Sake Brands
in Yamagata

Kuronawa, which translates to "Black Rope," is a treasured brand that radiates unique dignity and represents the ultimate luxury within the Takagi Shuzo lineup. By polishing the finest sake rice to its limit and condensing the brewery's collective wisdom, they create a sake characterized by a silk-like smooth texture and multi-layered, profound aromas. Once kept away from public eyes, this flavor is truly a "refined art," and the overwhelming presence in every drop possesses a magic that causes profound astonishment to those who drink it.

Juyondai is a peerless brand that rewrote the history of Japanese sake, reigning at the pinnacle both in Japan and abroad. It is characterized by an elegant and brilliant aroma reminiscent of melons or peaches—overturning conventional images—along with a rich sweetness that conveys the vitality of rice and an incredibly smooth mouthfeel. These extremely rare limited editions are works of art, where refined techniques, the nature of Okitama, and the demands of the era fuse perfectly, remaining the ultimate aspiration for enthusiasts worldwide.

"Mogamigawa" was a brand symbolizing the richness and purity of the great Mogami River that flows through Yamagata Prefecture. Rooted in the terroir of the local Shinjo area, it was popular as a sake that graced local dining tables, but production has now ended.

Hanauyo is the flagship brand of Koya Shuzo, inspired by a flower blooming in "Uyo no Kuni," an ancient name for Yamagata. Using the purified cores of rice polished in-house and specializing in Ginjo methods, it is characterized by a brilliant and transparent aroma. While possessing the dignity of Yamagata's oldest traditional brewery, it offers a fresh and refined taste that feels like a cooling breeze with every sip.

Konokimi is an authentic brand of Koya Shuzo with a dignified and upright character, named after a poetic term used to express love for bamboo. Infused with the expert skills unique to Yamagata's oldest traditional brewery, it features a flavor that combines robust rice umami with a remarkably clean finish. Transporting the virtues of good old Japanese sake to the present, its quality possesses a depth that impresses even experts, making it a perfect selection for sophisticated Japanese settings.

Mogamigawa is a brand through which Koya Shuzo expresses its respect for the mother river that flows serenely through Ohkura Village. It honestly expresses the umami of rice nurtured by the region's rich natural environment and the pure water of Mt. Gassan, being a bottle deeply rooted in the lives of local people. The drinking experience—powerful yet calm like the flow of a great river—gently colors daily dining tables and allows the five senses to feel the warmth of the hometown.

Kinu, meaning "Silk," is a masterpiece that shines with the craftsmanship of Koya Shuzo, brewed in pursuit of a sake as soft and beautiful as silk. It is characterized by a mouthfeel as pure as the clear snowmelt water of Mt. Gassan and a refined sweetness that gently spreads after each sip. The delicate and elegant finish delivers a comfort to the palate akin to hand-woven silk, making this supreme Ginjo sake an ideal companion for graceful conversations.

Kudoki Jozu is a gem of Ginjo sake from Yamagata, with its name carrying the passion to enchant and "persuade" its enthusiasts. It features an exquisite harmony between a refined, low-acid quality typical of Ogawa Yeast and a rich aroma reminiscent of fully ripened fruits. Its smooth, glossy sweetness symbolizes the spirit of hospitality and brilliance of Japanese sake, continuing to shine brilliantly at gourmet dining settings worldwide.

Fujishima is a brand with a sincere character, brewed by Kamenoi Shuzo to explore further possibilities in sake making and deepen ties with the region. Distinguishable from the brilliance of their main brand "Kudoki Jozu," it is characterized by a finish that values the inherent natural depth of rice and a gentle afterglow. Possessing the ability to serve as a "partner for every meal," it is a high-quality bottle that subtly reveals the advanced techniques cultivated by the brewery.

Mayahime is a graceful and supple brand brewed with thoughts of a beautiful local legend. The fine texture from ultra-soft water brewing and a modest yet solid umami quietly moisten the throat like moonlight. Its modest flavor accompanies delicate dishes without overpowering them, making it an elegant bottle perfect for coloring the quiet nights of Yamagata.

