Sake Brands
in Niigata

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.

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.

Koshi Sansan is a brand born to deliver the brilliance nurtured by the land of Echigo. As the name suggests, it captures the vitality of rice bathed in radiant sunlight, expressing it fully through advanced brewing techniques. It is characterized by a mellow aroma of rice and a bright, gorgeous flavor that expands the moment it touches the palate. This sake aims for a sparkle that reflects the nature of Nagaoka and the brewer's passion.

Koshi no Aoi is a Junmai Ginjo Yamahai brand created as an homage to the 'mystical blue water' of Nakagawa Shuzo. By using the ancient 'Yamahai' method, it extracts the maximum potential of the mystical water, pursuing a unique profile where robust umami and deep acidity coexist. Embodying the image of pure, blue spring water, its vivid and vital flavor invites the drinker to explore the further depths of sake.

Jange is a brand born from the 9th-generation owner's playful spirit, named after the 'Jange' (Snake Escape) Waterfall in the Nishiyama Mountains behind Kawachu Shuzo. Bearing the name of this legendary waterfall, the sake expresses the vitality found in the local nature. It is characterized by individualistic and challenging brewing that breaks existing molds, including ultra-dry profiles. Showing a new side of Kawachu Shuzo, this brand conveys the joy and depth of local sake with a generous touch of playfulness.

Fukusen is a traditional brand that Kawachu Shuzo has cherished locally for over 250 years, fitting seamlessly into the daily lives of the community. Its name conveys an auspicious wish for 'fortune to spread like an opening fan,' and it has long been loved by the people of Nagaoka and Mishima as an evening drink. Characterized by an honest, well-formed flavor that evokes the original landscapes of Niigata, it remains unaffected by passing trends. It is the very foundation of this historic brewery and represents the starting point of their craft.

Sokonuke is a brand from Kawachu Shuzo that aims for a deliciousness that penetrates through limits. It is brewed with the passion to deliver a surprise and joy so great it feels like 'the bottom has fallen out' (sokonuke). While allowing the drinker to directly experience the plump umami of rice, the finish is surprisingly light. Its charm lies in a liberated flavor that is perfect for those moments when you want to step outside the routines of daily life and enjoy sake to your heart's content.

Waramasu is a historic brand from Suminoi Shuzo that was highly celebrated in the Ryuto (Furumachi) district of Niigata during the elegant Taisho Roman era. Its name is derived from the auspicious meaning 'filled with smiles and fulfilling a long life,' and it was long cherished as a celebratory sake that invites good fortune. Today, it stands as a name symbolizing the brilliant history of Suminoi Shuzo, carrying forward the spirit of this traditional brewery. It embodies a timeless wish to deliver joy and fortune to many people.

Koga is a brand that represents the elegant traditions of good old sake that Suminoi Shuzo once pursued in its brewing. Drawing out the deep umami of rice and offering a calm, sophisticated flavor, it possessed a dignity perfectly suited to the name 'Koga' (ancient elegance). Today, it remains as a fragment of memory telling the story of past brewing passion, etched quietly yet proudly within the history of Suminoi Shuzo.

Sabiniko Rock is a playful, modern brand from Inomata Shuzo with the concept of 'alternative sake dedicated to all who love cats, music, and sake.' Featuring catchy labels with striking cat illustrations, it overturns traditional sake imagery and has gained immense support from beginners and younger generations. While highlighting the umami of self-cultivated rice, its flavor profile possesses a vivid individuality that stimulates the senses much like music or culture. With a portion of sales donated to animal welfare activities, it delivers a heartwarming experience that embodies a genuine love for cats.

Tsukimizunoike is the flagship brand representing the tradition of Inomata Shuzo. It was named after the local scenic spot 'Tsukimizunoike,' famous for its blooming wisteria. The name evokes a scene so beautiful that wisteria branches cover the pond, hiding even the moon reflecting on the water—a sentiment captured in its calligraphic label designs. Utilizing self-cultivated rice and pure snowmelt from Itoigawa, the sake pursues a deep umami core and a refined, clean finish. Its charm lies in a dignified flavor that feels as though the very terroir of Itoigawa has been bottled.

Kaikou Omoi is a brand from Inomata Shuzo that embodies once-in-a-lifetime encounters and the passion of the brewer. The word 'Kaikou' (unexpected encounter) is paired with the brewer's 'Omoi' (thoughts/feelings) of wanting to be present for precious people and wonderful moments. Characterized by a mellow and expressive flavor that maximizes the potential of self-cultivated rice, it aims to be a memorable sake that colors special occasions and resonates with the heart from the first sip.

Nunahime is a brand that brews the history and romance of the region, named after the legendary princess of Itoigawa recorded in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters). The image of the beautiful Princess Nunakawa, who is said to have ruled Itoigawa—a region famous for jade—is projected into an elegant flavor profile. Utilizing Inomata Shuzo's pride, its self-cultivated rice, the sake achieves both the rich body unique to Junmai and a supple, pure texture reminiscent of the legendary princess. It is a highly prestigious sake where Itoigawa's culture and the brewer's skill converge.

Nunagawazoku is a Daiginjo brand that expresses the history of the beautiful Princess Nunakawa and her clan, as recorded in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters). Investing the name with the pride of Itoigawa as a jade-producing region and the romance of eternal history, it is brewed with top-tier, uncompromising techniques. Characterized by a high Ginjo aroma and a sharp umami reminiscent of the brilliance of jade, it is a luxurious sake meant for enjoying a special moment while feeling the culture of Itoigawa.

KIEI Himeei is a modern brand from Tahara Shuzo that interprets the princess legends of Itoigawa with contemporary sensitivity. While staying true to the foundations of traditional brewing, it was born to propose new ways to enjoy sake. Characterized by a sophisticated label design and a light, gorgeous flavor that pairs well with food, it is a sake perfect for modern tables, adding a touch of luxury and brilliance to daily life.