Sake Brands
in Shimane

"Shinigami" (Reaper) is a unique brand that prides itself on having the "most unlucky name in Japan" and instantly raised the profile of Kamofuku Shuzo. Based on the concept of "making sake that is the completel opposite of modern trends," it features an amber color like old sake, a unique aged aroma reminiscent of sherry or Shaoxing wine, and rich sweetness and umami. Its strong individuality, which is said to be "unforgettable once you drink it," has created enthusiastic fans. Please enjoy its deep taste on the rocks or as hot sake.

"Tamazakura" is the main brand of Tamazakura Shuzo, which is loved locally and also respected by sake connoisseurs nationwide. Based on the concept of "sake that tastes even better when heated," it features a plump aroma and deep richness unique to completely fermented Junmai sake. It is crisp when cold, but when warmed, the sweetness and umami of rice spread gently, offering a comforting taste that warms you from the core of your body. It is a relaxing cup indispensable for every night's drink.

"Homare Ikezuki" is the flagship brand of Ikezuki Shuzo, named after the famous horse "Ikezuki." The taste woven by ultra-soft water and Kibune Shibori (wooden tank pressing) is smooth as silk and has a surprisingly gentle mouthfeel. While it lets you feel the solid umami of the rice, the aftertaste is clean, and you never tire of drinking it. It is a Junmai sake with a profound charm that changes its expression depending on the temperature, from cold sake to hot sake.

"Mitsuzakura" is the representative brand that was brewed by Mitsuzakura Shuzo. It has been loved as local sake nurtured by the climate of Hamada. Although it may be rarely seen in the market now, its taste remains in the memories of many people.

"Somi" is the flagship brand boasting over 400 years of history, named after the founder Migita Honten's Dharma name "Onyo Somi." With a wide lineup from refreshing Tanrei Karakuchi (dry) to rich Umakuchi (savory), it is deeply rooted in the food culture of local Masuda. Its taste, which you never tire of and which nestles up to any dish, is truly a model of "local sake." Please enjoy the profound taste in which long history and tradition breathe.

"Kikuyasaka" is the flagship brand of Okadaya Honten, embodying the wish for "Japan's prosperity (iyasaka)." Brewed carefully using local sake rice, it is characterized by a gentle aroma and a sharp aftertaste. For many years, it has accompanied the life milestones of the people of Masuda, such as regional celebrations and community gatherings. It is a bottle of reliable quality, benefiting from shochu-making techniques that utilize local specialties in addition to traditional sake brewing.

"Kinkan Shiragiku" is a brand that was once brewed at Nakahara Shuzo in Masuda City. It has a history of adorning local dining tables and being loved by many people. Although it is now a rare existence, it was brewed with the aim of a pure and dignified taste like a white chrysanthemum (shiragiku), as its name suggests. It is a memorable brand that conveys the history of brewing in Masuda to the present.

"Fusouduru" is the flagship brand of Kuwabara Sakaba, carrying the names "Tsuru" (crane), a symbol of longevity, and "Fusou," an alias for Japan. Using the clear water of the Takatsu River and in-house polished sake rice from Shimane Prefecture, it is committed to all-Junmai brewing. Its taste, which suppresses flashy aromas and maximizes the original umami of the rice, is truly an ideal food-pairing sake. It demonstrates its true value even more at room temperature or warmed, and is a warm sake that richly colors daily meals.

"Ou" is Junmai Daiginjo positioned at the highest peak of Oroku Shuzo, bearing a name derived from the Kunibiki myth of Izumo no Kuni Fudoki. It contains the desire for "sake brewing rooted in this land where gods gather." The taste, which is brewed slowly at low temperature by polishing carefully selected sake rice to the limit, is delicate and solemn. The serene aroma and the deep and clear umami that spreads in the mouth are full of elegance that symbolizes Izumo, the village of myths.

"Takemichi" is a Junmai Ginjo sake named after the 6th generation brewery owner, Takemichi Ishihara, who poured his passion into every process. History began with a tank that he brewed alone for the first time with the permission of the chief brewer. It uses Yamada Nishiki grown by contract farmers in the local Kamiiyo district of Higashiizumo-cho. It is a bottle that embodies the "now" of Oroku Shuzo, with an exquisite harmony of powerful rice umami full of wildness and fresh acidity.