Hakuro Suishu is the premium brand of Takenotsuyu Shuzojo, named after the poetic scene of morning dew shining white and dripping like jewels. Its greatest characteristics are a superb smoothness—filled with moisture—and a crystal-like transparency without impurities, brought by sterile ultra-soft water from 300m underground. Brewed with the spirit of "Chisan Chisho," its flavor allows the refined sweetness of rice to spread delicately, offering a mystical experience as if the mind and body are being purified with every drop.

Asobi, meaning "Play" or "Enjoyment," is an ambitious brand from Takeno Tsuyu Shuzojo, brewed with free ideas to pursue the origin of sake making: "to enjoy." Its unconstrained, expansive flavor and the light finish characteristic of ultra-soft water brewing set the drinker's heart free and spark conversation. While radiating a sense of playfulness, its quality—backed by solid techniques—enriches daily life and lets you rediscover the pure joy of drinking sake.

Takenotsuyu is the origin of the brewery, bearing its name as a traditional brand long loved by the local people. It prides itself on a freshness reminiscent of dew dripping in the bamboo groves of Mt. Haguro, combined with a crisp finish from ultra-soft water brewing. The unpretentious, honest umami of rice spreads gently to complement daily meals, making it a drink that lets you feel the local terroir and the brewery's sincere craftsmanship most closely.

Hagurosan is a brand representing the pride of the land, named after the sacred main peak of the Dewa Sanzan where the brewery is located. Reflecting the clear atmosphere of the holy mountain, it features a pure taste without impurities and a serene afterglow that resonates in the heart. It condenses the historical weight of sake that has been offered to the gods since ancient times, delivering a cleansing drinking experience that sharpens the senses.

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."

Ouu Jiman is a revived brand that infuses modern expert skills into a traditional label that has sustained the brewery's history. Multi-layered umami from "Sohaze" koji coexists with a clean transparency, featuring a deep flavor that complements Yamagata's rich food culture. Its quality, where respect for good old traditions resonates with the passion of a reborn brewery, is full of sincere and powerful charm that evokes a sense of attachment to the hometown with every sip.

Koketsu, named after the proverb "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" (literally "Unless you enter the tiger's den, you cannot get the tiger's cubs"), is the crystal of the brewery's technique and passion that challenged difficulties to win the highest acclaim. Brewed under specially selected and limited conditions, it features a sharp yet profound finish and a robust flavor that conveys powerful vitality. Its quality, born from an uncompromising serious match, exudes a king-like dignity, making it a precious brand that trembles the heart with its overwhelming presence once tasted.

Arikato is an auspicious brand that combines the name of the brewery's founder, Sennosuke Arikoto Kato, with the expression of gratitude, "Arigato." Using traditional techniques that sustain local food culture, it features a warm and sincere flavor designed to light a lamp of gratitude in the hearts of those who drink it. As a "sake that delivers thoughts" suitable for gifts and celebrations, it remains a brand beloved across generations, embodying the ties of Fuji Shuzo.

Eiko Fuji is a globally popular Muroka Nama Genshu (unfiltered raw undiluted sake) brand that symbolizes the progressive spirit of Fuji Shuzo. Through rigorous year-round brewing, it delivers a consistently fresh taste, with fruit-like vibrant aromas and powerful rice umami as its primary attractions. Each of its seasonal limited editions—themed after various rice varieties—exudes a vivid individuality, presenting a form of Japanese sake full of entertainment that never lets the drinker tire.

Ooyama is a brand that bears the name of the historic sake town of Oyama, embodying the spirit of "harmony" loved by many. The rich umami of rice from the Edo-period "Tomizu Shikomi" technique and the crispness brought by Mount Gassan's pure water create a perfect symphony in the mouth. True to its motto "Ooyama is the Sake of Love," it features a deep flavor filled with affection, gently embracing warm moments around a meal and the bonds between people.