Brands
Ichijo
壱醸Ichijo is a limited brand that encapsulates Koshi Meijo's utmost dedication. It is made using 100% organic rice grown with care in the terraced fields of the Tochio Ikazuchi district. Infused with a craftsman's soul that prioritizes the 'perfect drop' over cost or efficiency, its pure and profound flavor has earned immense trust from local aficionados.
Honsho
本正Honsho is a brand characterized by a powerful flavor that leverages the regional characteristics of Tochio. It pursues a 'umami-forward' profile that sets it apart from Niigata's light and dry style. A drink that allows you to feel the energy of the rice with every sip.
Koshi no Senroku
越乃千禄Koshi no Senroku is an auspicious brand brewed by Morohashi Shuzo. Its name, literally meaning 'wishing for a thousand blessings,' makes it perfect for celebratory occasions or as a gift for loved ones. The gentle aroma and the smooth, translucent flavor characteristic of Morohashi Shuzo bring a sense of peace and joy to those who drink it.
Tonami no Sakura
斗南の桜"Tonami no Sakura" is one of the brand lines from Momokawa Co., Ltd.
Hatsuhi Masamune
初日正宗Hatsuhi Masamune is an auspicious brand by Hasegawa Shuzo, celebrating new beginnings and prosperity. Named with the wish to brighten people's hearts like the first sunrise of the year, it delivers joy to the dining table. While preserving traditional methods, it offers a sincere, timeless flavor long cherished by the local community.
NAGAOKA
NAGAOKANAGAOKA is a modern and stylish local brand that broadcasts the identity of Nagaoka-Settya, the town of brewing, to the world. Utilizing the pure water and rice of the region to the fullest, it pursues a light, fruity profile that pairs perfectly with modern lifestyles and international cuisine while remaining rooted in traditional techniques. Serving as a bridge between Nagaoka's history and its future, this brand captivates new sake fans both in Japan and overseas.
Echigo Nagaoka Jo
越後 長岡城Echigo Nagaoka Jo represents the pride and samurai culture of the castle town of Nagaoka. Inspired by the history of the Nagaoka Clan that once ruled this land, it pursues a flavor of dignified elegance and a strong, consistent core. Balancing robust richness with a sharp finish, this sake, brewed in historic red-brick cellars, possesses a grand presence that tells the story of Nagaoka's legacy.
Ofukumasamune
お福正宗Ioshiro
五百代Yamakoshi
山古志Chiyonomiyako
千代都Koshi no Katsura
越乃桂Koshi no Katsura is a brand inspired by the nobility and freshness after winter, signaling the breath of spring. Much like the resilient katsura tree, it offers a strong core balanced with an elegant aroma and mellow mouthfeel. This refined sake is designed to gently accompany the drinker's heart.
Koshi no Kurotaka
越乃黒鷹Koshi no Kurotaka is an authentic brand pursuing the power and sharp finish of a black hawk soaring through the sky. Its primary characteristic is a robust structure with a rich flavor where the energy of the rice is concentrated. While powerful, its aftertaste is surprisingly clean, earning deep trust from sake aficionados seeking a satisfying and dignified drink.
Hayakaze
隼風"Hayakaze" is one of the brand lines from Momokawa Co., Ltd.
Koshi no Gingetsu
越の吟月Koshi no Gingetsu is a refined brand by Onda Shuzo, pure and sophisticated like the moon in a night sky. While maintaining Niigata's characteristic 'tanrei' (light) style, it features an elegant ginjo aroma and a polished profile that draws out the delicate umami of the rice. An ideal sake for a quiet, reflective moment.
Kikuya
幾久屋Kikuya is a brand named with the wish for eternal prosperity and lasting joy. Carrying the pride of the Onda family across generations, it is brewed with the meticulous handmade care that only a small-scale brewery can provide. Foregoing trends in favor of an honest pursuit of sake's quintessential deliciousness, this brand has earned immense trust from local fans in Nagaoka.