"Oroku" is a brand that can be said to be the soul of Oroku Shuzo, inheriting the tradition since its founding. It contains the wish to be "the king of sake that emits golden brilliance (Roku)." The freshness unique to unfiltered raw sake and the mellowness due to aging coexist. Its strong taste with a core, which you will never get tired of drinking, keeps fascinating many local sake fans.

"Taichu 65" is the memorable first brand of Taiun Shuzo, brewed using "Taichung 65," a Horai rice variety developed in Taiwan under Japanese rule. Although it uses rice from Shimane Prefecture, it contains feelings for Taiwan, which is the root. It features a refreshing aroma and a taste where you can firmly feel the umami of rice. It is a bottle rich in story that symbolizes the bond between Taiwan and Japan.

"Taiun" is the flagship brand of Taiun Shuzo named after the brewery. The name, which combines "Tai" of "Taiwan" and "Un" of "Izumo," contains a strong will to connect the two lands across the sea. A new sake brewed in Izumo where the sensitivity of a Taiwanese person breathes. Within the refreshing drinking mouth, a warm aftertaste spreads, calming the drinker's heart.

"Kamiasobi" is the representative brand of Taisha Masamune Jozo, brewed at the foot of Izumo Taisha Shrine. The name evokes the image of gods playing happily, making you feel the romance of Izumo, the land of myths. It features a refreshing mouthfeel and a plump umami of rice. It is an emotional bottle that you want to taste while remembering your trip to Izumo or thinking about the gods.

"Kinmon Yakumo" is the representative brand brewed by Tachibana Shuzojo. The name, which reminds us of the pillow word of Izumo, "Yakumo Tatsu," makes us feel the climate and history of Izumo. It is local sake with a comforting taste that has been loved locally.

"Izumo Chiyozuru" is the flagship brand of Matsumoto Shuzo, brewed in the nature-rich environment of Izumo. Bearing the name "Tsuru" (crane), which wishes for longevity and prosperity that lasts for a thousand generations (chiyo), it has been loved by locals for many years. Despite being small-scale, they are particular about careful brewing, and its taste is characterized by a well-balanced harmony of rice sweetness and a clean finish. It is a bottle deeply rooted in the local area, indispensable for regional gatherings and dining tables.

"Awakumo" is a sparkling sake characterized by light bubbles like clouds, as its name suggests. The natural carbonation from secondary fermentation pops pleasantly, and the gentle sweetness of the rice and refreshing acidity spread in the mouth. It is excellent not only as a toast but also with Western food and desserts. It's a gorgeous and modern bottle that lets you feel the new possibilities of sake.

"Yashiori no Sake" is an extremely rich and sweet sake that reproduces the sake that appears in the Japanese myth of "Subduing Yamata no Orochi." By using a special technique called "re-brewing," where brewing is repeated many times, the umami is condensed to the limit. It is characterized by a thick texture and a deep, aged taste, a luxurious masterpiece reminiscent of the world of mythology. It is a bottle to be tasted slowly as a dessert wine after a meal, enjoying the mood.

"Minami Taiheiyo" is a brand full of local love, born from a movie set in Unnan City. Using local Unnan-grown rice and spring water from the mountains, its charm lies in a simple and warm taste, as if the local climate was bottled just as it is. It has a depth that anyone can enjoy, with a harmony of gentle aroma and rice umami. Please enjoy it as a food-pairing sake that nestles up to daily life while thinking of the scenery of Unnan.

"Okuizumo no Itteki" is a gem born from the rich nature of Okuizumo and carefully selected rice. By carefully polishing selected local sake rice and brewing it slowly at a low temperature, they have pursued the deep original umami of the rice and a clear, beautiful aftertaste. As the name suggests, the climate of Okuizumo and the passion of the brewers are condensed into every single drop. It is a dignified Junmai sake that lets you feel the pure air of Okuizumo, the land of myths.