Sake Brands
in Yamagata

Issho Kofuku is a "celebratory sake of happiness" inherited from the former Toyo Shuzo, long loved by the people of Okitama. Suzuki Shuzoten Nagai Kura has carefully taken over the brand and its legacy, continuing to deliver the plump flavor that adds warmth to daily meals for the modern era. With the pure wish for the drinker's life to be full of happiness, this sake remains a bridge connecting the local community, shining with unwavering brilliance.

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.

Sawa Masamune is the signature brand of Furusawa Shuzo, perfected in the early 1900s by the second-generation head, Tokuji Furusawa, as a crystallization of fine brewing. Characterized by a full-bodied yet remarkably soft and smooth texture, it masterfully utilizes the naturally filtered snowmelt water of Yamagata. Crafted without any added sugars, this "pure deliciousness" stands as a timeless masterpiece that has continued to enchant sake enthusiasts for over a century.

Gasanryu is the flagship global brand of Shindo Shuzoten, embodying the Zen-inspired concept of "unrestricted, free thinking without stereotypes." Starting with its own estate-grown rice and brewed with custom-designed equipment, this sake aims to be the ultimate "authentic local sake" that vividly highlights the ingredients. Its modern flavor profile, defined by overwhelming clarity and a floral aroma, conveys the profound depth of Yamagata's terroir to enthusiasts in over 20 countries.

Asahikawa is the flagship brand representing the pride of Asahikawa Shuzo, conveying over 170 years of tradition to the present. Using 100% locally grown "Yamasake No. 4" rice and carefully brewed by skilled craftsmen, it pursues a sharp and crisp "essence of dry sake." With high skills backed by Gold Medals at the Annual Japan Sake Awards and a brave transparency that vividly complements food, it is deeply supported by those who love traditional Japanese sake aesthetics.

Aratama is a traditional brand that Wada Shuzo has protected since its founding, carrying a name that symbolizes New Year's season words and auspicious beginnings. Featuring a fine, silk-smooth mouthfeel created by Mt. Gassan's spring water and a delicate quality where rice umami gracefully expands. Including Junmai sake brewed with the rare "Kairyo Shinko" rice only available locally, it is deeply loved across generations as a "sake of celebration" that delivers happiness and hope to the drinker.

Ura Gasanryu is an experimental, limited-edition series that further expands the possibilities of the flagship "Gasanryu" brand. Punctuated by the spirit of being "free from stereotypes," it pursues surprising flavor profiles through unconventional brewing techniques and a playful approach. Bearing the "Ura" (the "other side" or underground) name, it features seasonal specialties and rare batches that fascinate fans with Shindo Shuzoten's concentrated passion.

Rokkasen is the representative brand carrying the company name, a masterpiece expressing Yamagata's terroir with the emotion of Waka poetry. It features a harmony of refined aroma and gentle, deep umami woven by the pure groundwater of Mt. Kurobushi and carefully selected Yamagata rice. While cherishing good old traditions, its elegant flavor that blends into modern dining tables brings a luxurious sense of comfort with every sip, continuing to stay close to the hearts of many people.

Byakko, meaning "a hundred lights," is a brand with the wish to be the ultimate light that makes the drinker's life shine. Under Tatenokawa Shuzo's firm technology of 100% Junmai Daiginjo, its greatest feature is the overwhelming transparency and sensual beauty produced by sake rice polished to the limit of 18%. Embodying the pinnacle of Japanese sake, its quality is highly evaluated in elite restaurants worldwide, reigning as a supreme artistic masterpiece that colors special moments more dazzlingly and vividly.

Tohoku Izumi is the flagship brand of Takahashi Shuzoten, symbolizing the superb clarity brought by Mt. Chokai's snowmelt. Pursuing "fineness" and "transparency" to the limit, its quality is as fresh as water springing from a fountain, featuring a harmony of gentle aroma and refined umami. Their highly acclaimed Yamahai style is exceptionally elegant while retaining traditional power. It is loved by gourmets nationwide as a great supporting player that highlights the flavor of cuisine.

Kobai is the flagship brand of the brewery, pursuing a refreshed and elegant taste like a plum blossom blooming proudly in Yonezawa's harsh winter. Through meticulous hand-crafting and time-consuming winter brewing methods, it delivers a remarkably clear texture with a sharp, refreshing finish. It is a pure expression of Yamagata's snow country, elevating the severity of nature into refined aesthetic beauty in liquid form.

San-ju-rokuninshu is a brand that bears the history and pride of the 36 wealthy merchants who ruled the free city of Sakata during the Sengoku period. Reflecting the spirit of "A samurai does not serve two masters," its quality is characterized by a powerful crispness and a heavy expansion where the nourishment of rice overlaps in layers. Expressing the indomitable spirit of the ancestors who protected Sakata's autonomy, its flavor is a cup full of historical romance that conveys the vestiges of the peak prosperity of "Sakai in the West, Sakata in the East."

