Brands

"Towada Bijin" is one of the brand lines from Morita Shobe.

Tsukimizunoike is the flagship brand representing the tradition of Inomata Shuzo. It was named after the local scenic spot 'Tsukimizunoike,' famous for its blooming wisteria. The name evokes a scene so beautiful that wisteria branches cover the pond, hiding even the moon reflecting on the water—a sentiment captured in its calligraphic label designs. Utilizing self-cultivated rice and pure snowmelt from Itoigawa, the sake pursues a deep umami core and a refined, clean finish. Its charm lies in a dignified flavor that feels as though the very terroir of Itoigawa has been bottled.

Kaikou Omoi is a brand from Inomata Shuzo that embodies once-in-a-lifetime encounters and the passion of the brewer. The word 'Kaikou' (unexpected encounter) is paired with the brewer's 'Omoi' (thoughts/feelings) of wanting to be present for precious people and wonderful moments. Characterized by a mellow and expressive flavor that maximizes the potential of self-cultivated rice, it aims to be a memorable sake that colors special occasions and resonates with the heart from the first sip.

Nunahime is a brand that brews the history and romance of the region, named after the legendary princess of Itoigawa recorded in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters). The image of the beautiful Princess Nunakawa, who is said to have ruled Itoigawa—a region famous for jade—is projected into an elegant flavor profile. Utilizing Inomata Shuzo's pride, its self-cultivated rice, the sake achieves both the rich body unique to Junmai and a supple, pure texture reminiscent of the legendary princess. It is a highly prestigious sake where Itoigawa's culture and the brewer's skill converge.

Nunagawazoku is a Daiginjo brand that expresses the history of the beautiful Princess Nunakawa and her clan, as recorded in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters). Investing the name with the pride of Itoigawa as a jade-producing region and the romance of eternal history, it is brewed with top-tier, uncompromising techniques. Characterized by a high Ginjo aroma and a sharp umami reminiscent of the brilliance of jade, it is a luxurious sake meant for enjoying a special moment while feeling the culture of Itoigawa.

KIEI Himeei is a modern brand from Tahara Shuzo that interprets the princess legends of Itoigawa with contemporary sensitivity. While staying true to the foundations of traditional brewing, it was born to propose new ways to enjoy sake. Characterized by a sophisticated label design and a light, gorgeous flavor that pairs well with food, it is a sake perfect for modern tables, adding a touch of luxury and brilliance to daily life.

Rengesan is a brand that embodies awe for the natural grandeur of Mount Renge in Itoigawa. It expresses the mountain's pure water and the resilient spirit of snow country as it endures harsh winters through a robust yet refined flavor. The brand represents honest, earth-rooted brewing that never forgets gratitude for the mountain's blessings.

Haru yo Koi is a brand that speaks for the hearts of people who long for spring's arrival after the long, harsh winters of snow country Niigata. It features a gentle sweetness that suggests budding vitality within a refreshing sensation like melting snow. Its charm lies in a cheerful, warm flavor that celebrates a new season filled with hope.

Yukitsuru is the flagship brand representing the passion and tradition of Tahara Shuzo. It was named by Torao Tanaka, regarded as the 'father of Niigata sake,' inspired by the image of a crane standing elegantly in a silver snowfield. Distinguishing itself with a 'tanrei amakuchi' (light and sweet) profile—rare for Niigata—it offers a superb harmony of pure texture like snowmelt and the rich umami of rice. Brewed with the pride of maintaining over 85% premium designated sake, each cup allows the drinker to experience the rich nature and history of Itoigawa's terroir with all five senses.

Kumakorori was a uniquely named brand from Yamani Watanabe. Despite its playful name, it was a traditional, dry sake that carried on the brewery's expertise. It is known as one of the brands that added color to the evening drinks of locals during the peak of Otaru's sake culture. Today, it remains a rare historical record following the suspension of the brewery's operations.

"Shichiriki" is a Junmai Ginjo sake brewed exclusively with "Hana-omoi" rice, a variety created by crossing Yamada Nishiki and Hana-fubuki. With gold medal achievements at the National New Sake Awards and France's Kura Master, it is characterized by its elegant aroma and profound, rich flavor. It is sold exclusively through the "Nana no Kai," a group consisting of seven liquor retailers in Aomori City.

Ikedaya is the traditional brand bearing the brewery's name. Set against the backdrop of Itoigawa's rich nature—recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark—it holds an identity as a 'locally rooted sake' loved by the community for generations. The subsoil water from the Himegawa River gently draws out the umami of the rice, creating a flavor profile that pairs effortlessly with daily meals and never tires the palate. It is a brand that allows for the enjoyment of the brewery's 200-year history and the terroir of the region itself.

