Sake Brands
in Yamagata

"Challenge, play, and evolve." Yamakawa Mitsuo, presented by four elite Yamagata breweries, is a unit brand blowing a fresh breeze through the sake world. The unique character on the label, resembling a quirky older man, expresses the desire for people to enjoy sake more freely and casually. Every year, the four breweries pool their wisdom to create flavors with changing themes of rice and yeast, perfectly balancing fresh discovery with reliable quality. Released seasonally (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter), each bottle is filled with the depth of Yamagata's technology and the playful spirit of the brewers. It is an "entertainment sake" that keeps drinkers excited to see what comes next.

Brewed with the crisp underflow water of the Zao Mountain Range, Yamaotokoyama features a refreshingly sharp and dry profile. True to its name, it offers a clean taste that becomes more enjoyable with every sip, making it a beloved local favorite for daily dining. Combining years of brewing expertise with Yamagata's natural bounty, this sake delivers the honest and pure umami of rice.

Uyo Otoyama, the flagship brand of Otoyama Shuzo, is nationally acclaimed for its sophisticated and sharp dry profile crafted with Zao's spring water. With 16 gold medals at the National New Sake Awards, its exceptional quality is a result of over 200 years of tradition combined with Yamagata's harsh winters. The name "Uyo" proudly marks its origin as Yamagata's Otokoyama, serving as a premium brew that perfectly enhances any culinary experience.

Nanuka is a revolutionary blend created from the premium brews of three distinct Yamagata breweries: Otoyama, Kajo Kotobuki, and Shuho. Planned by the specialist store "La Jomon" and crafted with traditional expertise, it achieves a deep, multilayered complexity impossible for a single brewery alone. Named "Nanuka" (7th) as a clever nod to its location in Yokamachi (8th Town), this "entertainment sake" celebrates local bonds and a playful spirit.

Juhachiya is a brand crafted with the pristine underflow water of Zao and premium Yamagata rice, capturing the essence of the local terroir. This flavorful sake represents the seamless harmony between Shuho Shuzojo's refined techniques and the region's rich natural environment. It offers a profound and meditative experience, whispering the brewery's long-standing traditions with every sip.

Genshu Okinasan, literally meaning "Phantom Sake of Mt. Okinasan," is a highly rare and exclusive label within the Shuho Shuzojo lineup. This special brew reflects the perfect marriage of Zao's majestic nature and time-honored brewing traditions, offering a profound taste for the most discerning palates. Encapsulating the bounties of earth and sky, it is a luxurious masterpiece that truly earns its "phantom" status.

Shuho, the signature brand named after the mythical Fenghuang (Phoenix), embodies the brewery's ideal of crafting sake with distinct personality. Characterized by a brilliant fruity aroma similar to apples and grapes, it balances elegant sweetness with the robust umami of Yamagata rice. This celebrated brand harmonizes Zao's natural gifts with traditional techniques, earning high praise from enthusiasts worldwide.

Shogoro is a traditional brand that honors the name of the brewery's founder, Togo Shogoro, symbolizing the legacy of three generations. Inheriting the original techniques since the foundation, it is crafted with Zao's pure water and premium local rice to deliver a timeless taste. This brand serves as the spiritual root of Shuho Shuzojo, connecting the founder's passion to the modern era.

Shuin is an exclusive limited brand developed in collaboration with specialty sake shops, with its name meaning "beautiful resonance" or "lingering finish." Distributed only through select retailers, it focuses on achieving a sophisticated and comfortable aftertaste that stays with the palate. The harmonious blend of Shuho's brewing expertise and the retailers' passion results in a refined sake cherished by true connoisseurs.

Yuzurikawa is a brand that highlights the unique character within Shuho Shuzojo's diverse portfolio, born from Zao's nature and traditional skills. Crafted with the brewery's distinctive approach, it offers a serene presence and thoughtful individuality among its peers. This sake brings a quiet color and peace to your dining table, beautifully expressing the changing seasons of Yamagata.

