Sake Brands
in Niigata

Echigo no Kura Hiden (Secret Vault of Echigo) is a Junmai Ginjo masterpiece that reaches the pinnacle of the Yamahai-shikomi essence passed down through Kiminoi Shuzo. With the desire to convey traditional methods sleeping deep within the brewery to the modern era, skilled craftsmen brew it without regard for labor. The complex and powerful umami unique to Yamahai creates an exquisite contrast with the elegant aroma characteristic of Ginjo, leading to a deep flavor with new discoveries in every sip. It is a supreme brand worthy of the name 'Hiden' (Secret/Hidden), harboring the brewery's pride, history, and soul.

Echigo Tanakaya Daigoro is a premium brand boasting the highest dignity, bearing the traditional shop name (yago) of Kiminoi Shuzo. The lineup includes the ultimate craftsmanship of Daiginjo and a well-balanced Junmai Ginjo. It encapsulates respect for tradition and passion for the future in precise, labor-intensive tasks. The refined aroma and elegant finish magnificently enhance gift-giving occasions or celebrations. harboring the weight of the shop name and the brewers' pride, it is a treasure of sake that the brewery proudly presents to the world.

Shin is a Tokubetsu Honjozo brand brewed by Chiyo no Hikari in pursuit of the 'essence of Tanrei Karakuchi.' Using 100% Niigata's proud 'Gohyakumangoku' rice for both koji and kakemai, it embodies serious brewing that allows no compromise. The resolute and clean finish, along with the firm strength of the rice felt at its core, exudes the presence of 'true sake.' Although it is a sharp dry sake, its never-tiring calmness makes it a bottle that satisfies even connoisseurs.

KENICHIRO is a contemporary line by Chiyo no Hikari, born from a passionate challenge by the next generation of the brewery. As the name suggests, it projects the brewer's personality and is brewed with free thinking that is not bound by existing frameworks. It directly expresses the dynamism of sake, such as the 'live' sensation of fresh pressing and the rich texture of nigori (cloudy) sake. Based on traditional techniques, it is an energetic brand filled with powerful vitality and joy that resonates with the current era, continuing to stimulate fans' curiosity.

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.

Chijo no Hoshi (Star on Earth) is a brand that can be called the culmination of Chiyo no Hikari, famously inspired by Miyuki Nakajima's classic song. Despite its luxurious specification of '48% rice polishing ratio' (daiginjo class), it is intentionally brewed as a 'Honjozo,' embodying the brewer's pride and obsession. It is an 'ultimate dry sake' that intentionally suppresses the flamboyant aromas of ginjo to pursue the deep essence and outstanding sharpness of rice. Its clean and dignified flavor is a masterpiece that continues to resonate in the hearts of drinkers, much like a quietly shining star on earth.

Tomiya is one of the historic brands once produced by Kamonoi Shuzo. Named after the shop name (yago) that supported the brewery's history, it was widely loved for local residents' evening drinks and celebratory occasions. Although known for its sincere brewing that gathered the best of techniques, it is now a legendary brand that is no longer in production following the business transfer in 2000 and the subsequent abolition of the brewery.

Kamonoi is the flagship brand of Kamonoi Shuzo, which once enjoyed immense popularity in the Joetsu area bearing the brewery's name. It remains deeply engraved in the memories of many as a daily sake rooted in the region. Its traditional flavor, utilizing the umami of rice and designed to be enjoyed every day, was a symbol of local evening drink culture. Although its long history of production ended with the business transfer in 2000, it is still talked about among enthusiasts of that time.

Taninoi is a historic local sake bearing the brewery's name that was cherished in Itakura for about 150 years. Using its prized well water, it was characterized by a Joetsu-style 'Tanrei Karakuchi' (light and dry) profile that brought out the rice's inherent flavor while maintaining a clean finish. Evolving alongside regional food culture, it was long supported by local residents as a daily sake that colored evening drinks. Although production ended with the brewery's closure, its name remains engraved as an important memory in the history of Joetsu sake brewing.