Yanma is a special brand that represents the culmination of Niigata Daiichi Shuzo's youthful passion and leads the modern craft sake scene. It is characterized by an uncompromising commitment to selecting only the 'nakadori' (middle-press) portion—the part with the highest purity—and bottling it directly to prevent exposure to air. True to its name, which evokes the crisp air of mountain valleys, it features a fresh effervescence and a rich flavor where the robust yet succulent umami of rice bursts forth. It is an exquisite sake that leaves a vivid impression, as if the soul of the brewer is condensed into every drop.

Koshi no Hakucho is the traditional mainstay brand of Niigata Daiichi Shuzo. As the first merged brewery in Niigata, it fuses the wisdom and techniques cultivated by each founding brewery over many years, making the most of the pure water and high-quality rice unique to this heavy snowfall region. Its name is derived from the elegant swans (hakucho) that migrate to the Echigo Plain in winter. Robust yet supple, its beautiful flavor profile unfolds with the honest umami of rice, filled with a warmth and sincerity that evokes the original scenery of snow country.

Echigo Bijin is the historic flagship brand representing Joetsu Shuzo. True to its name, which means 'Echigo Beauty,' it is characterized by a gentle, supple, and clean flavor, much like the beautiful land and people of Niigata. A highly skilled sake that has previously won top honors at appraisal contests, its charm was recently rediscovered via social media, making it a sensational 'sake of the moment.' Now further refined with state-of-the-art equipment, this 'modern beauty,' where tradition and innovation resonate, continues to captivate many sake enthusiasts.

Koshi no Wakatake is a traditional brand that Joetsu Shuzo has strictly maintained for many years. It combines a straight and powerful vitality like a young bamboo (wakatake) with a gentle flavor nurtured by the terroir of Joetsu. This brand symbolizes honest, down-to-earth brewing that naturally colors daily dining tables.

Sukimasa Masamune is a brand born during an era when the word 'Ski' could not be used due to the prohibition of foreign loanwords during World War II. The name, combining 'Suki' (longevity/celebration) and 'Masa' (turtle/purity)—two characters considered auspicious since ancient times—was embraced by many beyond its original necessity. In 2019 (Reiwa 1), it was revived as Musashino Shuzo's new premium line. Focusing on Daiginjo and Junmai Daiginjo, it is a supreme brand possessing dignified elegance and the weight of tradition, perfect for celebrations or gifts for important recipients.

Ski Masamune is the representative brand of Musashino Shuzo, symbolizing the history of Takada, Joetsu, as the birthplace of skiing in Japan. In the early Showa era, the decision was made to rename it from 'Etsuzan Masamune' with the hope that it would become a spirit representing the local region. Living up to its unique name, its fresh and crisp finish provides a refreshing sensation like gliding through a silver world of snow. In recent years, the brand has expanded into modern sub-lines themed around sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing. While preserving tradition, it is an 'entertainment sake' that Joetsu proudly presents to the world, passing on a playful spirit to the next generation.

Buna no Tsuyu (Beech Dew) is a symbol of sustainable sake brewing that Musashino Shuzo practices alongside regional environmental conservation. It uses 'Gohyakumangoku' sake rice, carefully cultivated with local farmers in terraced fields surrounded by virgin beech forests. Its flavor is characterized by a fresh yet deep profile, as if the pure water and clear air nurtured by rich greenery were captured directly in the bottle. The brewer's pure desire to protect the local landscape and pass it on to the next generation shines like 'dew' (tsuyu) in every drop.

Kasugayama Ten to Chi (Heaven and Earth) is a brand overflowing with historical romance, derived from Kasugayama Castle, the base of the Sengoku military commander Uesugi Kenshin. Bearing the name of 'Ten to Chi to' (Heaven and Earth)—famous as a historical novel by Kaionji Chogoro and a NHK Taiga drama—it embodies Kenshin's spirit of 'Gi' (justice) and gratitude for the blessings of heaven and earth. Like Mount Kasuga with its steadfast presence, it features a firm, well-defined flavor and a clean, resolute finish. Deep respect for local history has culminated in this single cup of sake.

Miyuki no Sato (Village of Deep Snow) is a seasonal aged brand that expresses the terroir of Myoko, the snow country, directly through its flavor. By resting quietly for six months in a 'yukimuro' (snow cellar) utilizing natural snow, it evolves into an incredibly mellow and deep flavor with rounded edges. Brewed with the natural power of snow, it is truly a 'gift from snow country.' It is characterized by an calm and compassionate deliciousness that evokes the winter scenery of Myoko.

Echigo Oyaji (Echigo Old Man) is a dry, authentic brand presented by Myoko Shuzo with a playful spirit. Its charm lies in a crispness that doesn't cater to whims—much like a stubborn old man from Echigo—and a flavor that allows one to feel an underlying warmth. The simple yet never-tiring quality makes it a beloved companion for daily evening drinks at local dining tables.