Brands

The flagship brand of Nagai Honke, long cherished as a signature sake of the Tone River basin. The lineup includes the premium "Yu" (Harmony) series made exclusively via the traditional drip-pressing (Fukuro-shibori) method, showcasing their commitment to meticulous craftsmanship.

"Nito" (Two Rabbits) is the new flagship of Maruishi Jozo, born in 2015 under the bold concept of "Only he who chases two rabbits gets both." It pursues the simultaneous achievement of seemingly contradictory elements such as "taste and aroma," "acidity and umami," "heaviness and lightness," and "sweetness and dryness" at an extreme balance. Featuring freshness, a clean finish, and perfect fusion with food, its quality transcends traditional brewing frames and continues to fascinate enthusiasts worldwide.

Iwaki Kotobuki is the soul of the brewery, long cherished by fishermen as a celebratory sake for sea safety and bountiful catches. It is defined by a robust, clean finish that satisfied tough seamen and a rich flavor profile designed to elevate the natural umami of seafood. Despite moving the brewing location from Fukushima to Yamagata after the earthquake, every drop crafted with an indomitable spirit continues to be loved as a wine of hope, carrying new bonds and the light of revival.

Kissui Hidaruma is a superbly elegant brand featuring the auspicious "Hidaruma" (Left Horse) label. Characterized by a fruity aroma and refined umami, it is a masterpiece that adds brilliance to special occasions.

Senkoma is the flagship brand brewed during the coldest months through "Kanzukuri," using abundant groundwater from the Nasu Mountains and selected rice. It is characterized by rich rice umami and a solid structure. Cultivated in the climate of the castle town Shirakawa, its quality has long been loved locally as the "ultimate food-pairing sake." The label features powerful calligraphy by Shoko Kanazawa, symbolizing the brewery's wish for the drinker's happiness. It is a proud local sake where traditional skills create a dignified personality.

"Kuzo" is a brand named with the determination to restart from zero after the brewery was completely destroyed by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. "Ku" (Sky/Empty) means starting from zero/nothing, expressing the attitude of sincerely pursuing Nada brewing. It is a brand of emotion and hope, overcoming the difficulty of the earthquake disaster, containing strong will for reconstruction and challenge to Nada's excellent brewing.

"Taiun" is the flagship brand of Taiun Shuzo named after the brewery. The name, which combines "Tai" of "Taiwan" and "Un" of "Izumo," contains a strong will to connect the two lands across the sea. A new sake brewed in Izumo where the sensitivity of a Taiwanese person breathes. Within the refreshing drinking mouth, a warm aftertaste spreads, calming the drinker's heart.

"Kiku" is an iconic flagship brand of Toraya Honten, a traditional brand that conveys the long history of the brewery to the present. It is highly evaluated internationally, including receiving gold medals at the International Wine Challenge (IWC). The chrysanthemum (Kiku) is an emblem representing the Japanese Imperial Family and has been loved as a noble and pure flower. This brand embodies the desire to aim for an elegant taste that follows the royal road of sake. Using the historic famous water "Nijinoi" that continues to spring in the heart of Utsunomiya, it achieves a refined and dignified sake quality. It is a drink that symbolizes the quality and pride of Toraya Honten, loved by sake fans not only in Tochigi Prefecture but all over the world.

"Hanamikura" is a brand named when Hakusen Shuzo once made a fresh start aiming to improve the quality of sake. The name, fusing the beauty of flowers and the tradition of the brewery, colored a page of Hakusen Shuzo's history. Although it is now unified into "Kuromatsu Hakusen" again, it is a brand remembered as proof of the brewery's evolution and challenge.

"Hakuko" is the representative brand of Morikawa Shuzo, brewed using ultra-soft water from Mt. Noro. Derived from "White Large Bird (Otori)," it embodies the wish to be elegant like a large bird dancing in the sky and to make those who drink it happy. Its greatest feature is a mellow and savory taste aimed at being the ultimate food sake. The softness unique to soft water brewing and the crispness that shines with the skill of the Hiroshima Toji coexist, boasting a high quality of sake that you never get tired of drinking. It is a gentle sake that permeates the heart, filled with the thoughts of Toji Motoharu Morikawa, "I want you to relax and feel warm."

The sake name "Keigetsu" was named after Omachi Keigetsu, a writer of the Meiji and Taisho periods who deeply loved sake and travel. Tosa Shuzo aims for refined sake quality and brewing that expresses the terroir of the local Tosa Reihoku region. The flagship brand "Keigetsu Super Dry Tokubetsu Junmai 60" uses local Kochi "Akitsuho" polished to 60%, finished as a crisp dry sake with a Sake Meter Value of +11. A mild aroma, refreshing mouthfeel, and modest, clean sweetness harmonize with exhilarating acidity and light bitterness. It features a beautiful dry aftertaste that feels soft despite being a light (Tanrei) style. Within the sharp and exhilarating dryness, the "umami" and "richness" derived from rice and the fresh scent of freshly pressed sake blend exquisitely. It goes exceptionally well with fish dishes, especially local Tosa Katsuo no Tataki (seared bonito), sashimi, and boiled fish, making it a superb food sake that further enhances the taste of meals.

