Brands

Central to Kuribayashi Shuzo as part of the first NEXT FIVE series, this sake explores the theme of "Resonance." It illustrates how the techniques of the five breweries respond to one another, sublimating their distinct traits into a single masterpiece. By fusing traditional methods with modern creativity, the passion of Akita's young brewers resonates beautifully in this bottle.

"Kaishun" is the flagship brand of Wakabayashi Shuzo, bearing a bright name as if celebrating the arrival of spring. Reviving and persisting in the traditional "Kimoto method" in the land of Yunotsu for many years, its greatest characteristics are a deep acidity not found in modern brewing and a powerful body that lets you feel the solid vitality of rice. With muted flashy aromas and a taste pursuing original rice umami, it demonstrates its true value even more when served warm (okan). It is a Junmai sake with a unique depth, a crystallization of nature's blessings and the brewers' passion.

"Shimane Hosen" is the representative brand of Shitamori Shuzojo, and feelings of gratitude for the treasure-like spring (water) are put into it. Harmony woven by high-quality spring water and carefully selected sake rice. Even in the refreshing taste that you never get tired of drinking, you can firmly feel the umami of rice, making it a perfect bottle for daily evening drinks.

"Kikutsuyu" is a brand born from the wish to be a pure sake like the dew on autumn chrysanthemums. It features a gentle and elegant aroma and a transparent taste. It is good to enjoy it crisply as cold sake, or to spread the aroma as lukewarm sake. It is a sake like a famous supporting actor that quietly nestles up without disturbing the taste of the meal.

"Genso" is a special sake inspired by the misty and fantastic scenery of Tsuwano. The gorgeous aroma that spreads when you put it in your mouth and the aftertaste that disappears like light snow invite you to a dreamy state. Please enjoy the romantic taste that adds glamour to special nights and moments of talking with loved ones.

"Ine no Tsuyu" is a sake that condenses the umami of rice like dew. As the name suggests, it features the original plump aroma of rice and a pure mouthfeel like morning dew. The gently permeating mouthfeel is perfect for an evening drink to heal the fatigue of the day.

Led by Akita Shuzo as part of the first NEXT FIVE series, this sake is themed around "Passion." It embodies the unyielding enthusiasm of the young brewers and their fierce determination to carry the torch for Akita's next generation. Uniting the skills and ideals of five breweries, it is a powerful expression of their drive to innovate while honoring tradition.

"Natsusakari" is a brand designed to be enjoyed refreshingly even in hot summer. It features a crisp dry taste and refreshing acidity. It is recommended to drink it as chilled sake or on the rocks. It is a bottle full of exhilaration perfect for summer stamina dishes and scenes seeking a smooth throat feel.

"So" is a sake to enjoy the harmony of rice, water, and yeast, just like playing music. Fruity aroma and light sweetness spread throughout the mouth. We propose a new world of sake that can be enjoyed in a modern style, such as enjoying the aroma in a wine glass or pairing it with Western food.

"Tsuwanosakari" is a community-based brand named with the wish for the prosperity of local Tsuwano. With an old-fashioned solid taste, it is indispensable for local festivals and gatherings. It is a sake that feels somewhat nostalgic, simple yet powerful, like the climate of Tsuwano itself.

"Kitsune" is a unique brand named after the "fox," which is the messenger of "Taikodani Inari Shrine," a famous place in Tsuwano. Using the character "㐂 (joy/Ki)," it contains the wish that joy will visit the drinker. It has a taste that makes you feel playful even in its refreshness, and it is very pleased as a souvenir or gift.

"Takasago" is the representative brand of Zaima Sakaba, derived from the auspicious Noh play "Takasago" symbolizing longevity and harmonious marriage. The gentle and calm taste softens the hearts of drinkers and adds glamour to celebratory occasions. Brewed with traditional methods, this sake goes well with dishes, and its depth that can be enjoyed both cold and hot is attractive. It is a dignified bottle that makes you feel the history and tradition of Tsuwano.

"Ogai" is a special sake named in honor of Ogai Mori, a great literary figure born in Tsuwano. We aimed for a deep, principled taste, much like Ogai's novels. It has a clean, crisp, and dry (tanrei karakuchi) quality that reveals its true value when enjoyed with food. It is a bottle to be savored slowly while reflecting on the history and culture of Tsuwano.

