Brands

"Iwanami" is the representative brand of Iwanami Shuzo, which has been loved as a dinner sake in local Matsumoto since its founding. Brewed with sake rice from Azumino and underground water from the Utsukushigahara water system, the sake is characterized by a light taste that you never get tired of drinking and a familiarity that goes well with any dish. It is a bottle that symbolizes the local sake culture of Matsumoto, coloring the daily dining table.

"Takasago" is the flagship brand of Fuji Takasago Shuzo, combining elegance with a gentle character. It is beloved as a masterpiece of rich, balanced flavor where the dignity of tradition from the Edo period and the pristine blessings of Mt. Fuji harmonize beautifully. Its most distinctive feature is being brewed with Mt. Fuji groundwater and the traditional Noto Toji 'Yamahai' method. Through a robust fermentation where yeast develops its own strength in a demanding environment, a profound umami and a calm, mellow sweetness are drawn out. The refreshing texture that spreads the moment it touches the palate is a gift unique to Mt. Fuji's soft water. The brand also features 'Homarefuji' rice grown in Shizuoka for local production and consumption. Please experience this internationally recognized Japanese sake, which has won numerous awards at global competitions.

Shichijuro is the prestigious peak series bearing the name of the Shioya family head. Specializing in unfiltered raw Junmai sake, its true value lies in the rice's sweetness and a solid strength character drawn to the limit. As proven by consecutive Gold Medals, it is a dramatic taste that captivates fans both in Japan and overseas.

Tsuyahime Nando Demo is a modern Junmai Gingo crafted from 100% of Yamagata's signature "Tsuyahime" rice, developed in collaboration with Tohoku University of Art and Design. The name carries the dual meaning of being "delicious no matter how many times you drink it" and "delicious at any temperature," reflecting its flexible and enduring character. Combining the straightforward umami of Tsuyahime with sophisticated student-led design, it offers a new style of enjoyment that spans from chilled to hot sake.

"Tsugaru Jongara" is one of the flagship brands, known for its highly aromatic and gorgeous character.

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.

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.