Sake Brands
in Oita

KUNISAKI is a modern brand by Kayashima Shuzo that expresses the charm of the Kunisaki Peninsula. While preserving traditional handcrafting techniques, it pursues flavors that complement contemporary food culture. Using soft water from the Futago mountain range and carefully selected sake rice, it is characterized by a sake quality that values the harmony of five tastes.

Sensanbyakunen no Inori is a special brand paying homage to the 1,300-year history of the Rokugo Manzan Buddhist culture that lives on in the Kunisaki Peninsula. Expressing the spirituality of the Kunisaki Peninsula, which flourished as a sacred site of syncretistic Shinto-Buddhist worship, it is a prestigious sake brewed with pure water from the Futago mountain range and carefully selected rice. Characterized by deep flavor and elegant aroma, it is also popular as a gift imbued with special prayers and wishes.

Nishi no Seki is the flagship brand of Kayashima Shuzo, a distinguished sake named in the 1890s with the aspiration to become the representative sake of western Japan. Inheriting the tradition of winning first prize at the inaugural National Sake Competition in 1907, it pursues 'delicious sake' with harmoniously balanced five tastes (sweet, sour, dry, bitter, astringent) under the philosophy of 'A Century of Consistent Quality.' Brewed meticulously using traditional handcrafting techniques with soft water from the Futago mountain range, Hinohikari from Oita, Hattannishiki from Hiroshima, and Yamada Nishiki from Hyogo. Beloved as a quintessential Kyushu-style food sake that enhances the flavor of cuisine, the brewery also pioneered innovative initiatives such as releasing ginjo sake 'Hizo-shu' in 1963.

Kurokui is one of the brands brewed by Kuge Honten, a sake that expresses the history and traditions of Usuki. Using Usuki's delicious water filtered through limestone layers and carefully selected rice from Oita Prefecture, it embodies regionally circular sake brewing. Pairing well with seafood from the Bungo Channel, it is characterized by flavors that complement the local food culture.

USUKI is a Tokubetsu Junmai unfiltered raw sake bearing the name of Usuki City, certified as an 'Usuki Brand' local specialty. Using 100% rice grown in Usuki City, it expresses the inherent umami and strength of rice as an unfiltered raw sake. Fresh and vibrant aromas harmonize with robust rice umami, creating an exquisite pairing with the fresh seafood of the Bungo Channel.

Nagori Yuki is an emotionally rich brand by Kuge Honten that expresses the transition of seasons. Using the clear water of Usuki and rice from Oita Prefecture, it is characterized by a delicate and gentle mouthfeel like light spring snow. With elegant aroma and mellow flavor, it is popular as a food sake that harmonizes with seasonal cuisine throughout the year.

Ichi no Ide is the flagship brand of Kuge Honten, a Tokubetsu Junmai sake using 100% Wakamizu sake rice grown in Usuki City. Certified as an 'Usuki Brand' local specialty, it is characterized by well-developed rice umami and a pleasant acidity. Pairing excellently with local white-fleshed and blue-backed fish dishes, it embodies the philosophy of sake brewing rooted in the regional food culture. The mellow and deep flavor created by Usuki's delicious water filtered through limestone layers continues to be beloved by local residents.

Sorin is a brand produced by Kotegawa Shuzo, named after the Christian daimyo Otomo Sorin. It was named by the writer Nogami Yaeko, whose birthplace is this brewery. The undiluted sake has a high alcohol content of 19%, with a richness reminiscent of shochu. It offers a rich sweetness like butterscotch candy, a smooth mouthfeel, and a fine, full-bodied umami. With a unique flavor that crosses the boundary between sake and shochu, it is also characterized by aging in traditional jar storage. An innovative sake that is also recommended to be enjoyed on the rocks.

Notsuingawa is a brand of Fujii Shuzo, named after the clear stream of the Notsu River that flows through Notsu Town. As a sake that expresses the local natural environment, it is characterized by a transparent flavor reminiscent of pure water. It is beloved for its gentle, mild sake quality that harmonizes with the climate and terroir of Notsu.

