Brands

Mouri Kou is a long-selling brand loved in Yamaguchi for a long time, and is a sake where you can taste the simplest Yamagata Honten style. By bearing the name of the Mouri clan who ruled Yamaguchi for a long time, it embodies the desire to inherit the history and tradition of the region. Making use of the characteristics of the slightly soft well water springing in the brewery, it is characterized by a soft, refreshing and sharp taste, and realizes a taste that you never get tired of drinking through careful sake brewing using ingredients from Yamaguchi Prefecture. As a sake rooted in the region, it is supported by a wide range of generations.

"Hakugakusen" is Yasumoto Shuzo's modern flagship brand launched by the 46th generation. It was named taking "Haku" (White) from the Hakusan water vein, "Gaku" (Mountain) from the land surrounded by mountains, and "Sen" (Hermit/Gathering) wishing for a place where people gather. Using rice and water from Fukui Prefecture and original yeast, it features a modern taste full of transparency, sealing in the freshness of freshly pressed sake through rapid cooling and bottle warming pasteurization.

Kiri no To is a brand named after the deep forests of Tsunan, the mist that hangs in the air during the snowmelt season, and the scenery of sacred mountains. It reflects the respect for the history that once governed this land and the fantastic scenery unique to the snow country in one bottle of sake. Its liquor quality is as soft as mist, but makes one feel a dignified core strength like a tower. In the smooth throat pass by soft water brewing, the gentle sweetness of rice spreads softly, providing a drinking comfort that quietly permeates the heart. It is a sake that gives such deep afterglow and calmness that makes one want to leave everyday life and slowly face the quiet night of the snow country.

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.

"Tsuji Zenbei" is a premium all-Junmai brand launched by 16th-generation owner-brewmaster Hiroyuki Tsuji to pursue the ideal "Junmai sake for the modern era." By crowning the brand with the name of the founder who began brewing in Moka in 1754, it expresses profound respect for 270 years of tradition and a determined resolve to pioneer a new age. While the traditional flagship "Sakuragawa" pursues stability as a food-pairing sake, "Tsuji Zenbei" is conceptualized to maximize the powerful umami of rice and a deep, mellow flavor. In particular, the Junmai Ginjo, crafted with Tochigi-grown rice and specially selected sake rice, has garnered enthusiastic support from craft sake fans nationwide for its combination of sharp transparency and rich body. The essence of Toji Tsuji's skills—which have earned an astounding 10 consecutive gold medals at the National New Sake Competition—is poured into this all-Junmai lineup. It is an innovative brand that symbolizes the "present" and "future" of Tsuji Zenbei Shoten, merging the sincere craftsmanship of its Omi merchant roots with contemporary sensibility.

"Jumangame" is the flagship brand of Kameda Shuzo, named after the word for celebration "Ju" (Kotobuki) and the saying "Cranes live for 1,000 years, turtles for 10,000 years." It is the only sake in Japan recognized as an offering to Meiji Jingu Shrine, and its quality is highly praised in domestic and international competitions. It is a sake with a dignified taste woven by Nagasa rice and underground water from the Mineoka mountain range.

"Saika Magoichi" is a brand brewed by Kokonoe Saika, named after Saika Magoichi, the leader of the Saika Ikki (gunner group) in the Sengoku period. Saika Magoichi was the leader of the gunner group based in Kishu and is a historical figure who played an active role in the Ishiyama Hongan-ji War against Oda Nobunaga. His valor and strategy have been handed down as the pride of Kishu, and this brand name implies respect for the history and warrior culture of Kishu. By brewing utilizing the rich water source of Momoyama-cho, Kinokawa City, it is popular as local sake expressing the climate of Kishu.

Yamahoushi is a brand emitting Rokkasen's powerful personality, making one feel the deep nature of Yamagata and the spirit of Shugendo (mountain asceticism). Reminiscent of the rugged rock faces of Mt. Kurobushi, it features a robust, solid umami and a refreshing crispness brought by pure groundwater. Its strong-willed flavor, which captures Yamagata's terroir as it is, brings a sense of unity with the earth as you drink, richly coloring the time for adults who know the essence.