Ginrei Gassan, the premium signature brand of Gassan Shuzo, is masterfully crafted using the pure "Roman no Mizu" that originates from the 400-year-old snowmelt of Mt. Gassan. Brewed by skilled local artisans during the peak of winter, it offers a sophisticated balance of crisp aroma and a rich, full-bodied flavor profile. This celebrated sake, frequently receiving gold medals at international awards, represents the ultimate harmony of mountain spring water and traditional craftsmanship.

Hitokoe is a cherished local brand from Shitara Shuzoten, meticulously brewed with the 400-year-old "Gassan Natural Water" during the peak of winter's chill. It is characterized by a rich, savory umami and a smooth, honey-like sweetness that melts on the palate, balanced by a crisp finish. Primarily available in Nishikawa Town, this sake represents the brewery's deep love for its community and the natural harmony of Mt. Gassan.

Horyu is a signature brand from Suzuki Shuzo, named after the nearby Horyu Shrine and crafted with the pure underflow water of the Asahi Mountain Range. Brewed with premium rice varieties like Yamada Nishiki and Dewasansan, this sake is meticulously produced by artisans of the prefecture's smallest brewery. Rarely found outside its hometown, it is cherished as a "phantom sake" and serves as a symbol of pride for the people of Asahimachi.

Jukyukura is a refined label from Kotobuki Toraya Shuzo, representing the pinnacle of over 300 years of brewing expertise combined with the pure water of the Zao Mountain Range. This sake beautifully expresses the unique terroir of Yamagata through meticulous craftsmanship and the use of pristine Takase River water. It offers an authentic and timeless flavor profile, embodying the quiet confidence of veteran brewers.

Omachi is a specialized brand from Kotobuki Toraya Shuzo that highlights the unique characteristics of the legendary heirloom rice "Omachi." Supported by 300 years of craftsmanship, this sake delivers a deep, complex flavor profile that fully showcases the robust qualities of this ancient rice variety. It offers an elegant presence where the legacy of the mythical rice and the brewery's long-standing techniques harmonize perfectly.

Kajo Kotobuki, the flagship brand of Kotobuki Toraya Shuzo, takes its name from "Kajo," the traditional nickname of Yamagata Castle, reflecting a deep pride in its local roots. Crafted with Zao's pure water and premium local ingredients using 300 years of tradition, it is celebrated for its crisp, refreshing profile and impeccable balance. This acclaimed sake captures the essence of Yamagata's nature, continuing to receive high praise at international awards for its authentic flavor.

Toraya is the symbolic brand that carries the brewery's traditional trade name, embodying the heritage of Kotobuki Toraya Shuzo since its founding in 1715. It represents the very roots of the brewery, utilizing Zao's spring water and local rice to offer a timeless taste of history. This brand serves as a bridge across centuries, allowing enthusiasts to experience the original spirit and unwavering craftsmanship of the house.

Sanbyakunen no Okite-yaburi, literally meaning "The 300-Year Rule Breaker," is a revolutionary brand that broke the brewery's century-old policy of always filtering its sake. Originally a privilege reserved only for the brewery workers, the exquisite taste of this unfiltered and unpasteurized sake led to its public release at the start of the 21st century. It delivers the powerful umami of koji, a vibrant aroma, and a delicate effervescence that provides an unparalleled sense of freshness directly from the press.

Koyomori is a popular traditional brand that has been a cornerstone of Furusawa Shuzo since its foundation, symbolizing the brewery's long-standing heritage. Its poetic name, meaning "Autumn Foliage in Full Bloom," refers to the local reputation that the sake reaches its flavorful peak just as the maple leaves in the founder's garden turn red. This brew matures beautifully over the summer, offering a well-rounded taste that has deep roots in the local dining culture of Sagae.

Tenpu is a special brand named after the legendary philosopher Mitsuru (Tenpu) Nakamura, whom the third-generation head's grandfather, Tokuji, deeply admired. Nakamura founded the "Shin-shin-toitsu-ho" philosophy, which influenced many prominent figures, and this spirit is reflected in the brewery's dedication to their craft. This brand symbolizes Furusawa Shuzo's core identity, offering a deep and contemplative experience as if finding spiritual peace within a glass of sake.