Brands

Harada is one of the brands brewed by Hatsumomidi, characterized by a gorgeous aroma and excellent balance of taste. Embodying the philosophy of sake brewing where they gently care for small quantities like their own children often done by the couple, it has a taste rooted in the region as a sake of Shunan.

"Hokuan Daikoku" is the flagship brand of Hokuan Jozo. It features an "Umakuchi" taste where the fine and smooth texture created by the super soft underground water of the Northern Alps harmonizes with the umami and sweetness of rice. It is a versatile sake for meals that can be enjoyed at any temperature from cold sake to hot sake and enhances the taste of meals.

Kyo no Hana is the crystallization of Tatsuizumi Shuzo's passion, having revived a sake rice once called "phantom" after its cultivation had ceased. It features a unique, deep umami and a powerful taste that makes one feel the energy of the rich earth. Since its birth in 1985, it has won seven Gold Medals at the National New Sake Awards, with its unparalleled character unique to revived rice surprising the world. It is a drop of soul where Aizu's agriculture and brewing history miraculously intersected.

"Shinshu Kirei" is the representative brand named with the wish for the brewery's longevity, inspired by the saying "Cranes live for 1,000 years, turtles for 10,000 years." It is characterized by a modern and sophisticated taste where gorgeous aroma, transparent sweetness, and beautiful acidity harmonize. Boasting popularity to the extent that it is said to be difficult to obtain, it fascinates many fans with its beautiful sake quality.

"Hokushinryu" is the flagship brand of Matsubaya Honten, inheriting the traditions of the Hokushin region. It develops a diverse lineup including Junmai Daiginjo, Junmai Ginjo, and Namazake.

"Shirasagi no Shiro" is a high-class brand centered on Daiginjo, named after the World Heritage Himeji Castle's alias "Shirasagi Castle". It won the gold medal at the National New Sake Appraisal for 7 consecutive years from 1990, attracting nationwide attention. It is characterized by an elegant and gorgeous taste like the graceful white walls of Himeji Castle, and is positioned as a masterpiece of the brewery that has mastered the technology of Daiginjo.

"Yotsuboshi" is a Daiginjo shining with numerous honors, including winning the Gold Prize at the Annual Japan Sake Awards. True to its name, it is brewed carefully aiming for "Four Star" class highest quality, and the fruity Ginjo aroma, smooth mouthfeel, and sharp finish are exquisitely harmonized. It represents the three stars of "Rice, Water, and Climate" that express the landscape of Hida Takayama, and the passion of "People" who connect them as the fourth star.

Sharaku is the pinnacle of popularity brands from Miyaizumi Meijo that has pushed Aizu sake onto the world stage. With the concept of "fruit aroma passing through the nose on the first sip, and gently sparking rice umami," they thoroughly implement one-time pasteurization (using a pasteurizer) with expert skills. Its fresh and sensual taste has gained overwhelming support both domestically and internationally, standing as a new Aizu standard that rewrites the history of sake.

Afuri, named after the alias of Mt. Oyama, 'Afuriyama,' is a global brand that opens a new chapter for Kikkawa Jozo. Its label features calligraphy by the high priest of the Oyama Afuri Shrine, symbolizing the blessings of the sacred mountain. Its defining feature is the unique 'minerality' derived from natural hard water with a hardness of 150. Recognized globally, it has won consecutive top awards, including Platinum at 'Kura Master' in France. Pursuing a refined aroma, beautiful texture, and perfect harmony with cuisine, Afuri aims for the pinnacle of modern Japanese sake.

"Umeichirin" is a brand derived from a haiku by Ransetsu Hattori, a haiku poet of the Edo period. Using 100% Chiba Prefecture rice, especially the local sake brewing rice "Fusa Kogane," it features a delicate and full-bodied taste. It aims to be a sake like a "great supporting actor" that never interferes with cuisine but gently enhances it. It brews more than 40 types from Daiginjo to Nigori sake, but most of them are rare local sake consumed in the local area, representing local production for local consumption.

Okushimizu is the flagship brand of Takahashi Shuzoten, symbolizing the deep natural blessings of Rokugo, the "Village of Famous Water." By using two vital springs, it pursues a soft mouthfeel and smooth finish derived from the Ou Mountains' underground water. The pure spring water highlights the honest umami of local rice, resulting in an elegant sake that never tires the palate. Born from deep respect for the water, its flavor is the very essence of Rokugo's scenery. It gently accompanies daily meals, providing a crystal-clear aftertaste that peacefully moistens the drinker's soul.

"Sachihime" is an auspicious brand that has been adopted as the sacred sake for Yutoku Inari Shrine. Its Special Junmai sake, brewed with 100% Saga Prefecture-grown Yamada Nishiki, has a refreshing dry taste with gentle umami and a beautiful finish. The Junmai Ginjo "DEAR MY PRINCESS" has a fruity aroma and a slightly sweet flavor, making it suitable for enjoying in a wine glass, and is popular among women and people overseas.

