Sake Brands
in Niigata

Ryokutankei is a brand that Shirataki Shuzo brews by imagining the deep and fresh nature of Yuzawa, especially the beauty of canyons full of vitality. Its name was given from the mysterious scene woven by deep forests where green seems to drip and pure mountain streams flowing through them. Polishing high-quality material rice luxuriously and brewed in the clear air of the snow country, its taste is as refreshing as the wind of the fresh green season, featuring a smooth mouthfeel. The balance between the delicate aroma and the soft umami lurking in the coolness like water is exquisite, bringing quiet peace to the heart of the drinker. The sensibility of Shirataki Shuzo, which advocates coexistence with nature, is expressed as an elegant drop.

Minatoya Tosuke is a brand symbolizing the pride and tradition of the brewery, bearing the name of the first founder who is the root of Shirataki Shuzo. The passion of the founder who tried to open a new era of sake and the skilled techniques inherited for many years are condensed into this single bottle. Brewing carefully selected material rice and nurtured by the rich nature of the snow country, its taste combines a deep aroma with rich yet refreshing crispness. While protecting the spirit of traditional sake brewing, its appearance with sophistication suitable for modern dining tables is trusted by many people as the face of the brewery. A high-grade yet warm authentic sake loved beyond time.

Jozen Mizu no Gotoshi is an innovative brand that threw a stone into the history of sake, pushing Shirataki Shuzo to global prominence. Its name is derived from Laozi's words 'Jozen wa Mizu no Gotoshi' (the best way of life is to be like water), pursuing the ultimate purity that stays close to any person or dish and never asserts itself too much. The clarity as pure as snowmelt water and surprisingly light and smooth throat hit are the culmination of the philosophy that 'sake should be drinkable like water.' Its refined taste, which is friendly to sake beginners and even impresses experts, has become a standard in the modern sake scene. It is a symbol of Shirataki Shuzo that connects people's hearts with flexibility like water, crossing eras and borders.

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.

Kakurei is the flagship brand of Aoki Shuzo, named by Suzuki Bokushi, the author of 'Hokuetsu Seppu.' It is an auspicious name associated with the longevity of the crane, imbued with long history and tradition. Using the rich nature of Minami Uonuma and the pure meltwater of Mt. Makihata, it features a delicate flavor unique to the snow country. While light (Tanrei), the umami of the rice is firmly felt, creating an excellent balance as a food sake. It is a dignified sake produced by Aoki Shuzo's traditional brewing techniques and the terroir of the snow country.

Bokushi is a brand of Aoki Shuzo, derived from the name of Suzuki Bokushi, the author of 'Hokuetsu Seppu.' It is a high-quality Junmai Daiginjo using Yamada Nishiki rice from the Special A district, demonstrating Aoki Shuzo's high technical skill. Suzuki Bokushi was a man of letters from Shiozawa, known for 'Hokuetsu Seppu,' which recorded the life and culture of the snow country in detail. As a brand bearing his name, it expresses the cultural background of Minami Uonuma and the tradition of Aoki Shuzo. Characterized by a delicate aroma and elegant flavor, it is a dignified sake suitable for special occasions.

Makihataya is a brand of Aoki Shuzo, named after Mt. Makihata, a sacred peak in Minami Uonuma City. Mt. Makihata is one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains and is also the source of Aoki Shuzo's brewing water. Characterized by a delicate flavor produced by this pure meltwater, it embodies gratitude for the blessings of the mountain. This brand expresses the majestic nature of Minami Uonuma and the mystique of Mt. Makihata. It is a sake that reflects Aoki Shuzo's dedication to its water source and attachment to the region.

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.

Seppu is a brand of Aoki Shuzo, named after Suzuki Bokushi's masterpiece 'Hokuetsu Seppu.' Written in the Edo period, 'Hokuetsu Seppu' is a valuable document recording the life and culture of the snow country in detail. As a brand bearing its name, it expresses the history and culture of Minami Uonuma and the tradition of Aoki Shuzo. It is positioned as a dignified brand where one can feel the terroir and literary background of the snow country. It is a sake rich in regional character, fusing the cultural heritage of Shiozawa and the brewing techniques of Aoki Shuzo.