ORIGIN is an innovative brand brewed jointly by Okayama ZARU. Under the concept of "Source," it uses water from the headwaters of the Takahashi River, Okayama's "mother river," as part of its brewing water. Brewed individually by five breweries (Morita Shuzo, Kumaya Shuzo, Juuhachisakari Shuzo, Sankan Shuzo, and Yoikigen), its appeal lies in its diversity, where each brewery expresses its own individuality while following the same concept. Using Okayama's "Omachi rice" and blending the traditional techniques of Bitchu Toji with the new sensibilities of young brewers, it aims for a well-balanced sake quality that is fresh yet allows the rich umami of the rice to be firmly felt.

Satsuki Kokoro is the flagship brand of Manzai Shuzo, a sake that expresses the seasonality and natural environment of Okayama. The name "Satsuki" (May) symbolizes the season of fresh greenery, representing a refreshing taste and a sake brewed thoughtfully with heart. Using Okayama's premium "Omachi rice" and brewed with the water of the Asahi River, it is characterized by a light quality that still allows for rich umami. Crafted with traditional Bitchu Toji techniques, it offers a clean, light mouthfeel and is enjoyed as a food-pairing sake for local cuisine.

Kibino Ginpoo is the flagship brand of Itano Shuzojo, a sake that expresses the history of the ancient Kingdom of Kibi and the rich nature of Okayama. The name "Kibi" represents the ancient Kingdom, and "Ginpoo" symbolizes the aroma of Ginjo brewing, collectively representing the fusion of tradition and technique. Using premium sake rice and subterranean water, this Ginjo sake is carefully crafted using Bitchu Toji techniques and features a gorgeous aroma. It is widely popular as a food-pairing sake that perfectly complements local Okayama dishes and seafood from the Seto Inland Sea.

Futamo is the flagship brand of Itano Shuzohonten, a sake set against the backdrop of Okayama's history and culture. It is said to represent the two sides of things, symbolizing a well-balanced quality crafted with traditional Bitchu Toji techniques. Using premium "Omachi rice" and subterranean water, it offers a taste that is light yet delivers a solid sense of the rice's umami. With its clean mouthfeel and well-balanced acidity, it is a popular food-pairing sake for regional Okayama cuisine.

An innovative craft sake that breaks new ground by fusing traditional brewing methods with agave syrup. It features gentle aromas of muscat and mandarin orange, with a fruity taste where rice umami and smooth acidity harmonize. The purity of naturally grown rice meets the depth of a low polishing rate, creating a versatile drink that pairs with various cuisines.

Kinojo is named after the ancient mountain fortress in Okayama, expressing historical romance and traditional culture. Using the mysterious fortress as a motif, it aims for a quality that combines strength and delicacy with Bitchu Toji techniques. It is characterized by a balanced taste of body and umami, evoking the dignity of the ancient castle and Okayama's environment.

Haruka is a brand expressing "thoughts of far-off places" and the "pursuit of brewing across time and space." The name embodies the brewery's stance of taking on new challenges while preserving tradition for the distant future. Using premium "Omachi rice," it is characterized by a delicate yet deep taste crafted with Yoshii River groundwater. It achieves a harmony between a clean mouthfeel and elegant aroma, pairing well with a wide range of dishes.

Tenkabito is a brand possessing strength and character, expressing the dignity of a ruler. It symbolizes a stately quality using "Omachi rice" and groundwater from the Yoshii River system. Characterized by a rich taste and powerful structure, it pairs well with richly seasoned dishes and meat. It is a robust label that maintains its integrity even when served warm.

Tsurunoike is the flagship brand of Kosaka Shuzo, expressing the elegant scene of a crane landing on a pristine pond. The name embodies wishes for clear water, beautiful nature, and the crane as a symbol of longevity. Using "Omachi rice" and Yoshii River groundwater, it offers a light taste with a solid sense of rice umami. With a clean mouthfeel, elegant aroma, and balanced acidity, it pairs well with Okayama cuisine and Setouchi seafood.

Jitsugetsu is the flagship brand of Komiyama Shuzo, expressing the harmony and laws of nature represented by the sun and moon. The name embodies the fundamental brewing philosophy of the cycle of day and night, the balance of yin and yang, and harmony with nature. Brewed with Okayama's "Omachi rice," Yoshii River groundwater, and traditional Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a well-balanced taste. Light yet delivering solid rice umami, its harmonious quality of contrasting elements makes it a popular food-pairing sake.

Kodai is a brand by Yamamoto Shuzo, expressing the ancient history and traditions of the Mimasaka region. The name embodies respect for the prosperity of the ancient Kingdom of Kibi and the rich historical culture of Mimasaka. Using Okayama brewing rice and pristine water from the upper Yoshii River, it features a balanced taste of richness and umami. It is cherished as a label that conveys ancient brewing traditions to the present day and evokes the terroir of Mimasaka.