"Honshu-Ichi" is the representative brand of Umeda Shuzojo, named with the wish to "create the number one sake in Japan." Brewed with sake rice such as Hiroshima Prefecture's Yamada Nishiki and Senbon Nishiki, and the pure underground water of Mt. Iwataki, it is characterized by a mellow and fruity aroma and a clean aftertaste with transparency. It has received extremely high acclaim internationally in recent years, including winning the Platinum and Gold prizes at Kura Master and the Trophy at the IWC.

Kamonishiki is a long-standing flagship brand symbolizing the history and tradition of Kamonishiki Shuzo. It is a reliable taste that supports daily evening drinks and has been familiar to all generations in local Niigata. It is characterized by a calm aroma and a simple yet deep mouthfeel that makes one feel the umami of rice firmly. While having the refreshing feeling typical of Niigata's light and dry style, the modest nature that does not interfere with the taste of dishes can be called a 'life sake' that deeply blends into eating habits. While the feelings put into traditional labels remain the same, it has been polished to higher quality with modern technology. It is a brand that can be called the brewery's origin, conveying attachment to the local area and sincerity in sake brewing to the present.

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.

"Homare Ikezuki" is the flagship brand of Ikezuki Shuzo, named after the famous horse "Ikezuki." The taste woven by ultra-soft water and Kibune Shibori (wooden tank pressing) is smooth as silk and has a surprisingly gentle mouthfeel. While it lets you feel the solid umami of the rice, the aftertaste is clean, and you never tire of drinking it. It is a Junmai sake with a profound charm that changes its expression depending on the temperature, from cold sake to hot sake.

"Kagiya" is the representative brand bearing the trade name of Seiryo Shuzo. Based on the idea that "sake should be a supporting role for cuisine," it is brewed aiming to be the best sake to accompany meals that enhances the food. It features a flavor that you never get tired of drinking, with an exquisite balance of the umami of rice and sharpness. It is bottled unfiltered, so you can enjoy the flavor of freshly born sake as it is.

"Kiso Sansen" is a brand that can be called the origin of Naito Jozo, bearing respect for the three great rivers (Kiso, Nagara, and Ibi) that moisten the Nobi Plain and the blessings of water. Brewed with clear soft water containing moderate minerals, its flavor is incredibly gentle. The solid umami nurtured by Owari's rich nature richly enhances the flavor of regional and home-cooked dishes. Clear as water and close to daily meals, it is a trusted local sake that has been loved for a long time.

"Kujiranami" is a romantic brand named after the fact that "clouds flowing over the mountain looked like whales swimming gracefully." Breath carefully in the mountains at an altitude of 600 meters using natural water from the mountain behind and Gifu Prefecture "Hidahomare," maintaining traditional methods such as steaming with an old-fashioned Japanese cauldron. It is characterized by a gentle and deeply nourishing taste created by the individuality of the brewery with 200 years of history and the silent mountain air.

Hinoshita Musou is a premium Junmai Daiginjo and Daiginjo sake series created by Toji (master brewer) Shinji Hinoshita in pursuit of his ideal sake brewing, such as introducing a 'microbubble rice washing machine.' Aiming for 'sake unparalleled under heaven,' it is brewed without sparing time and effort. It is characterized by a gorgeous aroma, a transparent taste, and a delicate finish. It has received high praise in competitions both domestically and internationally, and is known as a brand symbolizing the high technical ability of Murashige Shuzo.

"Souden" is a limited brand for exclusive dealers of Kitaya, and the brand name is an image of "lush green fields." To bring out the individuality of the rare rice "Omachi," which is said to be the ancestor of sake rice, to the fullest, it is brewed using Kitaya's original yeast. It has a fruity and gorgeous aroma, a plump umami unique to Omachi, and acidity harmonized, creating a satisfying taste.