Takachiyo (Kanji) is a brand that respects the tradition that is the origin of the brewery. Maximizing the severe winter of Minami Uonuma and the individuality of the in-house cultivated rice 'Ipponjime,' it pursues a taste that is robust yet possesses elegance as a sake during meals. Suppressing impurities thoroughly by flat polishing, the pure umami of rice is brilliantly expressed. This sake, where brewing techniques passed down for generations and the latest polishing technology have come to fruition, lets its depth permeate the body the more you drink, and it is indeed a product that can be called the spiritual pillar of Takachiyo Shuzo. It is a high-class traditional taste that has been long loved by local people and supports the food culture of Uonuma, the food capital.

Takachiyo (Romaji) is an innovative brand conscious of modern dining tables and global sensibilities, as symbolized by the Romaji notation. By flat polishing the in-house cultivated rice 'Ipponjime' and controlling each process in brewing precisely to the limit, it realizes a refined and clear quality. While letting one feel the umami of rice firmly, the taste with brilliance and transparency like a crystal presents how sake should be for the next generation. The stylish appearance and reliable quality that does not betray it demonstrate its true value even when tasted in a wine glass. It is a modern collection leading to the future where Takachiyo Shuzo's insatiable spirit of inquiry and the latest technology are fused.

Takachiyo (Hiragana) is a series full of surprises that pursues fruity brilliant aroma and sweetness, just like the soft image of the Hiragana notation. The label design reminiscent of different fruits for each season and the quality expressing those individualities propose a new way to enjoy sake. The pure taste polished by flat polishing possesses mellow umami like ripe fruit, yet the aftertaste is very refreshing with pleasant acidity. This series, which attracts from beginners to discerning enthusiasts, is indeed 'sake to enjoy with five senses.' The colorful variations of tastes color daily scenes more pleasantly and brilliantly.

Makihata is a brand bearing the name of the sacred peak Mt. Makihata, a symbol of Minami Uonuma and one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. Within this single bottle, gratitude for the pure snowmelt water that supports the brewing of Takachiyo Shuzo and respect for the nature of this land that nurtures rich blessings of mountains and seas are condensed. Its taste is refreshing and full of transparency, just like the view from the summit. While drawing out the umami of the in-house cultivated rice 'Ipponjime,' the softness brought by the underflow water of Mt. Makihata harmonizes, and a dignified aftertaste resonates comfortably. This sake, which embodies the history and terroir of Uonuma, is carefully brewed as a regional treasure, and it is a deep drink that invites the drinker into the grand nature of Minami Uonuma.

Tenchijin is a brand that pursues the ultimate harmony where heaven's blessing (Ten/Heaven), rich soil (Chi/Earth), and the passion of the brewer (Jin/Man) become a trinity. This name, also known as the words of Naoe Kanetsugu, symbolizes the pride and philosophy of the brewery that brews sake in the special land of Minami Uonuma. Its taste is as grand as a dialogue between grand nature and human skill. Raising the pure beauty of rice high like 'Heaven,' the clear power of brewing water deep like 'Earth,' and the detailed skills of the master brewer warm like 'Man.' The highly complete balance born by them melting into one brings a deep sense of satisfaction to the drinker. It is a crystallization of sincere sake brewing that pays respect to the history of Minami Uonuma and spins deliciousness toward the future.

Hakkaisan is an immortal masterpiece brand that symbolizes the 'light and dry' style of Niigata and has raised the standard of Japanese sake by one level. It is characterized by overwhelming transparency without impurities produced by the pure snowmelt water of the sacred Mt. Hakkai and a deep taste that allows you to faintly feel the sweetness of rice. Its quality, which stays close to any dish and never tires the drinker even after many glasses, transforms daily evening drinks into the best moments. In particular, special series aged for a long time in a snow cellar (Yukimuro) possess the mellowness and deep richness brewed by the passage of time. As a staple that colors the dining table, and as a sake for gifts or special occasions, it is a synonym for Japanese sake that continues to be loved across generations and borders.