Ryubai is the flagship brand of Fujii Shuzo, the crystallization of 140 years of brewing expertise. It is brewed in the spirit of "wajo ryoshu" (harmonious brewing makes good sake). The daiginjo boasts the highest gold medal win rate in Oita Prefecture and is a premium sake highly acclaimed at the National New Sake Competition. The junmai ginjo is offered as a premium sake with a solid body. The nigorizake (cloudy sake) is extremely popular locally in Oita, and a wide lineup caters to various needs. The brewing features meticulous techniques including traditional fukurozuri (bag-hanging) drip extraction.

Ryufu is a brand of Fujii Shuzo that expresses a powerful and dashing flavor, like a dragon. It is developed as a brand with a different personality from Ryubai, characterized by a crisp, refreshing mouthfeel. It has attracted attention as a youthful, energetic sake that incorporates modern sensibilities.

Masutama is a brand of Akamine Shuzo Jo, a sake with an auspicious name wishing for longevity and prosperity. "Manju" means ten thousand years of life, and "tama" means treasure, making it a brand beloved in the community as fitting for celebratory occasions. Often chosen as a celebratory sake, it is treasured as a drink that adorns life's milestones such as weddings, 60th birthday celebrations, and New Year festivities. The flavor is gentle and easy to drink, with a sake quality that is loved across a wide range of generations.

Hanaemi is a brand of Ochi Shuzo, a sake expressing a gentle, gorgeous flavor like a flower smiling. Using sake rice nurtured in the rich natural environment of Saiki, it is characterized by a fruity, refreshing aroma. Soft sweetness and moderate acidity harmonize, possessing a splendor reminiscent of a spring flower garden. With a light mouthfeel that is easy to drink for women as well, it pairs excellently with aperitifs and light dishes. It is also chosen as a toast sake for celebrations and special occasions.

Tenshin Yuki Masamune is a traditional brand of Ochi Shuzo, a sake that pursues a pure and pristine flavor. "Tenshin" expresses natural purity, "Yuki" represents cleanliness, and "Masamune" signifies the orthodoxy of sake. Characterized by a clear, limpid flavor with a transparent sake quality free of off-flavors. It is especially delicious served chilled, pairing superbly with Saiki's fresh seafood.

Bungo Suimei is a brand brewed by Ochi Shuzo, expressing the verdant nature and bright future of Bungo (Oita). Brewed using the terroir of local Saiki, it is characterized by a refreshing, clear flavor. As the character "sui" (jade green) suggests, it is a sake with a fresh, youthful impression. With a light mouthfeel yet a solid rice umami, it is finished with a sake quality that is ideal as a food-pairing sake.

MOMO is a brand by Kuncho Shuzo that incorporates modern sensibilities. Characterized by a fruity, gorgeous aroma and a light mouthfeel, it has a flavor that is approachable even for sake beginners. Popular among younger generations and women, it is a new-style sake that can be enjoyed casually.

Kuncho is the traditional brand of Kuncho Shuzo, a sake that embodies the brewery's history and expertise. Named for its rich fragrance and long finish, it is characterized by an elegant flavor brewed with the pure water of the Chikugo River system. It maintains a dignified sake quality befitting the historic townscape of Hita.

Kaku no I is a brand of Inoue Shuzo, a local sake of Hita boasting over 200 years of history. The brand name derives from the shape of a well, expressing gratitude for the blessing of pure water. Using clear underground water from upstream of the Chikugo River for brewing, it is characterized by a mellow, easy-to-drink flavor. With a sake quality that harmonizes with Hita's local food culture, it pairs especially well with river fish and wild mountain vegetable dishes. It is a brand loved across a wide range of occasions, from daily evening drinks to celebrations.

Kuro Oni is a distinctive brand from Oimatsu Shuzo, a sake characterized by powerful depth and rich flavor. With a full-bodied, savory taste and substantial drinking satisfaction, its umami is further enhanced when served warm. Despite its bold name, it offers a well-balanced sake quality that pairs nicely with cuisine.

Mine no Kantsubaki is a brand by Oimatsu Shuzo that captures the winter scenery of Hita. Characterized by a dignified presence like the winter camellia flower and a delicate, refined flavor. A ginjo-style sake slowly brewed at low temperatures, it offers vibrant aromas and a crisp, clean finish.