Brands
Sorin
宗麟 ECSorin is a brand produced by Kotegawa Shuzo, named after the Christian daimyo Otomo Sorin. It was named by the writer Nogami Yaeko, whose birthplace is this brewery. The undiluted sake has a high alcohol content of 19%, with a richness reminiscent of shochu. It offers a rich sweetness like butterscotch candy, a smooth mouthfeel, and a fine, full-bodied umami. With a unique flavor that crosses the boundary between sake and shochu, it is also characterized by aging in traditional jar storage. An innovative sake that is also recommended to be enjoyed on the rocks.
Notsuingawa
野津院川Notsuingawa is a brand of Fujii Shuzo, named after the clear stream of the Notsu River that flows through Notsu Town. As a sake that expresses the local natural environment, it is characterized by a transparent flavor reminiscent of pure water. It is beloved for its gentle, mild sake quality that harmonizes with the climate and terroir of Notsu.
Ryubai
龍梅 ECRyubai is the flagship brand of Fujii Shuzo, the crystallization of 140 years of brewing expertise. It is brewed in the spirit of "wajo ryoshu" (harmonious brewing makes good sake). The daiginjo boasts the highest gold medal win rate in Oita Prefecture and is a premium sake highly acclaimed at the National New Sake Competition. The junmai ginjo is offered as a premium sake with a solid body. The nigorizake (cloudy sake) is extremely popular locally in Oita, and a wide lineup caters to various needs. The brewing features meticulous techniques including traditional fukurozuri (bag-hanging) drip extraction.
Ryufu
龍颯 ECRyufu is a brand of Fujii Shuzo that expresses a powerful and dashing flavor, like a dragon. It is developed as a brand with a different personality from Ryubai, characterized by a crisp, refreshing mouthfeel. It has attracted attention as a youthful, energetic sake that incorporates modern sensibilities.
Masutama
萬寿玉Masutama is a brand of Akamine Shuzo Jo, a sake with an auspicious name wishing for longevity and prosperity. "Manju" means ten thousand years of life, and "tama" means treasure, making it a brand beloved in the community as fitting for celebratory occasions. Often chosen as a celebratory sake, it is treasured as a drink that adorns life's milestones such as weddings, 60th birthday celebrations, and New Year festivities. The flavor is gentle and easy to drink, with a sake quality that is loved across a wide range of generations.
Hanaemi
花笑みHanaemi is a brand of Ochi Shuzo, a sake expressing a gentle, gorgeous flavor like a flower smiling. Using sake rice nurtured in the rich natural environment of Saiki, it is characterized by a fruity, refreshing aroma. Soft sweetness and moderate acidity harmonize, possessing a splendor reminiscent of a spring flower garden. With a light mouthfeel that is easy to drink for women as well, it pairs excellently with aperitifs and light dishes. It is also chosen as a toast sake for celebrations and special occasions.
Tenshin Yuki Masamune
天眞雪正宗Tenshin Yuki Masamune is a traditional brand of Ochi Shuzo, a sake that pursues a pure and pristine flavor. "Tenshin" expresses natural purity, "Yuki" represents cleanliness, and "Masamune" signifies the orthodoxy of sake. Characterized by a clear, limpid flavor with a transparent sake quality free of off-flavors. It is especially delicious served chilled, pairing superbly with Saiki's fresh seafood.
Bungo Suimei
豊後翠明Bungo Suimei is a brand brewed by Ochi Shuzo, expressing the verdant nature and bright future of Bungo (Oita). Brewed using the terroir of local Saiki, it is characterized by a refreshing, clear flavor. As the character "sui" (jade green) suggests, it is a sake with a fresh, youthful impression. With a light mouthfeel yet a solid rice umami, it is finished with a sake quality that is ideal as a food-pairing sake.
MOMO
MOMOMOMO is a brand by Kuncho Shuzo that incorporates modern sensibilities. Characterized by a fruity, gorgeous aroma and a light mouthfeel, it has a flavor that is approachable even for sake beginners. Popular among younger generations and women, it is a new-style sake that can be enjoyed casually.
Kuncho
薫長 ECKuncho is the traditional brand of Kuncho Shuzo, a sake that embodies the brewery's history and expertise. Named for its rich fragrance and long finish, it is characterized by an elegant flavor brewed with the pure water of the Chikugo River system. It maintains a dignified sake quality befitting the historic townscape of Hita.