Maitsuru
舞鶴 ECMaitsuru is the flagship brand representing Onda Shuzo. It is brewed with the goal of creating a flavor as pure and beautiful as a 'crane dancing elegantly.' Originating from a sincere commitment that includes cultivating its own rice, this sake offers a robust richness and sharp finish that directly conveys the power and vitality of the grain. Highly regarded as a hidden gem of Nagaoka, its honest craftsmanship is evident from the very first sip.
Koshi no Hien
越乃飛燕Koshi no Hien is a brand pursuing the nimbleness and sharp finish of a swallow ('hien') soaring through the sky. It is characterized by a refreshing sensation as it passes through the throat, followed by a gentle lingering sweetness of the rice. With an unpretentious and approachable character, it is loved by many as a sake that lightly brightens daily evening drinks.
Echigo Nagaoka Han
越後長岡藩Echigo Nagaoka Han is a brand that delivers the straightforward, dignified spirit of the former Nagaoka samurai to the modern age. Brewed with meticulous care using traditional techniques in a region where samurai culture still breathes, it balances a robust, rich flavor of rice with a clean, resolute finish. Condensing the history of Sekihara and the pride of Nagaoka, this sake is cherished as an elegant gift or for special celebrations, reflecting its prestigious name.
Gunki
群亀Gunki is a brand symbolizing over 300 years of history at Sekihara Shuzo. The name 'Gunki' (tortoise gathering) is auspicious, suggesting that a large gathering of tortoises—symbols of longevity—will invite even greater fortune and eternal prosperity. Worthy of its historical reputation as the 'East Yokozuna' (Grand Champion) in sake rankings, it features a quality where the power and gentleness of the rice are harmoniously balanced. As an authentic local sake nurtured by the terroir of Nagaoka, it continues to walk alongside the lives of local people.
Rokuroji
六郎次Rokuroji is a brand born to honor the passion and skill of Rokuroji Goto, the legendary master brewer of Tochikura Shuzo. Goto won the top prize (Governor's Award) twice at the Echigo-style Sake Brewing Technology Competition and was named a 'Master Craftsman of the Modern World' (Gendai no Meiko). To live up to his name, the brand uses carefully selected rice polished to 50%, pursuing the ultimate 'rice umami.' While inheriting the master's legacy, the sake aims for an excellence that even transcends it, offering a refined dignity and strength that represents the pinnacle of Tochikura Shuzo.
Koshi Sansan
越燦燦Koshi Sansan is a brand born to deliver the brilliance nurtured by the land of Echigo. As the name suggests, it captures the vitality of rice bathed in radiant sunlight, expressing it fully through advanced brewing techniques. It is characterized by a mellow aroma of rice and a bright, gorgeous flavor that expands the moment it touches the palate. This sake aims for a sparkle that reflects the nature of Nagaoka and the brewer's passion.
Koshi no Aoi
越乃碧Koshi no Aoi is a Junmai Ginjo Yamahai brand created as an homage to the 'mystical blue water' of Nakagawa Shuzo. By using the ancient 'Yamahai' method, it extracts the maximum potential of the mystical water, pursuing a unique profile where robust umami and deep acidity coexist. Embodying the image of pure, blue spring water, its vivid and vital flavor invites the drinker to explore the further depths of sake.
Jange
じゃんげ ECJange is a brand born from the 9th-generation owner's playful spirit, named after the 'Jange' (Snake Escape) Waterfall in the Nishiyama Mountains behind Kawachu Shuzo. Bearing the name of this legendary waterfall, the sake expresses the vitality found in the local nature. It is characterized by individualistic and challenging brewing that breaks existing molds, including ultra-dry profiles. Showing a new side of Kawachu Shuzo, this brand conveys the joy and depth of local sake with a generous touch of playfulness.
Fukusen
福扇Fukusen is a traditional brand that Kawachu Shuzo has cherished locally for over 250 years, fitting seamlessly into the daily lives of the community. Its name conveys an auspicious wish for 'fortune to spread like an opening fan,' and it has long been loved by the people of Nagaoka and Mishima as an evening drink. Characterized by an honest, well-formed flavor that evokes the original landscapes of Niigata, it remains unaffected by passing trends. It is the very foundation of this historic brewery and represents the starting point of their craft.