Sake Brands
in Oita

Imori Dani is one of Nakano Shuzo's special brands, a Japanese sake expressing the rich natural environment of the Kunisaki Peninsula. Using the pure water of Kitsuki and carefully selected rice, it is meticulously brewed with Nakano Shuzo's traditional techniques. It is characterized by a distinctive flavor that leverages the regional terroir.

Kunisaki Sennen Monogatari is a special brand expressing over a thousand years of history and culture of the Kunisaki Peninsula. Brewed with a fusion of traditional methods and modern techniques, it evokes the eternal history of the Kunisaki Peninsula, a sacred land of the Rokugo Mangan culture. Characterized by a deep flavor and elegant aroma, it is a distinguished Japanese sake befitting gifts and anniversaries on special occasions.

Chiebijin (kanji) is a traditional brand of Nakano Shuzo since its founding, a distinguished Japanese sake bearing the name of the first proprietress "Chie." Brewed for local distribution, Chiebijin (kanji) is characterized by a sake quality that emphasizes sweetness and umami to pair with local ingredients. It boasts the finest compatibility with Kitsuki's regional cuisine and continues to be loved by local people. Brewed with care using the sacred water of Rokugo Mangan and locally grown rice, it preserves traditional methods passed down since the brewery's founding in 1874.

Matsu no Tsuyu is a brand from Yano Shuzo Jo, brewed using a pure method that draws out only the natural sweetness of rice without adding any sugar. Upholding the belief that all sweetness comes from rice, the freshly pressed unpasteurized sake features a refreshing taste when chilled. The natural sweetness of rice harmonizes with a clear, clean sake quality. Its pure, unadulterated flavor pairs exceptionally well with dishes that highlight the quality of their ingredients.

Kuragokoro is a brand from Yano Shuzo Jo, expressing the heartfelt dedication of the brewery's craftsmen in their sake making. Practicing brewing that values traditional techniques and sincerity, it is characterized by high quality achieved through meticulous handcrafting. Cherishing the inherent flavor of rice, it is beloved as an honest and gentle sake.

Shinra Bansho is a brand crafted by Yano Shuzo Jo, bearing a grand name that represents all existence and phenomena in the universe. Expressing sake brewing in harmony with nature, it is presented as a sake born from the rich natural environment of Kunisaki. Characterized by profound flavor and a lingering, expansive finish, it is a sake that evokes the workings of nature.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hita Sugi Bottle Wa is a sake presented in a special container made from Hita cedar, the region's renowned specialty product. The subtle fragrance of Hita cedar gently infuses the sake, creating a luxurious product with a unique flavor profile. Highly popular as a gift, it is a special product that fuses Hita's traditional craftsmanship with sake brewing artistry.

Oimatsu is the signature brand of Oimatsu Shuzo, a sake that embodies the brewery's history and tradition. Characterized by a well-balanced flavor brewed with the crisp, pure water from the upper Chikugo River and carefully selected rice. With a savory, easy-drinking quality that never tires the palate, it is a classic brand that has been beloved locally for many years.

Yaba Masamune is a brand from Nishi no Homare Meijo, a sake bearing the name of the scenic Yabakei gorge. Brewed with the majestic nature and crystal-clear water of Yabakei, this sake features a powerful yet graceful flavor. Its clear, refreshing quality evokes the pure mountain air. Harmonizing with the food culture of Nakatsu, it pairs exceptionally well with river fish dishes and mountain delicacies. It is also popular as a souvenir sake for visitors to the famous Yabakei scenic area.

Nishi no Homare is another flagship brand of Nishi no Homare Meijo, a sake expressing the pride of the western provinces. Brewed with the aspiration to create a sake that the nation can admire from the western edge of Kyushu, it features a mellow, easy-drinking flavor. With a versatile quality enjoyable across occasions from daily evening drinks to special days, it is a brand that has been beloved by the people of Nakatsu for many years.