Sake Brands
in Yamagata

Tetsu, written with four "Dragon" characters, is a pinnacle Junmai Daiginjo representing the essence of various techniques, using the rare Aiyama rice polished to 40%. The unique visual name symbolizes overwhelming presence and power, bringing out the elegant and plump umami characteristic of Aiyama to its fullest. With international accolades including a Silver medal at IWC, this luxurious sake, carefully extracted drop by drop as "Shizuku-zake," invites the drinker to a moment of supreme bliss.

Yamagata Masamune is the soul of Mitobe Shuzo, a brand where a sharp, sword-like finish harmonizes with deep umami. Crafted with meticulously self-cultivated sake rice and the powerful hard water of the Ou Mountain system, it aims to be the "ultimate food-pairing sake" that maximizes the flavors of a meal. The meticulous taste achieved through traditional Ki-bune pressing offers new discoveries with every sip, making it a treasure of Yamagata highly acclaimed by gourmets worldwide.

Wagauji, named after the words of Dogen Zenji, the founder of Soto Zen, is a challenging brand expressing the joy of living and creating in the present moment. Committed to an exquisite balance of "sweetness, acidity, and dryness," it pursues a fruity and sharp drinking experience that transcends conventional sake frameworks. Its modern and dynamic flavor, designed to stimulate the drinker's sensibility, remains a compelling choice for a new generation of enthusiasts as a "must-drink bottle of now."

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tsukiyo no Nemuri, or "Sleep on a Moonlit Night," is a specialized Junmai sake crafted from 60% polished Dewasansan rice and unique Yamagata yeast. Distinguishable by its iconic bottle featuring a sleeping yellow cat, it evokes a sense of deep, peaceful relaxation like a slumber under a calm moonlight. This brand offers a gentle mouthfeel and soft, fragrant flavor profile that highlights the elegant and delicate qualities of the premium local rice.

Sagae no Sho is a locally-focused brand that proudly bears the name of the brewery's hometown, Sagae City, highlighting its community roots. Crafted with Yamagata rice and Mt. Gassan's pure water, it focuses on providing a direct and honest expression of the region's unique terroir. This brand serves as a daily companion for the local people and remains highly recommended as an authentic taste that evokes the natural beauty of Sagae.

Oe Nishiki is a distinctive brand crafted exclusively with sake rice grown in the neighboring Oe Town, such as Dewasansan and Miyama Nishiki. Brewed with fresh spring water from the Asahi Mountain Range, it captures a "micro-terroir" that highlights the specific characteristics of Oe's soil and climate. This brand represents the strong bond between local farmers and the brewery, celebrating the diverse agricultural landscape of Yamagata.

Kojo is named after the clan school "Kojo-kan," revived by the legendary lord Uesugi Yozan, embodying the spirit of mutual respect and compassion. Following the teaching that true communication begins with "yielding," the brewers carefully balance the voices of rice, koji, and water to create a profound finish. This elegant Junmai Ginjo highlights the potential of Yamagata's local rice, delivering a harmonious taste that echoes the refined history of Yonezawa's educational heritage.

Hamada is the brewery's eponymous brand, carrying over 150 years of history and representing the very essence of its origins. Utilizing the severe winter climate of Yonezawa, skilled artisans pour their spirit into every drop to express the brewery's deep roots. While honoring old-world techniques, this brand also adapts to modern palates, making it a beloved choice for gifts and celebratory occasions.

Yuki Tsurara, meaning "Snow Icicle," is a crisp sake that vividly evokes the winter scenery of the snow-covered Yamagata region. It features a remarkably clear mouthfeel, as if capturing the pure air and chilled water nurtured by Yonezawa's deep winter frost. With its sharp finish reminiscent of dignified winter air, this brand allows enthusiasts to experience the crystalline beauty of Yamagata's nature through every sip.

Oki Masamune is the hallmark brand of Hamada, representing over 150 years of tradition and deep-rooted history in the city of Yonezawa. Named after the original founding site, "Oki," this sake has been refined within the cultural atmosphere of an ancient castle town, possessing both strength and elegance. As a timeless masterpiece that has accompanied local culinary traditions for generations, it stands as an enduring symbol of Yonezawa's pride.