Brands
Egao
笑顔Named after the "Egao-shimizu" spring on the brewery grounds, this brand carries the brewer's ultimate wish to bring a smile (egao) to everyone who drinks it. True to the legend of an old man who laughed at his reflection in the spring, the water is incredibly mellow, giving the sake a gentle character. A "masterpiece for daily drinking" intended for sharing simple happiness. Just one sip unbinds the heart and colors the table with warm smiles, embodying the true spirit of Takahashi Shuzoten.
Dewa no Shizuku
出羽の雫Dewa no Shizuku is a prestigious brand inspired by the droplet of blessings nurtured by the nature of "Dewa," the old name for Akita. Based on Kariho Shuzo's traditional techniques, it wraps the strength of Yamahai brewing in a delicate transparency, pursuing a gentler and more refined mouthfeel. The freshness of pure water from the Dewa landscape gives each drop an elegant sparkle. Nurtured in the historic land of Daisen, this sake carries the weight of tradition while moving lightly. Its flavor, as clear as the Akita sky, heals the soul of the drinker.
Hitomaru
人丸Fuyuki
冬樹"Creating the best sake with our local 'Akita Komachi' table rice, not just sake rice." Born from this passionate challenge, Fuyuki is the innovative brand of Fukunotomo Shuzo. Its defining feature is the insistence on "Muroka Genshu" (unfiltered and undiluted), maximizing the potential of table rice. The dynamic umami filled with life force straight from the press is bottled as is, possessing a dignified strength like trees in winter. Beyond the framework of conventional sake, it offers a dense sweetness and fresh acidity unique to the rice. This pure drop, directly conveying the brewer's will, is an opening to a new world of sake, attracting intense attention from savvy enthusiasts.
Yukinohana
雪の花Yuki no Hana was the flagship brand of Yuki no Hana Shuzo. Brewed in the 'Shuzo Ginza' of Otaru's Ironai district, it was a local sake that symbolized the era of growth alongside the Otaru Canal. Named after the landscape of snowy Hokkaido and the port culture of Otaru, this brand was long cherished by locals. Once, many breweries in Otaru supported Hokkaido's sake culture, but many closed during the Heisei period due to shifting tastes and a lack of Toji. Yuki no Hana is remembered as a historical brand that preserves Otaru's sake-brewing heritage. It is a precious record of a local sake from Otaru's peak of prosperity.
Oyadama Kita no Homare
親玉 北の誉Oyadama Kitanohomare is a top-selling Nigori (cloudy) sake from the Asahikawa Distillery. Brewed with 100% Hokkaido rice, it features a rich, bold body with a pleasant acidity that pairs exceptionally well with meat dishes.
Yamato Shizuku
やまとしずく"A one-of-a-kind drop that can only be brewed in this land." Yamato Shizuku is a concept brand that focuses exclusively on "rice grown within a 10km radius," maximizing local terroir. Bound by strong ties to specific fields and farmers, it is the ultimate Jizake where rice cultivation and brewing are two sides of the same coin. Within its clean transparency, the energy of the earth and the honest umami of the rice are condensed. Its flavor is refreshing and crisp, like the breeze blowing through Nangai's countryside. Each drop vividly conveys its roots, inviting modern sake fans into the deep heart of Akita.
Meguru
廻 MEGURUChiimaru
小丸Seiden
晴田Tsunanohibiki
大綱の響Chiyomidori
千代緑"Young leaves shine on the surrounding mountains, eternal green (Chiyomidori)." Named after a poem by the founder moved by early summer's lushness, this is the proud flagship brand of Okuda Shuzoten. Its greatest appeal is the combination of a fresh, elegant Ginjo aroma from the 350-year-old in-house yeast "MS3" and a mouthfeel as soft as powdered snow. It maximizes the life force of sake rice nurtured by contract farmers in Kyowa, resulting in an amazingly delicate and graceful flavor. Reflecting the philosophy of "gentle and mild," its refreshing sweetness and crisp, clean finish envelop the drinker in deep peace—a gem of a bottle delivering freshness like everlasting green across eternity.
Yamakawa Mitsuo
山川光男"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.
Yamaotokoyama
山男山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.
Ureshi Tanoshii Osake
うれしたのしいお酒Ureshi Tanoshii Osake (literally 'Happy, Joyful Sake') is a synthetic sake produced by Godo Shusei. It features a light taste and affordable price, designed to bring simple joy to the daily dinner table.
Uyo Otoyama
羽陽男山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
ナヌカ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
十八夜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
幻酒 翁山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
庄五郎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
珠韻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
譲川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.
Genroku Bijin
元禄美人Genroku Bijin is a leading synthetic sake brand from Godo Shusei's Asahikawa Distillery. A staple in Hokkaido supermarkets, it offers a light and elegant flavor that remains enjoyable at any temperature. Its versatility also makes it a popular choice for cooking.
Horyu
豊龍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
雄町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.