"Hyakunengura" is the flagship brand of Ishikura Shuzo and also the name of the facility "Hakata Hyakunengura." It is a brand expressing the tradition of the brewery with over 150 years of history and the technology cultivated over many years. Representative products include "Daiginjo Hyakunengura 40" and "Ginjo Josui," continuing sake brewing filled with pride as the only brewery in Hakata.

"Kuroushi" is the flagship brand synonymous with Nate Shuzoten. Named after the scenic spot "Kuroushi Gata" mentioned in the Manyoshu. Using the medium hard water "Manyo Kuroushi Water," the hard water brewing achieves both sharp finish and thick umami of rice. The perfection as a brewing sake is extremely high, and the compatibility with fish dishes and strongly seasoned dishes is outstanding.

The primary brand of Ryujin Shuzo, named to evoke the image of pure snowmelt flowing from the Oze highlands. The lineup consists almost entirely of premium Junmai Daiginjo (polished to 50%), offering exceptional quality at an accessible price. They offer a diverse range of products using rice varieties like Yamada Nishiki, Omachi, and Aiyama, with seasonal limited editions and Namazake being particularly popular. It is characterized by a beautiful balance of fruity, floral aromas and a gentle, enticing sweetness.

Ayu Masamune is the flagship brand carrying the brewery's pride, named by Prince Wakamiya Yukichi of Kyoto Fushimi. Brewed carefully using 6 tons of spring water per hour amidst the severe cold of a heavy snowfall region, its gentle 'Amakuchi' (sweet) profile is its most distinctive feature, which is rare for Niigata sake. While bringing out the plump umami of rice, it has a light and pure finish. Its uniquely smooth texture provides a comfort that is unforgettable once tasted. It is a traditional masterpiece long loved in local Myoko and cherished by fans nationwide as 'the sake from the thatched-roof brewery in Saruhashi.'

"Saijotsuru" is a brand named by combining the place name "Saijo" and "Tsuru" (Crane), which is considered a symbol of longevity and an auspicious bird. It is known for high-quality sake brewing, led by the Junmai Daiginjo Genshu "Shinzui," which has won consecutive Monde Selection Gold Awards and received high scores from world-renowned wine critic Robert Parker. While possessing the softness and umami unique to Hiroshima, it combines the strength of core that does not lose to the sauce of Okonomiyaki, making it an ideal sake to accompany food.

Gakujuro is the flagship brand inheriting the soul of Toyokuni Shuzo, bearing the name of the 1862 founder. Its charm lies in the powerful yet fine rice umami produced by 100% "Fune-shibori" and a dignified aftertaste backed by long history. It is a crystallization of sincere brewing nurtured by the terroir of Aizu Bangemachi.

Carrying a name associated with wishes for longevity and prosperity, Kikusui was long beloved as the representative local sake of Noshiro. Aged slowly in the historic railway tunnel, a tangible cultural property, it was characterized by a mellow maturity brought by the constant natural temperature and harmonious, gentle rice umami. Though it has now become a rare treasure following the brewery's closure, its warm flavor remains a significant symbol of local culture in Noshiro.

"Tamadare" was named after a legendary story of a priest at Hongyo-ji Temple in Hirosaki, who was moved by the sweetness of water droplets dripping from a rock while practicing Zen meditation. It features a gentle aroma and a quintessential Aomori flavor with integrated rice umami, acidity, and bitterness. It is a beloved local favorite enjoyed throughout the prefecture.

"Fuchu Homare" is a brand that bears the history and pride of the region, brewed by a long-established brewery founded in the first year of Ansei (1854). "Fuchu" is the old name for Ishioka, where the provincial capital of Hitachi was located. In the land of Ishioka, called "Nada of Kanto," it is brewed with high-quality groundwater from the "Fuchu Rokui" system, famous water of Ishioka, protecting traditional tools and methods inherited for generations. It features a full-bodied and fragrant taste, filled with the blessings of nature at the foot of Mt. Tsukuba and the passion of the brewers.

Yukiotoko is a brand of Aoki Shuzo, derived from the legendary creature appearing in 'Hokuetsu Seppu.' As a brand that conveys the folk tales and traditions of the snow country recorded by Suzuki Bokushi to the present day, it expresses the cultural background of the region. The name embodies the mystique of the snow country and the harsh yet rich nature of the heavy snowfall area. It is cherished as a unique brand fusing the snow country culture of Minami Uonuma and the tradition of Aoki Shuzo. It is a sake unique to the snow country, characterized by a literary and mysterious image.

"Matsuuraichi" is a brand brewed with the spring water of Arita Izumiyama Hakujisen, the best famous water in Kyushu. Adhering to handmade production, it features sake brewing filled with sincerity. Also known as the "Kappa Sake Brewery" that enshrines a Kappa mummy, the sake is brewed in a brewery protected by the God of Water.

"Nanatsu Ume" is a prestigious brand praised as "Sake is Kenbishi, Otokoyama, Nanatsume" as one of the three great premium sakes of the Edo period. Hamafukutsuru inherits the historic brand brewed by Wataya in Itami to the present day as the legitimate successor. It is a historic sake with over 300 years of tradition and prestige used as Gozenshu (sake for the lord's table) in the Ooku of Edo Castle. It is a brand with high historical value conveying the glory of the era when Itami was the center of brewing ahead of Nada to the present.