Brands

"Obasute Masamune" is the representative brand of Nagano Meijo, derived from the scenic Obasute Rice Terraces, which Basho Matsuo also composed haiku about. Using high-quality sake rice grown by contract farmers and spring water from Mt. Hijiri, it is characterized by the mellow umami and rich taste unique to pure rice sake. Boasting numerous awards in domestic and international competitions, it is highly rated as a mealtime sake.

"Ryusei" is the finest brand brewed by Fujii Shuzo, founded in 1863, and has a glorious history of receiving the highest award at the first National New Sake Appraising and Deliberating Fair in 1907. Brewed in Takehara City facing the Seto Inland Sea, the brewery's dedication is maintained through limited distribution to specialty stores. Placing importance on sake brewing that enhances the individuality of food, it is characterized by a sophisticated taste that harmonizes refreshing acidity, umami, and a sharp aftertaste. While protecting tradition, it continues to evolve with the times, and as a famous supporting actor accompanying meals, it is a brand that brings out the deliciousness of all kinds of dishes.

"Fukuchitose" is the flagship brand of Tajima Shuzo, which has maintained Yamahai brewing for over 170 years. Aiming to be a "Blissful sake for meals," the sake brewed with the power of natural lactic acid bacteria features rich, deep body and clear acidity that cuts through the fat of food. It has a broad-minded and powerful taste that pairs well not only with Japanese food but also with diverse modern cuisines such as Western and Chinese.

Yamashiroya is a brand bearing the name of the house founded in 1845, which is one of the roots of Koshi Meijo. While paying respect to its history, it plays a role in passing down traditional techniques to the modern era. It pursues the universal appeal of brewing that remains beloved across generations.

"Yoshinosugi no Taruzake" is the founding brand of Choryo Sake Brewery and is a historic brand released in 1964 as Japan's first bottled taru-sake. It is aged in barrels made of Yoshino cedar from Nara Prefecture over 80 years old, which is considered the best for sake barrels, and the refreshing scent of cedar and the unique richness and umami are exquisitely harmonized. The founder, Teiichi Iida, developed it aiming for taru-sake that feels "quiet and peaceful like the flow of the Yoshino River", and it has captured people's hearts for nearly 60 years. Using no nails or tacks, sweet sake is aged for a certain period in cedar barrels made with craftsmanship, and bottled by identifying the timing when astringency changes to umami through tasting. It is a clear taru-sake where not only the scent of cedar but also the extract and astringency of cedar are moderately harmonized, and as a brand indispensable for celebrations and special days, it is one of the sakes representing Nara.

Dewanoyuki is the flagship brand of Watarai Honten, named after the pure snow that accumulates during Yamagata's harsh winters. Conveying the essence of the ancient "Kimoto-zukuri" brewing method, it is characterized by a powerful, rich, "full-bodied" flavor reminiscent of red wine, where solid acidity and astringency intertwine. Its quality, where the umami of rice blooms even further when warmed, possesses a depth that impresses gourmands, carrying forward the pride of a brewery with over 300 years of history.

"Kankiko" is the flagship brand of Sawada Sake Brewery, developed by the fifth generation Sadako Sawada and the master brewer Chiso Iguchi. It has received high praise, including winning the Gold Prize at the National New Sake Appraisal in 1988 (Showa 63). Since resuming in-house brewing in 2019, the Junmai Ginjo "Chiisana Yorokobi" has won the Gold Medal at the "International Wine Challenge" and the Grand Gold Medal at the "Fine Sake Awards", boasting numerous awards at domestic and international competitions. Characterized by a balance of rich umami and deep sweetness, the Junmai Ginjo sake using 100% Yamada Nishiki from Hyogo Prefecture maximizes the umami of rice. As a brand that fuses tradition and innovation created by the passion and careful brewing of young brewers, it symbolizes Sawada Sake Brewery in a new era.

"KONISHI" is a brand bearing the company name of Konishi Sake Brewing, developed as sake that can be enjoyed with a modern sensibility. While based on traditional techniques, it is positioned as a brand proposing new ways to enjoy sake.

"Andoh Suigun" is the flagship brand of Ozaki Shuzo. It is named after the "Andoh Navy," masters of the Sea of Japan who forged the prosperity of the "Tsugaru Tosa-no-Minato" trading port from the late 12th to the 15th century. The label features a striking red design depicting the sun setting over the Sea of Japan, evoking the romanticism and grandeur of the northern conquerors.

Tenkyu, meaning "Rainbow" appearing in the post-rain sky, is a limited-distribution series concepted as delivering hope and gratitude to daily life. The series combines the fresh sensibilities of Tohoku University of Art and Design students in its labels with the brewery's high-level techniques to create refined sake for modern lifestyles. From celebratory "Hare" (special) days to comforting "Ke" (daily) occasions, its diverse lineup of flavors, like the colors of a rainbow, vividly brightens the lives of those who drink it.

