a 'sake of harmony' that deepens bonds between people.

Takarayama is a flagship brand symbolizing the pride of the brewery that has been loved for more than 130 years in the land of Iwamuro Onsen. Its name contains respect for the earth that brings rich harvest and a wish for the drinker's life to shine like a treasure. While having a 'Tanrei' (light) sharpness characteristic of Niigata, it is characterized by a mellow mouthfeel and elegant umami. Its taste, polished to nestle in the dishes of the local hot spring town, colors the dining table peacefully. It is a secure orthodox sake that protects traditional winter brewing techniques and straightforwardly pulls out the goodness of rice and water. It is an exquisite product like the spirit of the brewery itself, where the reason for being loved for a long time is conveyed in one sip.

Kaganoi is a prestigious brand with over 370 years of history, named by the Kaga Domain's daimyo Maeda Toshitsune in the early Edo period. Utilizing medium-hard water—rare for Niigata—it is characterized by a high mineral content that provides a powerful drive, harmonized with the rich umami of rice to create a deep, full-bodied character. Having overcome the tragic destruction of the brewery in 2016, the current 'Kaganoi,' brewed in a new facility with state-of-the-art equipment, is truly the taste of hope, filled with an indomitable spirit of recovery. It is a masterpiece where traditional gravity and modern crispness resonate, a sake Itoigawa proudly presents to the world.

Igarashigawa is the ultimate local sake brand named after the Igarashi River, which can be called the source of life in Sanjo, and committed to 100% Sanjo-produced raw materials (Koshi Tanrei). It perfectly fuses the amazing transparency created by the super soft water of this river with the swelling umami of rice. The taste that straightly expresses the land of Sanjo from both sides of water and rice is the local 'terroir' itself. It is a brand that combines sharpness and rich expression, reminiscent of the clear and powerful river flow. It is a soul bottle that the local area is proud of, concentrating Sanjo's identity into every single drop.

Notaka is the flagship brand of Tanaka Shuzo, its name deriving from the Japanese proverb 'the skilled hawk hides its talons' (meaning a wise person hides their skills). Taking the character 'No' from the brewery's former house name 'Notoya,' it was named with the image of a humble hawk that possesses excellent skills but does not show them off. In the Joetsu region where many sakes are sweet, its quality sticking to a stoic 'Tanrei Karakuchi' style lets one feel the rice umami clearly while the aftertaste is surprisingly clean. Highly perfected as a food-pairing sake, it harmonizes with any dish in an exquisite balance. It is an essential bottle for dining tables in the local Naoetsu area, deeply rooted in the region.

Imayotsukasa is the unwavering flagship brand bearing the brewery's name. Fitting for the name meaning 'ruling over the present age,' it is the very identity of the brewery that values tradition but always continues to evolve. By insisting on 100% Junmai brewing and not adding any brewer's alcohol at all, it draws out the maximum potential of the pure water of Niigata and high-quality rice. Its liquor quality is an exquisite balance that makes one feel a steady 'umami' at its core while being a 'Tanrei' (light and clean) full of transparency. Along with a sophisticated urban design, it is a high-quality standard that nestles in the modern dining table and makes the daily life of the drinker a little special.

Koshi no Kanchubai (Plum Blossom in Winter Cold) is the flagship brand of Niigata Meijo, aiming for a pure and strong flavor like a plum blossom blooming with dignity during the snowy mid-winter. While embodying the 'Tanrei Karakuchi' style typical of Niigata sake, its greatest charm lies in the exquisite balance where a faint rice umami remains in the aftertaste. Its modest yet firm character, which doesn't spoil the flavor of dishes but rather enhances them, is ideal for daily evening drinks. Showing various expressions depending on how it's served—sharp when chilled and mellow when warmed—it is a bottle that has long been supported by Niigata sake fans not only in local Ojiya but also nationwide.

Kenshin is the flagship brand representing Ikedaya Shuzo, named because the brewery is located along the Chikuni Highway—the stage for the famous anecdote where the Echigo general Uesugi Kenshin sent salt to his rival Takeda Shingen. Using pure subsoil water from the Himegawa River, which draws from Mount Shirouma, the sake is characterized by a mellow, transparent sweetness. Its prowess, evidenced by numerous Gold Medals at the Annual Japan Sake Awards, is supported by a sincere and uncompromising approach to brewing that seems to inherit the spirit of 'Gi' (justice) associated with Lord Kenshin.

Asahiyama is the flagship brand bearing the 'brewery name' (Yago) of Asahi Shuzo, being the origin and heart of the brewery. Loved in Nagaoka since its founding in 1830, this sake symbolizes the 'quality-first' spirit that does not fade even as times change. Its greatest feature is the perfected 'Tanrei Karakuchi' (light and dry) style that one never tires of even drinking every day. Amidst the refreshing and clean finish, the gentle umami of rice stays close as an afterglow, possessing a depth that complements any dish. Having walked together with local Niigata food culture, Asahiyama continues to build unwavering trust as a 'daily sake' that adds peace to daily life, not just 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.

Suganadake is a representative brand of Kondo Shuzo, named with deep respect for the brewing water, which can be called the life of sake brewing. Used for brewing is clear natural 'Dokkonmizu' water welling up from the mountainside of the famous Mt. Sugana. This sacred transparency of water is crystallized as a cup of sake. Its greatest feature is its overwhelming purity. While it is the ultimate of light and dry style with unnecessary things removed, the pure umami of rice that follows gives a quiet impression to the drinker's heart. The clear and unclouded drinkability, which can be realized only because the water is good, is truly 'water art.' The taste, reflecting the brewer's attitude sincerely facing the severe nature of Niigata, is highly evaluated not only locally but also by people nationwide who love real sake.

Ryoko is an innovative brand by Mineno Hakubai Shuzo, named after calligrapher Maki Ryoko. To overturn the existing image of Niigata sake, Toji Iijima, who honed his skills at a famous brewery in Aizu, is challenging a new frontier called 'Hojun Karakuchi' (rich and dry). A glamorous and rich aroma, a rich taste where the sweetness and umami of rice are fully extracted, and a firm sharpness at the end. This multi-layered deliciousness has impressed professionals all over the world, winning the top prize trophy at IWC 2023. 'Ryoko,' woven by traditional skills, the passion of the Toji, and Niigata's rich water, is one of the most energetic brands today, proposing a new standard for sake.

Tamafumi is a brand symbolizing the traditions of Tamagawa Shuzo, loved throughout its long history. The distinctive label featuring a single-stroke circle expresses 'round flavor,' 'harmony in all things,' and 'a circle of people,' reflecting the brewery's philosophy of sake brewing itself. Using Uonuma's pure water and locally grown sake rice, this sake aims for a well-balanced flavor that one never grows tired of, making it a classic sake to be enjoyed with meals. Its mellow umami and clean finish harmonize to further enhance not only Uonuma's local cuisine but also daily home-cooked meals. It is a brand filled with the brewery's sincerity, staying close to the lives of local people and loved across generations.

Meguro Gorosuke is a Junmai Daiginjo brand positioned at the pinnacle of the brewery, bearing the name of Meguro Gorosuke, the founder of Tamagawa Shuzo. All the history, tradition, and brewing techniques of the brewery since its founding in the Edo period are concentrated in this single bottle. Brewed with carefully selected sake rice polished to the limit and Uonuma's pure snowmelt water, this sake features a rich, dignified ginjo aroma and a refined flavor where rice sweetness spreads gently. Carrying the brewer's pride, this name is a mark of excellence passed down through generations. A supreme masterpiece suitable for gifts to important people or for coloring special moments.