Brands
Kokuzo
虚空蔵Kokuzo is a special sake brand brewed by Sanwa Shurui, a prestigious sake named after the Kokuzo Bosatsu (Akashagarbha Bodhisattva) closely associated with Usa Shrine. Through a unique process that fuses fermentation techniques cultivated in shochu production with traditional sake brewing methods, it achieves deep flavor and elegant aroma. Using the pure water of Usa and carefully selected sake rice, it is a luxurious sake brewed slowly with time and care.
Waka Botan
和香牡丹 ECWaka Botan is a gorgeous and elegant sake brand brewed by Sanwa Shurui. Characterized by refined, splendid aromas reminiscent of peony blossoms, with a mellow and gentle mouthfeel. With an approachable flavor enjoyable by all, it is finished with a balanced quality that works beautifully as both an aperitif and a food sake.
Fukino
福貴野Fukino is a sake brand by Sanwa Shurui that expresses the rich nature of Usa. Brewed to capture the local terroir, it features the inherent umami of rice with a refreshing, clean finish. With an approachable flavor that accompanies the daily dining table, it is a classic brand that continues to be beloved by local residents.
Toyo no Seki
豊乃関Toyo no Seki is a brand of Yamada Shuzo Jo, a sake that expresses the power of a sumo wrestler guarding the barriers of the Bungo province. True to its dignified name reminiscent of a sumo champion, it features a solid structure and deep flavor. Rich umami and moderate acidity harmonize to create a sake with a satisfying body. It pairs well with the seafood and mountain delicacies of the Kunisaki Peninsula, and when combined with local regional cuisine, the flavors complement each other in an exquisite match.
Bungo Otokozake
豊後男酒Bungo Otokozake is a brand of Ono Shuzo, a sake that expresses the boldness and straightforwardness of Bungo men. It features a powerful flavor and a satisfying body, pursuing a masculine and robust taste. Solid rice umami and moderate dryness harmonize, with an impressively clean finish. It is a bold and unpretentious sake, perfect for an after-work drink or conversations among friends.
King
貴運久King (Kiungu) is a unique brand of Ono Shuzo, an auspicious sake wishing for good fortune and prosperity. The brand name carries the wish for "precious luck to last long," with a playful naming that can also be read as "KING" in English. It features a mellow and elegant flavor, and is often chosen as a toast sake for celebrations and special occasions.
Saiki Hisho
佐伯飛翔 ECSaiki Hisho is a brand of Bungo Meijo, a sake carrying the wish to "soar from Saiki across all of Japan." It uses Saiki-grown Yamada Nishiki as koji rice and Saiki-grown Gin no Sato as kake rice, brewed with a unique method combining traditional kimoto brewing and flower yeast. It is a true local sake that maximizes the character of local rice. Fresh and gorgeous aromas harmonize with the depth of flavor characteristic of kimoto brewing, drawing attention as a new-era local sake.
Kakujo
鶴城Kakujo is a brand of Bungo Meijo, a sake bearing the name of Saiki Castle (Kakujo/Crane Castle) that expresses the region's history. It infuses the sake with the elegance and solidity of Crane Castle, the former residence of the Saiki domain, featuring a refined yet strong-willed flavor. Cherishing the region's history and culture, it serves as a bridge connecting Saiki's traditions to the future, expressing local pride.
Suimu
酔夢Suimu is a brand of Ogura Shuzo, a poetic sake meaning "dream within intoxication." Aiming to provide a pleasant buzz and happy moments, it features a soft and gentle flavor. It has a mellow and easy-to-drink quality that creates a dreamy, comfortable intoxication. It is an ideal brand for a relaxed evening drink, serving as a cup to heal daily fatigue and spend peaceful moments.
Yayoi
弥生Yayoi is a brand of Ogura Shuzo, a sake bearing the name of Yayoi (March), heralding the arrival of spring. As a sake celebrating the beginning of a new season, it features a fresh and gorgeous flavor. With a bright and light sake quality like spring sunshine, it is a brand fitting for new beginnings and spring celebrations. Especially recommended to enjoy with spring ingredients as a sake for the changing of seasons.