"Gengen" is a premium brand used by Yamazaki Goshi Gaisha only for specific products. As its name suggesting a "phantom" implies, it features rarity and limited distribution through specialty stores. Valuing traditional hand-crafting processes, it achieves a refined aroma and transparent flavor. Known to those in the know as an exquisite bottle for gifts or special occasions.

"Haisei Basho" is the flagship brand of Hashimoto Shuzojo, bearing the name of the local great figure, Matsuo Basho. It was brewed aiming for a taste that is deep and permeates the heart, much like Basho's Haiku. The gorgeous aroma derived from flower yeast and the plump umami unique to Yamada Nishiki harmonize. It is a Japanese sake filled with the spirit of Iga, where you can feel warmth somewhere even within sophistication.

"Hakkoda Oroshi" is carefully brewed using 100% "Hana-fubuki," a sake rice variety from Aomori, polished to perfection. It features a mellow and rich flavor that fully brings out the taste of the rice. While the aroma is subtle, the taste is robust, making it a perfect companion for a wide range of meals.

"Tomikawa" is another flagship brand bearing the brewery's name. It was named with the wish to be "rich and prosperous, like a beautiful river." Brewed using rice and water nurtured by the land of Yaita and traditional techniques, this sake features a harmony of crisp finish and the natural umami of rice. It can be enjoyed at a wide range of temperatures, from chilled to hot sake, and is a light and dry yet flavorful sake that you will never tire of drinking, perfect for daily evening drinks.

Soga no Homare (The Pride of Soga) is the flagship brand representing the long history of Ishii Jozo. Its name is derived from the Soga area of Odawara, the setting of the epic 'Revenge of the Soga Brothers' from the Kamakura period. Brewed using the secret 'Mochi Yondan Shikomi' technique passed down through generations, it offers a full-bodied umami and robust depth derived from glutinous rice that fills the palate. Far from being just sweet, it is characterized by a firm core of strength and a dignified aftertaste. Crafted with carefully selected rice and Sakawa River water, its flavor is the very pride (homare) of the region—a superlative food-pairing sake cherished for enriching any dining table.

"Hyaku Moku" is a new brand born for the first time in 130 years since "Kiku-Masamune," developed as a modern premium sake. with the concept of "the most delicious cold sake" and "sake with individuality that elevates cuisine together," it proposes new value beyond the framework of conventional meal sake. Using 100% contract-cultivated Yamada Nishiki from the Special A district Yoshikawa and brewed with Miyamizu, it is characterized by dryness balanced with umami and elegance. With a diverse lineup such as Junmai Daiginjo, Junmai Ginjo, and Alt.3, it is a brand embodying Kiku-Masamune's new challenge.

"Togenkyo" is a proud Junmai Daiginjo of Naito Jozo, infused with the wish for a peaceful and beautiful ideal world. Through the artistic high polishing of Yamada Nishiki rice to 35%, it achieves an incredibly clear and dignified flavor. It is designed as a perfect "food-pairing sake" that never disturbs the deliciousness of dishes but rather gently enhances their charm. The sophisticated brilliance that spreads with every sip will transform a luxurious dinner into an ideal time of peace.

"Otafuku" is the representative brand of Tsuka Shuzo, which has continued since 1848 in Akitsu, the birthplace of Hiroshima Ginjo sake. It is also known as a historical brand that won first place in the first National Sake Appraisal in the Meiji era, proving the superiority of the soft water brewing method. While protecting the taste of the good old days, it features the warmth unique to handcrafted sake and a smooth mouthfeel due to soft water brewing. Having revived from the torrential rain disaster, it is brewed with even more thoughts for the region, and is a bottle that makes you feel the history and pride of Akitsu.

"Jurokudai Kurouemon" (Sixteenth Generation Kurouemon) is a premium small-batch brand that expresses the brewer's sensibility. Using various methods such as Kimoto and Yamahai, they pursue a taste with impact and depth where the umami and acidity of rice harmonize. It is sake symbolizing the innovation of Yukawa Shuzoten, receiving high praise in domestic and international competitions.

Hiwata is a particular brand of Hagino Shuzo brewed entirely with Yamahai method. "Hiwata" means "Sun" and "Rice Field," expressing the blessings of nature. While utilizing the complexity and acidity unique to Yamahai brewing, it is finished with a modern and clean taste, and its depth that can be enjoyed both as warmed sake and cold sake is attractive.

Kurozaemon is the flagship brand named after the head of the Shindo family for generations, symbolizing the prestige and history of the brewery. Even before the innovative "Gasanryu" was born, it upheld the legacy of the brewery as a master purveyor in Yonezawa. Crafted with veteran skills that emphasize consistent quality and rich rice umami, it stands as the ultimate orthodox sake for food pairing, representing Shindo Shuzoten's true roots.