Yamahoushi is a brand emitting Rokkasen's powerful personality, making one feel the deep nature of Yamagata and the spirit of Shugendo (mountain asceticism). Reminiscent of the rugged rock faces of Mt. Kurobushi, it features a robust, solid umami and a refreshing crispness brought by pure groundwater. Its strong-willed flavor, which captures Yamagata's terroir as it is, brings a sense of unity with the earth as you drink, richly coloring the time for adults who know the essence.

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.

Tsuyahime Nando Demo is a modern Junmai Gingo crafted from 100% of Yamagata's signature "Tsuyahime" rice, developed in collaboration with Tohoku University of Art and Design. The name carries the dual meaning of being "delicious no matter how many times you drink it" and "delicious at any temperature," reflecting its flexible and enduring character. Combining the straightforward umami of Tsuyahime with sophisticated student-led design, it offers a new style of enjoyment that spans from chilled to hot sake.

Iwaki Kotobuki is the soul of the brewery, long cherished by fishermen as a celebratory sake for sea safety and bountiful catches. It is defined by a robust, clean finish that satisfied tough seamen and a rich flavor profile designed to elevate the natural umami of seafood. Despite moving the brewing location from Fukushima to Yamagata after the earthquake, every drop crafted with an indomitable spirit continues to be loved as a wine of hope, carrying new bonds and the light of revival.

Oguni Sakuragawa is the flagship brand reborn as a symbol of Oguni's terroir, receiving the blessings of the sacred Iide mountain range foothills. The pure spring water melting from perennial snow gently envelopes the umami of the rice, achieving a "mellow and clear mouthfeel" just like snowmelt. The flavor, harmonizing the weight of over 300 years of tradition with the pure air unique to heavy snowfall regions, is a heartwarming masterpiece that brings to mind the beautiful seasonal scenes of Oguni with every sip.

Dewanoyuki is the flagship brand of Watarai Honten, named after the pure snow that accumulates during Yamagata's harsh winters. Conveying the essence of the ancient "Kimoto-zukuri" brewing method, it is characterized by a powerful, rich, "full-bodied" flavor reminiscent of red wine, where solid acidity and astringency intertwine. Its quality, where the umami of rice blooms even further when warmed, possesses a depth that impresses gourmands, carrying forward the pride of a brewery with over 300 years of history.

Tenkyu, meaning "Rainbow" appearing in the post-rain sky, is a limited-distribution series concepted as delivering hope and gratitude to daily life. The series combines the fresh sensibilities of Tohoku University of Art and Design students in its labels with the brewery's high-level techniques to create refined sake for modern lifestyles. From celebratory "Hare" (special) days to comforting "Ke" (daily) occasions, its diverse lineup of flavors, like the colors of a rainbow, vividly brightens the lives of those who drink it.

Kurozaemon is the flagship brand named after the head of the Shindo family for generations, symbolizing the prestige and history of the brewery. Even before the innovative "Gasanryu" was born, it upheld the legacy of the brewery as a master purveyor in Yonezawa. Crafted with veteran skills that emphasize consistent quality and rich rice umami, it stands as the ultimate orthodox sake for food pairing, representing Shindo Shuzoten's true roots.

Faucon, meaning "Hawk" in French, is a modern series created in honor of Lord Uesugi Yozan (the "Hawk" of Yonezawa), blending tradition with innovation. Using 100% Yamagata-grown rice varieties like Yuki Megami and Dewasansan, this brand aims for a high-definition, sophisticated flavor profile. With its chic design and a pursuit of clear individuality for each rice type, Faucon represents Hamada's vision for the future of sake on a global stage.

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.

Tatenokawa is the flagship brand of Tatenokawa Shuzo, embodying the innovative concept of 100% Junmai Daiginjo that is rare even globally. Produced from Mt. Chokai's pure water and highly polished sake rice, its quality is silk-smooth with a glorious aroma reminiscent of fresh fruit. Pursuing the pinnacle of Japanese sake—even challenging an astonishing 1% polishing ratio—their passion and the delicate, noble flavor continue to fascinate gourmets worldwide.

Marumasu Yonetsuru is a specialized, limited-distribution line bearing the brewery's traditional house name, "Marumasu." From rice selection to the final brewing process, it is crafted with stricter standards than the standard line, representing the pinnacle of the brewery's expertise. Characterized by a rich aroma that brings out the true power of rice and a deep body, its high degree of perfection consistently impresses sake enthusiasts looking for distinctive character.

Kiyoizumigawa is a traditional brand symbolizing the soul of Eau de Vie Shonai, brewed entirely by hand in every process. Nurtured in the wild sea winds of the Sea of Japan, it features a powerful yet refreshing quality and a mellow mouthfeel from Mount Chokai spring water polished by the sand dunes. Brewing techniques that prioritize the craftsmen's "fingertip sensitivity" draw out the lush umami of rice to the maximum, delivering an exceptional flavor that gently embraces Sakata's harsh winters.