Sake Brands
in Okayama
Tamaizumi
Tamaizumi is the flagship brand of Tamaizumi Shuzo, expressing a sake like a beautiful jewel-like spring. The name expresses gratitude for the pure, beautiful water (spring) and the clarity of the sake brewed with it. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, Yoshii River groundwater, and traditional Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a light taste with solid rice umami. With a mouthfeel like pure water and balanced acidity, it is cherished as a food-pairing sake that matches Bizen seafood and local cuisine.
Kamenoi
Kamenoi is the flagship brand of Fujiwara Shuzo, a sake expressing the crane (symbolizing longevity and prosperity) and a pure well. The name embodies the crane as a symbol of longevity, gratitude for pure well water, and the wish to bring longevity and happiness to drinkers. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, Setouchi water, and traditional Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a well-balanced taste. Light yet delivering solid rice umami, it is cherished as a food-pairing sake that matches Setouchi seafood and local cuisine.
Togo
Togo is the flagship brand of Togo Shuzo, a community-rooted sake bearing the region's name. The name embodies pride in the Togo region and the wish to be a sake loved by locals. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, upper Yoshii River water, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a light taste with solid rice umami. Reflecting the Mimasaka terroir, it is cherished locally for its balanced clean mouthfeel and moderate richness.
Shiraume
Shiraume is a traditional brand of Tanaka Shuzojo, expressing the pure and elegant white plum blossom. The name embodies respect for the purity and noble beauty of white plum blossoms blooming in early spring. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, upper Yoshii River water, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a light taste with solid rice umami. With an elegant aroma, clean mouthfeel, and balanced acidity, it is cherished as a food-pairing sake that matches Mimasaka's regional cuisine.
Musashi no Sato
Musashi no Sato is the flagship brand of Tanaka Shuzojo, expressing the history and romance of the Mimasaka region, the birthplace of the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. The name embodies pride in the land associated with Miyamoto Musashi and the desire to convey his spirituality to the present day. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, upper Yoshii River water, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a quality combining strength and delicacy. Offering a dignified taste and deep finish reminiscent of Musashi's spirit of "sword and Zen as one," it is cherished locally as a brand evoking Mimasaka's history.
Chuko
Chuko is a unique brand from Tanaka Shuzojo, expressing the mystery of a fox dancing in the sky and a free spirit. The name embodies the brewery's challenging stance to create a sake with unconventional, free thinking and mysterious charm. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, upper Yoshii River water, and Bitchu Toji techniques as a base, it incorporates new attempts for a unique taste. Offering a fantastical and mysterious impression and an unexpected flavor development, it is gaining attention, especially among the younger generation.
Shitatsuzumi
Shitatsuzumi is a brand by Goto Shuzo, expressing a sake so delicious that one cannot help but smack their lips. The name embodies the wish to bring joy and satisfaction to drinkers, making them exclaim "Delicious!" involuntarily. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, upper Yoshii River water, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a balanced taste. With richness and umami yet a clean mouthfeel, it is cherished as a food-pairing sake that matches the regional cuisine of the Chugoku Mountains.
Fujimusume
Fujimusume is a brand by Goto Shuzo, expressing a sake as elegant and beautiful as wisteria flowers. The name embodies respect for the graceful appearance of wisteria flowers and the purity and beauty similar to a young maiden. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, upper Yoshii River water, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a delicate and soft taste. With a balance of gorgeous aroma, elegant sweetness, and a clean aftertaste, it is cherished as a brand that matches well with a wide range of dishes.
Isuzu
Isuzu is the flagship brand of Makino Shuzo Honten, a sake expressing purity and holiness named after the Isuzu River of Ise Jingu. The name embodies respect for the pure flow of the Isuzu River and the sacred place. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, upper Yoshii River water, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a light taste with solid rice umami. With a mouthfeel like pure water and balanced acidity, it is cherished as a food-pairing sake that matches the regional cuisine of the Chugoku Mountains.
Tsuyamajo
Tsuyamajo is the flagship brand of Namba Shuzo, expressing the dignity and history of Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Castle), one of Japan's three major flatland-mountain castles. The name embodies the historical importance of Tsuyama Castle and pride in the castle town of Tsuyama. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, Yoshii River groundwater, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it combines strength and dignity. With a solid structure like the castle's stone walls and the cultural refinement of the castle town, it is cherished for its balanced richness and umami.