Ayu is the high-end brand of Ayu Masamune Shuzo, pursuing a refreshing sensation and fleeting beauty like ayu (sweetfish) playing in a clear stream. Maximizing the brewery's prized spring water that wells up at 6 tons per hour, it creates a clear taste free of impurities. With an elegant, understated aroma and rice's gentle sweetness that spreads quietly, its quality seems to directly express the 'goodness of the water.' Centered on the silver-label Junmai Ginjo, it is a masterpiece embodying the brewer's obsession, cleanly coloring tables on special days.

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.'

Gin no Tsubasa (Silver Wings) is a special limited brand boasting extremely high rarity, accounting for only 4% of Hara Shuzo's total production. Sold only through limited partner stores in the local Kashiwazaki-Kariwa region, it is treated with care as the 'local pride.' Through thorough quality control and aging at optimal temperatures, they have brought out a calm aroma and silk-like smooth texture. Its modest but firm umami penetrates the heart with every sip, offering an elegant moment as if soaring through the sky on silver wings. It is a hidden treasure filled with the brewery's sincerity that you can only encounter by visiting the local area.

Awasshu is a sparkling Junmai sake that opens a new door to the world of sake. Using a special fermentation method developed by the Niigata Prefectural Sake Research Institute, it achieves a champagne-like mouthfeel where the natural sweetness of rice and fine bubbles from secondary fermentation in the bottle dance together. With a modest alcohol content of about 7%, it beautifully accompanies flamboyant Western-style aperitifs or after-dinner desserts when poured into a wine glass. It is a bottle where established quality, backed by a Gold Medal in the 'Sake in a Wine Glass Award,' merges with modern sensibility. Ideal as a gift for those experiencing sake for the first time.

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.

Abe is the flagship brand symbolizing new passion of Abe Shuzo, launched in 2015 by the 6th generation, Yuta Abe, to rebuild the brewery. While maximizing the prized 'rice umami,' it features an impressive 'acidity,' offering a flavor that revolutionizes modern dining tables. In addition to the standard series, its diverse lineup includes the 'Star Series' themed around 'water, rice, and koji' and the 'Field-specific Series' expressing the characteristics of specific rice paddies in Kashiwazaki. Each bottle encapsulates the brewery's attitude of constantly challenging and enjoying the fermentation process itself.

Koshi no Otokoyama is a traditional label that Abe Shuzo has carefully protected for generations since its founding in 1804. In contrast to the innovative 'Abe' series, it is a brand that conveys the appearance of local sake once loved in Echigo-Kashiwazaki, symbolizing the brewery's own journey. With a clean mouthfeel and powerful rice umami that evokes nostalgia, it has long supported local evening drinking scenes. While evolving to meet the needs of the times, this name—the starting point for the brewery—is inherited as an important asset telling the story of Abe Shuzo's deep history.

Koshi no Kokoro (The Heart of Echigo) is a brand that values being close to the climate of Echigo and the 'hearts' of its people among the sakes brewed by Abe Shuzo. Based on traditional methods, it aims for a calm and deep flavor that adds richness to daily life. Its comfortable finish, which quietly accompanies meals without overpowering them, is a result of the sincere heart of the brewers nurtured in Kashiwazaki. Even in casual daily scenes, it is a brand filled with the brewery's feelings, making you feel the warmth of Echigo through a single cup.

Abe is an orthodox brand bearing the brewery's name and embodying the history and pride of Abe Shuzo. Based on traditional skills cultivated amidst the region's severe cold and snow, it brings out the plump inherent umami of rice, pursuing perfection as a sake to be enjoyed with meals. Characterized by an unadorned, honest flavor, it has been a mark of trust loved in its hometown of Kashiwazaki since founding. Carrying the brewer's surname, this name is an unchanging brand promising unwavering quality as 'Abe's Sake' passed down through generations.

Sabaishigo is a brand bearing the name of the Sabaishi region, a rich rural area spread across the basin of the Sabaishi River flowing through Kashiwazaki City. Hayashi Shuzojo, which stands with the regional history, brews this sake with gratitude toward the local climate. Using rice harvested locally and crafted carefully with ancient methods, this sake is truly 'the bounty of the village.' Its calm aroma and plump flavor utilizing rice sweetness pair perfectly with regional local cuisine, continuing to color local celebrations and gatherings for many years.