"Futari Shizuka" is an elegant brand named after the Noh play "Futari Shizuka." It is a wine-type Ginjo sake with a gorgeous aroma, gentle umami, and a refreshing aftertaste. Its delicate taste and drinkability are popular among women, creating an elegant moment. It is a sake with a modern sensibility that goes well not only with Japanese food but also with Western food.

"Hoka" is a limited distribution series launched by Toshimaya as a second brand of "Miwatari." As the name implies, it was born with the concept of bringing out glorious aroma and the original umami of rice. Sticking to sake rice from Nagano Prefecture, the modern and sophisticated taste is supported by a wide range of people from sake beginners to enthusiasts.

"Nishijin" is a brand bearing the name of Nishijin-ori, Kyoto's representative traditional craft. Like the delicate fabrics woven by Nishijin weavers, it was developed with the goal of being a sake that possesses multi-layered flavors and elegance. This Tokubetsu Junmai, carefully brewed at low temperatures, is characterized by a full-bodied rice umami and a clean finish. With respect for traditional techniques, it is a high-class sake that, along with its brilliant label, broadcasts Kyoto's craftsman spirit to the world.

Kinkan Kuromatsu is Murashige Shuzo's flagship brand. The name comes from the black pine (Kuromatsu), which symbolizes joy and is always displayed at celebrations such as ceremonies and weddings. The first brewery owner named it 'Kinkan Kuromatsu' (Gold Crown Black Pine) by placing a gold crown on top, hoping that drinking our sake would bring more happiness to everyone. They use two types of underground water from the clear Nishiki River: the ultra-soft 'Ganryu Well' and the hard water 'Kannon Well' from limestone strata, depending on the desired sake quality. They also use locally produced sake rice 'Saito no Shizuku,' embodying a brewing philosophy rooted in the region. Characterized by a gentle aroma and a slightly sweet richness, it has a long-lasting aftertaste. As a brand symbolizing Iwakuni's history and culture, it embodies the philosophy of community-rooted sake brewing.

Kurokui is one of the brands brewed by Kuge Honten, a sake that expresses the history and traditions of Usuki. Using Usuki's delicious water filtered through limestone layers and carefully selected rice from Oita Prefecture, it embodies regionally circular sake brewing. Pairing well with seafood from the Bungo Channel, it is characterized by flavors that complement the local food culture.

Kiyoizumi is a major brand supporting the framework of Kusumi Shuzo, its name deriving from clear spring water springing from the mountains of Nagaoka. It is a sake that most purely expresses the brewery's basic stance of pouring passion into Junmai brewing. It features a balanced and pure taste where a firm umami core of rice can be felt despite being light. While possessing a clean sharpness typical of Niigata sake, a gentle afterglow remains comfortably, harmonizing beautifully with a wide variety of dishes as a sake for meals. Its high-grade taste that never tires the drinker has gained immense trust from many sake fans as an 'ideal daily sake.'

"Nebuta" is named after Aomori's grandest and most majestic festival, the "Nebuta Matsuri." Its packaging and labels feature powerful Nebuta artwork by the master artist Hiroo Takenami. Characterized by a crisp, dry (karakuchi) and light (tanrei) finish, this sake captures the energy and sharp movements of the "Haneto" dancers as they leap to the rhythmic cries of "Rassera! Rassera!" A highly acclaimed masterpiece, it won the top prize in the Junmai category at the 2017 International Sake Challenge. It offers a smooth, mellow profile that reveals the rich umami of the rice despite its clean finish.

"Hizen Kuragokoro" is a representative brand of Yano Shuzo, born when the brewery made its "Junmai Sake Declaration". It implies "delivering the heart of the brewery," and is characterized by a refreshing and light flavor and suitability as a sake to accompany meals that enhances the taste of food. It goes perfectly with a wide range of cuisines, whether Japanese, Western, or Chinese.