Fukumukae
Fukumukae is a brand by Namba Shuzo, an auspicious sake that welcomes good fortune. The name embodies the wish to bring luck and prosperity to drinkers and to be a sake that welcomes joy. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, Yoshii River groundwater, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a soft mouthfeel and gentle taste. Light yet delivering solid rice umami, it is cherished as a brand suitable for celebrations and auspicious occasions.
Washin
Washin is a brand by Namba Shuzo, expressing the heart of Japan and the spirit of harmony. The name embodies the stance of cherishing traditional Japanese culture and the heart of "Wa" (harmony), pursuing harmonious sake brewing. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, Yoshii River groundwater, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a balanced taste. Its calm and harmonious quality pairs well with Japanese cuisine and is cherished as a brand evoking the Japanese spirit.
Sakushu Musashi
Sakushu Musashi is a brand by Namba Shuzo, expressing the history of swordsman Miyamoto Musashi and Sakushu (Mimasaka Province). The name embodies pride in Sakushu, Musashi's birthplace, and the desire to convey his spirituality to the present. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, Yoshii River groundwater, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it combines strength and delicacy. Offering a dignified taste and deep finish reminiscent of Musashi's "Niten Ichi-ryu" spirit, it is cherished locally.
Morohaku
Morohaku is the flagship brand of Kanda Shuzo Energy, named after the traditional "Morohaku-zukuri" brewing method. "Morohaku" is a premium method using polished white rice for both koji rice and brewing rice, prized as top-quality sake since the Edo period. The name embodies the brewery's stance of preserving traditional methods and continuing to brew high-quality sake. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, Yoshii River groundwater, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it features an elegant aroma and light taste. Thanks to the traditional method, it offers a clean mouthfeel with little off-taste while allowing the rice's umami to be firmly felt.
Kamoitsuha
Kamoitsuha is the flagship brand of Tago Honke Shuzojo, expressing the tradition of the Kamo region and the symbolism of the five-needle pine. The name embodies pride in the Kamo region and the wish to be a sake that enjoys longevity and prosperity like a five-needle pine. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, Yoshii River groundwater, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a balanced taste. Light yet delivering solid rice umami, it is cherished as a food-pairing sake that matches the regional cuisine of the Tsuyama area.
Futarishizuka
Futarishizuka was a brand by Kongo Shuzo, an elegant and fantastical sake derived from the Noh play "Futarishizuka." The name embodied the elegance of the two dancing figures of Shizuka Gozen and the herb-picking woman, and the wish for a delicate and beautiful sake quality. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice and Bitchu Toji techniques, it featured a soft mouthfeel and gentle taste. Currently, it is difficult to obtain due to the brewery's closure.
Kongo
Kongo was a brand by Kongo Shuzo, a sake expressing the dignity and strength of Mount Kongo. The name embodied the wish for a solid and unwavering quality like a diamond (Kongo-seki) and a powerful taste like a mountain. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice and Bitchu Toji techniques, it featured a balanced richness and umami. Currently, it is difficult to obtain due to the brewery's closure.
Momo no Sato
Momo no Sato is the flagship brand of Akaiwa Shuzo, named after Akaiwa City in Okayama Prefecture, famous for its white peaches. The name embodies pride in the Akaiwa region, known for peaches, and the wish to aim for a sweet and soft taste like a peach. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, Yoshii River groundwater, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a soft mouthfeel and gentle sweetness. With a fruity aroma like a peach and a balanced clean finish, it is cherished as a brand expressing the Akaiwa terroir.
Sakura Muromachi
Sakura Muromachi is the flagship brand of Muromachi Shuzo, expressing the beauty of cherry blossoms and the cultural refinement of the Muromachi period. The name embodies the wish to be a sake that is beautiful and gorgeous like cherry blossoms and evokes the elegance of the Muromachi period. Brewed with Okayama's "Omachi Rice," Yoshii River groundwater, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a gorgeous aroma and elegant taste. With an elegant and delicate quality like cherry blossoms and well-balanced acidity, it is cherished as a brand expressing the Akaiwa terroir.
Sakon
Sakon is a brand by Muromachi Shuzo, derived from the name of the Sakonefu (Left Division of Inner Palace Guards) of the Heian period, or "Sakon no Sakura," an alias for cherry blossoms. The name embodies respect for historical prestige and beauty like the Sakon no Sakura at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Brewed with Okayama's "Omachi Rice," Yoshii River groundwater, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it combines dignity and strength. Cherished as a brand offering a distinguished taste and deep finish.