Sake Brands
in Yamagata

Yukiguni Bojo, or "Nostalgia for Snow Country," is a brand filled with regional affection, capturing the winter atmosphere of Yonezawa, one of Japan's heaviest snowfall areas. The pure quality of the sake, nurtured in the silence of deep snow, tells a story of deep respect for both the harshness and beauty of nature. Its name evokes a sense of nostalgia, offering a flavor profile with a solid core and a graceful finish that warmly embraces the drinker.

Izumi Hyokan, meaning "Spring Ice Ship," is a crisp brand born from the fusion of local sake rice and pure groundwater pumped from 20 meters beneath the Azuma Mountains. As its name suggests, it embodies the dignified cold and transparency of severe midwinter, made possible by soft water with an exceptional mineral balance. With a sharp, refreshing sensation and a smooth throat-feel, it reflects Yonezawa's winter essence, cleansing the palate with its crystalline purity.

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.

Uyo Fukutsuru is a traditional brand deeply rooted in the local community, having witnessed Shindo Shuzoten's long history. Bearing the old regional name "Uyo" (Yamagata) and the auspicious name "Fukutsuru" (Cranes of Long-lasting Fortune), it has graced local celebrations for generations. Its gentle and timeless flavor profile, which remains unchanged through the years, testifies to the reliability of the traditional techniques at the heart of the brewery.

Senzan Bansui, meaning "Thousands of Mountains, Myriads of Waters," is a brand that fuses the grandeur of nature with Zen spirituality. The name implies the state of enlightenment reached after overcoming countless challenges and reflects a deep awe for the natural world. Its flavor, both powerful and serenely detached, mirrors the brewery's philosophy of seeking the true essence of things, much like its counterpart Gasanryu.

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.

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.

Sakura Uzen is a brand that depicts the region's spring scenery, combining the old name of Yamagata, "Uzen," with the symbol of spring, "Sakura" (Cherry Blossom). The supple and transparent quality of the sake, nurtured by Takahata's rich nature, evokes the refreshing feeling of falling cherry blossom petals. It is a bottle filled with the brewer's desire to cherish Yamagata's terroir and create sake that resonates with the local landscape and changing seasons.

Uyo Kinran is the flagship brand of Kinran Shuzo, embodying the ultimate wish for sake to be "as beautiful and brilliantly blooming as brocade." With a strict focus on Junmai-style production, it features a well-balanced and refined flavor profile created by Takahata's sharp temperature fluctuations and pure water. This trusted brand, loved locally for generations, honestly expresses the rice umami nurtured by Okitama's nature, adding a touch of elegance to daily meals.

Yonetsuru is the flagship brand representing the brewery, named after the image of "bowing rice ears" that bring good fortune and express gratitude to the drinker. Through traditional techniques refined over 320 years, it perfectly balances the plump umami of rice with a crisp, dignified finish. With a solid quality proven by numerous awards and a pure taste that reflects the Takahata terroir, it is highly esteemed both for daily enjoyment and as a premium gift.

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.

Ukitamu is a locally rooted brand named after the ancient name of the Okitama region, expressing the history and terroir of the Yamagata basin's wetlands. It honestly infuses the character of rice nurtured by local water and soil into the sake, with every drop carrying a sense of pride and affection for the homeland. Its unpretentious yet deep flavor provides enthusiasts with the sensation of drinking the very essence of the local environment.

Kappa is a casual and charming brand born from the wish to be as beloved and familiar to people as the mythical river creature, Kappa. While based on Yonetsuru Shuzo's reliable techniques, it pursues a light and drinkable flavor profile that fits seamlessly into any daily scene. With its playful label design, this friendly sake allows drinkers to rediscover the joy of sake without pretension, reflecting the local color of Yamagata.

Azuma no Fumoto is the flagship brand embodying the soul of the brewery, nurtured by the groundwater of the Azuma Mountain Range and the sharp temperature shifts of the Okitama Basin. Through traditional techniques cultivated over 125 years, it achieves a harmonious flavor that blends crisp freshness with deep umami, reflecting the very terroir of Nanyo. Embodying the concept of "a cup that fills the heart," it has long been cherished as a masterpiece that graces special moments and everyday life.

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.

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.

Yama no Katachi, meaning "The Shape of Mountains," is a Junmai Ginjo that embodies the "Yamagata terroir," using 100% locally sourced rice, yeast, and water. The name pays tribute to the beautiful mountain scenery surrounding the prefecture, the very origin of the name "Yamagata," and delivers a floral aroma reminiscent of Muscat with a crisp, dry finish. It is a brand rich in regional color, condensing the blessings of nature and the pride of artisans into a cup that feels like a sensory journey through the local landscape.

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.

Uyo Ikkon is the flagship brand embodying the brewery's wish to be a cup of "Nagomi" (harmony) that connects people. It features a wholesome flavor that enhances the taste of food and a gentle drinkability that settles into the heart and body with every subsequent glass. Known for its commitment to Junmai-style brewing and innovative use of "Yuki Megami" rice, it honestly conveys the charm of rice nurtured by Okitama's nature and remains a local favorite.

Furudokei, meaning "Old Clock," is a specialized brand from Kamogawa Shuzo that pursues the beauty of maturation that deepens with the passage of time. Symbolizing the years quietly recorded within the brewery, the name tells of the high quality achieved through slow and patient brewing. Crafted carefully with traditional techniques, the sake evolves into a masterpiece with complex, mellow aromas and profound depth, brought out by the magic of time.