"Irootoko" is a Junmai Daiginjo born from a unique request: "Make the most beautiful sake that intoxicates women at the best host club." Polishing Yamada Nishiki to 45%, it realizes a gorgeous aroma, honey-like sweetness, and a silky smooth mouthfeel. It is a bewitching sake that intoxicates both mind and body, comparable to premium champagne and fine wine.

"Aiyu" is a traditional brand bearing the name of the brewery, inheriting the spirit since its founding. As taught by "Shikai-kai-kyodai," it contains the wish to expand the circle of friendship through sake. It features a refreshing dry taste that utilizes the blessings of Kashima's water and earth. It is a sake ideal for daily evening drinks that you never get tired of drinking and easy to match with any dish.

Shizengo is a pioneer of additive-free sake released about 50 years ago by the 4th generation Daikichi, pursuing the "original form of rice" when pure rice sake was not yet common. Brewing the bounty of Yabuki Town's rich earth with pesticide-free rice, a light slight effervescence and clear crispness resonate. It conveys a pure and powerful deliciousness as if being in a "natural village" (Shizengo) to the present.

Chiyo-tsuru (The Thousand-Year Crane) is the flagship brand of Nakamura Shuzo, symbolizing elegance and longevity. Named after the legend of cranes visiting the crystal-clear Akigawa River, the brand embodies the wish for prosperity 'for a thousand generations.' Its defining quality is derived from pure subterranean water drawn from 170 meters underground, filtered naturally over centuries by the Chichibu Palaeozoic strata. This high-quality soft water results in a sake with an exceptionally fine, light texture that nonetheless remains rich in the natural umami of the rice. Crafted by hand with meticulous care and cold-maturation, Chiyo-tsuru offers a sophisticated and refreshing experience that mirrors the crisp breeze of the Akigawa Valley.

"Kasumitsuru" is the representative brand of Kasumitsuru Co., Ltd., named by combining the place name Kasumi and crane (stork). Characterized by a unique taste where deep umami and complex acidity harmonize due to the thorough obsession with brewing the entire amount by Yamahai or Kimoto production. The sake quality designed with the highest priority on compatibility with seafood enhances Tajima seafood such as Matsuba crab and white squid. Leading with Yamahai Ginjo Junmai, it develops a wide range of products from Daiginjo to Junmai sake, and is highly evaluated as warmed sake. Fusing the traditional techniques of Tamba Toji and modern quality control, it is known nationwide as a leader in Yamahai and Kimoto brewing.

Kiminoi is the flagship brand symbolizing over 180 years of history, bearing the brewery's name. Using pure spring water from Mount Myoko and carefully selected Niigata-grown rice, it is characterized by a deep, rich flavor centered on the traditional 'Yamahai-shikomi' method. The brewing style, where mellow and profound umami resonates with a crisp finish, demonstrates its true worth across a wide temperature range from chilled to warmed. It is a masterpiece that has been loved across generations as a 'daily craft sake' that colors everyday life.

"Ichinen Fudo" is a specialized handmade brand born from "Ginjo Kobo," another face of Sekiya Jozo. True to its name "pursuing good sake with a single-minded determination without bending beliefs," it dares to use low-polished rice and makes full use of traditional techniques like Yamahai/Kimoto to draw out the powerful umami and bold body inherent in rice. Its sake quality, achieving both a heavy flavor deepened through maturation and a sharp finish, has gained immense support as an expert's "Umakuchi." It is an authentic sake where the craftsman's obsession lives, which can never be achieved by mass production.

"Inokashira" is the representative brand of Urushido Brewing (Kasuga Shuzo), and its name means "the best spring water." Brewed with clear underground water from the Central Alps, it features a soft and rich umami taste unique to soft water. The balance of sweetness and acidity is exquisite, and it is a taste filled with the brothers' thoughts, perfect as a sake to accompany meals.

"Shiramayumi" is the representative brand of Kaba Sake Brewery, derived from "Shiramayumi," which was composed as a pillow word for Hida in the Man'yoshu. The tradition of the brewery with 300 years of history and the aesthetics of "Kan-zukuri" (cold brewing) produced by the severe winter of Hida are condensed. Like the temperament of Hida people, it is a flavorful sake with a strong core and yet enveloping kindness.

The primary brand of Seitoku Meijo, embodying Prince Shotoku's teaching of harmony through a beautifully balanced flavor. As a local staple, it brings richness and enjoyment to every daily meal.

"Hayate" is a limited distribution brand of Goto Shuzojo that makes you feel the wind of a new era. Its greatest feature is its refreshing and crisp, light mouthfeel, like a "Hayate" (gale/swift wind). Designed to suit modern dietary habits, it plays an exquisite balance of fruity aroma and fresh acidity. It is a stylish and modern sake whose charm is maximized when drunk chilled.

The flagship brand of Akita Shuzo, known for its modern taste harmonizing gentle Ginjo aromas with crisp acidity. As part of NEXT FIVE, it is crafted in small tanks to achieve elegant richness and a refreshing, clean mouthfeel. It offers a beautiful expansion of rice umami on the palate followed by a sharp finish, embodying the new generation of Akita sake.