Brands

"Pride of Dewa in a cup as elegant as a crane." Named in the Meiji era, this flagship brand symbolizes the history and prestige of Dewatsuru Shuzo. Amidst lush nature surrounded by the Dewa Hills, pure spring water and select local rice harmonize. Skilled craftsmanship results in a fine, smooth mouthfeel characteristic of snowy Akita, with a sophisticated umami that melts into the throat. As a celebratory sake for auspicious occasions or a companion to enrich daily conversations, its noble yet gentle flavor provides a timeless sense of peace despite the changing eras.

"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.

"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.

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.

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 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 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, 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.

Shuho, the signature brand named after the mythical Fenghuang (Phoenix), embodies the brewery's ideal of crafting sake with distinct personality. Characterized by a brilliant fruity aroma similar to apples and grapes, it balances elegant sweetness with the robust umami of Yamagata rice. This celebrated brand harmonizes Zao's natural gifts with traditional techniques, earning high praise from enthusiasts worldwide.

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 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 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.

Ginrei Gassan, the premium signature brand of Gassan Shuzo, is masterfully crafted using the pure "Roman no Mizu" that originates from the 400-year-old snowmelt of Mt. Gassan. Brewed by skilled local artisans during the peak of winter, it offers a sophisticated balance of crisp aroma and a rich, full-bodied flavor profile. This celebrated sake, frequently receiving gold medals at international awards, represents the ultimate harmony of mountain spring water and traditional craftsmanship.

Hitokoe is a cherished local brand from Shitara Shuzoten, meticulously brewed with the 400-year-old "Gassan Natural Water" during the peak of winter's chill. It is characterized by a rich, savory umami and a smooth, honey-like sweetness that melts on the palate, balanced by a crisp finish. Primarily available in Nishikawa Town, this sake represents the brewery's deep love for its community and the natural harmony of Mt. Gassan.

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.

Jukyukura is a refined label from Kotobuki Toraya Shuzo, representing the pinnacle of over 300 years of brewing expertise combined with the pure water of the Zao Mountain Range. This sake beautifully expresses the unique terroir of Yamagata through meticulous craftsmanship and the use of pristine Takase River water. It offers an authentic and timeless flavor profile, embodying the quiet confidence of veteran brewers.

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.