Ume no Utagenka
宇目の唄げんかUme no Utagenka is the most unique brand of Ogura Shuzo, a sake that expresses the folk songs and traditional culture of the Ume region. The word "utagenka" means a singing battle at regional festivals and traditional events, an attempt to express cultural heritage through sake. Featuring a distinctive and powerful flavor, it is a brand perfect for lively occasions such as regional festivals and banquets.
Genkame
玄亀 ECKamenoi
亀の井 ECHaneyama
万年山Haneyama is a brand brewed by Yatsushika Shuzo that expresses the majestic nature of the Kuju mountain range. Brewed with pristine water from the mountainous region, it features a crisp dry flavor and refreshing quality. Popular as a sake to enjoy after hiking and outdoor activities, it is a sake where one can feel the blessings of nature.
Yufuin no Mori
ゆふいんの森Yufuin no Mori is an elegant and refined brand inspired by the tourist destination Yufuin. Sharing the same name as JR Kyushu's sightseeing train "Yufuin no Mori," it was developed as a sake to enjoy alongside travel memories. Featuring a mellow and gentle palate with an elegant aroma, it offers a taste perfect for dinner during a hot spring trip.
Yatsushika
八鹿Yatsushika is the flagship brand of Yatsushika Shuzo, a representative sake bearing the brewery's name. Brewed with subterranean water from the Kuju mountains and carefully selected rice, it features a well-balanced umakuchi (rich) flavor. With the versatility to be enjoyed chilled or warmed, it boasts the finest pairing with local regional cuisine.
Gen
源Gen is a brand brewed by Yatsushika Shuzo that expresses the purity of a water source. Like the clear streams originating from the Kuju mountains, it features a transparent flavor and refreshing finish. Pursuing a pure and unadulterated sake quality, it is a sake that cherishes the natural umami of rice.
Gincho
銀蝶Gincho is a seishu brand brewed by Ono Shuzo in Yufu City, Oita Prefecture, named with the wish to become a sake noticed and loved by many, like a beautiful butterfly. The brewing water uses spring water from Oike at the foot of Mount Kurodake, a rich and famous water source surrounded by primeval forest on the northern slopes of Kurodake, selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Waters. Brewed in a small family-run brewery in the mountains of Yufu City, it is crafted through meticulous handwork that is only possible with small-scale production. Featuring an elegant flavor created by the purity of famous water and traditional methods, it is a brand that embodies the philosophy of heartwarming handmade sake-making unique to a rural family brewery.
Bungo Ume
ぶんご梅Bungo Ume is a sake brewed by Aso Honten, named after the 'Bungo Ume' plum blossom, the official flower of Oita Prefecture. As a slightly sweet josensu sake, it features a versatile flavor suited to various drinking styles — chilled, at room temperature, or warmed. Brewed amid beautiful water and verdant natural surroundings, minimizing reliance on machinery and embracing the virtues of handcrafting. As the brand name — referencing Oita Prefecture's symbolic plum blossom — suggests, it is an approachable sake embodying the regional climate and culture, beloved across a wide range of people.
Bungo Fuji
豊後富士Bungo Fuji is the flagship brand of Aso Honten, named after 'Bungo Fuji,' the alternative name for Mount Yufu, Oita Prefecture's iconic mountain. Mount Yufu is affectionately known as Bungo Fuji for its beautiful conical shape, and this brand has been rooted in the community bearing this name since the brewery's founding. The Junmai Ginjo offers a subtle ginjo aroma with an easy-drinking quality that reveals the delicate richness of rice, featuring gentle notes of muscat, cooked rice, and green grass with a soft sweetness. The genshu (undiluted sake) is kept at a higher alcohol content without dilution, finished with a slightly sweet, full-bodied, and robust drinking experience. Brewed amid beautiful water and deep green natural surroundings while minimizing reliance on machinery and embracing handcrafting, it is a brand that embodies the terroir of Yufu.