Kaku no I
角の井 ECKaku no I is a brand of Inoue Shuzo, a local sake of Hita boasting over 200 years of history. The brand name derives from the shape of a well, expressing gratitude for the blessing of pure water. Using clear underground water from upstream of the Chikugo River for brewing, it is characterized by a mellow, easy-to-drink flavor. With a sake quality that harmonizes with Hita's local food culture, it pairs especially well with river fish and wild mountain vegetable dishes. It is a brand loved across a wide range of occasions, from daily evening drinks to celebrations.
Kuro Oni
黒鬼Kuro Oni is a distinctive brand from Oimatsu Shuzo, a sake characterized by powerful depth and rich flavor. With a full-bodied, savory taste and substantial drinking satisfaction, its umami is further enhanced when served warm. Despite its bold name, it offers a well-balanced sake quality that pairs nicely with cuisine.
Mine no Kantsubaki
峰乃寒椿Mine no Kantsubaki is a brand by Oimatsu Shuzo that captures the winter scenery of Hita. Characterized by a dignified presence like the winter camellia flower and a delicate, refined flavor. A ginjo-style sake slowly brewed at low temperatures, it offers vibrant aromas and a crisp, clean finish.
Hita Sugi Bottle Wa
日田杉ボトル 和Hita Sugi Bottle Wa is a sake presented in a special container made from Hita cedar, the region's renowned specialty product. The subtle fragrance of Hita cedar gently infuses the sake, creating a luxurious product with a unique flavor profile. Highly popular as a gift, it is a special product that fuses Hita's traditional craftsmanship with sake brewing artistry.
Oimatsu
老松 ECOimatsu is the signature brand of Oimatsu Shuzo, a sake that embodies the brewery's history and tradition. Characterized by a well-balanced flavor brewed with the crisp, pure water from the upper Chikugo River and carefully selected rice. With a savory, easy-drinking quality that never tires the palate, it is a classic brand that has been beloved locally for many years.
Sansui
山水Sansui is a brand by Oimatsu Shuzo, evoking the clear spring water that flows from the mountains of Hita. Characterized by a pure, transparent flavor and a light, refreshing drinking experience. Beloved as a crisp sake that evokes the clear air and water of the mountain region.
Senbazuru
千羽鶴Senbazuru is the brand of Sato Shuzo, an auspicious sake imbued with wishes for peace and happiness. Brewed with the crisp water and cool climate of the Kuju Highlands, this sake features a fine-grained, delicate flavor. Each batch is crafted with care, like folding paper cranes one by one. With a mellow, refined mouthfeel harmonizing with a crisp, clean finish, it is frequently chosen as a toast sake for celebrations and special occasions.
Yaba Masamune
耶馬正宗Yaba Masamune is a brand from Nishi no Homare Meijo, a sake bearing the name of the scenic Yabakei gorge. Brewed with the majestic nature and crystal-clear water of Yabakei, this sake features a powerful yet graceful flavor. Its clear, refreshing quality evokes the pure mountain air. Harmonizing with the food culture of Nakatsu, it pairs exceptionally well with river fish dishes and mountain delicacies. It is also popular as a souvenir sake for visitors to the famous Yabakei scenic area.
Nishi no Homare
西の誉Nishi no Homare is another flagship brand of Nishi no Homare Meijo, a sake expressing the pride of the western provinces. Brewed with the aspiration to create a sake that the nation can admire from the western edge of Kyushu, it features a mellow, easy-drinking flavor. With a versatile quality enjoyable across occasions from daily evening drinks to special days, it is a brand that has been beloved by the people of Nakatsu for many years.
Shojiki no Homare
正直の誉Shojiki no Homare is the brand of Jotokuya Shuzo Jo, a sake that expresses the brewery's honest and sincere approach to sake making. True to its name meaning 'Honor of Honesty,' it features an unadulterated, honest flavor. Its straightforward quality, underpinned by reliable technique despite its rustic simplicity, is beloved by local residents. Without pretension, its gentle flavor accompanies the daily evening drink, making it an indispensable presence at family dinner tables in Usa.