Kinjosan is a community-based brand bearing the name of Mt. Kinjo, one of the symbols of Minami Uonuma City. Among the diverse lineup handled by Hakkai Jozo, it is carefully brewed as a sake that stays close to the local people and blends into the daily life of Minami Uonuma. Its taste is characterized by a simple yet consistent good balance, as if the blessings of the local mountains are condensed. The gentle umami that never tires, produced by pure water and carefully selected rice, complements a wide range of seasonal dishes regardless of whether it is before or during a meal. This sake, filled with respect and affection for the region, possesses an honest deliciousness that allows you to feel the rich terroir of Minami Uonuma with all five senses.

Sakadoyama is a brand filled with thoughts for the hometown, bearing the name of Mt. Sakado (elevation 634m) which is deeply loved by the citizens of Minami Uonuma. Just like the mountain trails that citizens are familiar with daily or the katakuri (dogtooth violet) flowers that herald spring, it is brewed as an existence that stays close to local daily life and calms the heart. Its taste is the pinnacle of 'friendliness.' A clear mouthfeel where the technology of Hakkai Jozo shines and a straightforward umami of rice that makes you feel a sense of nostalgia are co-starring. The finish, which allows you to feel the breath of the familiar nature of Minami Uonuma in an unadorned expression, blends naturally into any dining table. Like the refreshing feeling after mountain walking, it is an affectionate deliciousness that soaks into the mind and body the more you drink.

Fuji Masamune is a prestigious brand housing the soul of the traditions that Naeba Shuzo is proud of. Originating from 'Fuji (Unique/Second to None),' an alias for Mt. Fuji, and bearing 'Masamune,' a synonym for orthodox and excellent sake, the name symbolizes the strong determination of brewers aiming for the best quality in Japan. Born from pure snowmelt water in the extremely cold winter of Tsunan Town, this sake excels in the 'light and dry' style of Niigata sake, while possessing a soft and smooth mouthfeel unique to soft water brewing. The refined umami at the core of the rice and the refreshing sharpness are harmonized in an exquisite balance, bringing a dignified sense of satisfaction to the drinker. The authentic taste that is not swept away by the times is a dignified drink that colors important conversation scenes.

Koshi no Ryujin is a brand full of vitality, symbolizing the belief in the water god that has been handed down from ancient times in Tsunan Town, a city of water. The inexhaustible rich blessings of water represented by 'Ryugakubo no lke,' one of the selected 100 best waters. The brewery's prayer to sublimate that pure vitality into sake is contained in this name. The extremely pure mouthfeel brought by the snowmelt water of Mt. Naeba is as if it were polished by the hand of a dragon. While having the 'light' sharpness unique to Niigata, strength that makes you feel the power of nature and clear transparency coexist in the depths. The sacred deliciousness that moistens the throat and washes the heart with every sip embodies the spirit of the snow country that gives thanks for the benefits of water and coexists with nature.

Naebasan is the flagship brand of Naeba Shuzo, bearing the name of the sacred Mt. Naeba, a symbol of Tsunan Town and one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. The high-altitude moors spreading near the 2,145m summit and the pure white snow that piles up in winter. The pure brewing water nurtured by that majestic nature is the clean soul of this sake. The characteristic of the taste is 'light and dry,' which follows the royal road of Niigata sake. However, it is not just dry; the elegant and smooth mouthfeel produced by soft water brewing and the gentle umami of rice are layered to create a transparency like snowmelt water. The noble sharpness that complements any dish is just like the refreshing breeze blowing through the vast foot of Mt. Naeba. It is a representative drink of the brewery that expresses the terroir of the snow country Tsunan most purely.