Brands
Natsuko Monogatari
夏子物語Natsuko Monogatari is an iconic brand of Kusumi Shuzo named after the legendary manga 'Natsuko no Sake.' It conveys the emotion and passion of the grand story based on the brewery's real story of resurrecting the extinct miraculous sake rice 'Kamenoo.' Using the pure water of Niigata and raw material rice carefully grown by the brewers, it is brewed with care for the simple umami inherent in rice. A sip brings to mind the rural landscape where golden rice ears sway and the thoughts of people who dedicated their passion to brewing, characterized by a somewhat nostalgic and warm flavor. It is a bottle that has moved many people's hearts beyond the framework of sake, making one feel the weight of history.
Kamenoo
亀の翁 EC
Iwai Tsurukame
祝鶴亀Iwai Tsurukame is a brand brewed as a brand suitable for gifts for auspicious occasions or celebratory tables. As its name suggests, it bears 'Tsuru' (crane) and 'Kame' (turtle), symbols of longevity and prosperity, and is loved as a sake that adds color to feelings of celebration. While maintaining the commitment to Junmai brewing, it features a high-quality quality suitable for joyful occasions, where flowery and bright aromas harmonize with the rich umami of rice. The stable taste created by Kusumi Shuzo's traditional techniques has a mysterious power to make both the giver and the receiver smile. An auspicious bottle that colors milestones of life and important anniversaries.
Tenjo Taifu
天上大風Tenjo Taifu is the peak brand of Ikeura Shuzo, named after the famous words said to have been written on a kite by the Zen monk Ryokan when playing kite-flying with children. It is a sake expressing Ryokan's free-spirited mind and a refreshing feeling like the clear sky of Nagaoka. Locally produced sake rice 'Koshi Tanrei' is luxuriously polished to 40% and carefully brewed with traditional winter brewing. It features a flowery yet calm Ginjo aroma, a silky smooth mouthfeel, and a sophisticated light 'Tanrei' taste. An elegant and beautiful drop that embodies Ryokan's poetic worldview through taste, it is a masterpiece suitable for gifts to loved ones or special moments.
Tokugetsu
得月Tokugetsu is the peak Junmai Daiginjo limited for autumn, gathering the essence of Asahi Shuzo's brewing technology. Its name derives from a poetic scene of 'taking the moon reflected on the water surface in one's hand,' and it was born as a sake for enjoying the harvest moon. The rare sake rice 'Takane Nishiki' is extremely polished to as low as 28%. By using only the very center of the rice core, an amazingly transparent taste that completely eliminates impurities is realized. This sake, brewed from rice shining like pearls, is characterized by a noble and delicate aroma like the moon in a clear night sky. Faintly emitting a jewel-like brilliance, 'Tokugetsu' is a luxurious drop that you would want to taste quietly with your five senses in the season when the moon is most beautiful in a year.
Wadachi
轍Wadachi is a concept brand by Asahi Shuzo that redefines the value of sake as a 'gift.' Its name means 'wheel tracks,' and it is a sake with a narrative, thinking of the paths walked together with loved ones so far and the tracks continuing to the future. Suggesting the brewery's technical power, it features a modern and sophisticated taste where the sweetness and acidity of rice are beautifully harmonized. Not just as a luxury item, it values the role as a 'message' to convey feelings of gratitude and respect, and its deep and quiet afterglow gracefully produces a place for conversation at milestones of life. An intellectual and high-grade glass that makes one feel the profundity of accumulated time and hope for the future.
Hirai Rokuemon
平井六右衛門A brand bearing the name of the brewery owner inherited from the first generation, it is a new series designed by the 16th generation owner, Yuki Hirai. With the concept of "a juicy taste woven by rice and yeast," it aims for sake that is loved by the younger generation through modern sake quality design. With a flavor where fruity aroma and rice umami harmonize, it goes well with meals and is a versatile brand that can be enjoyed in various scenes. It expresses the attitude of Kikunotsukasa Shuzo, which does not fear innovation while inheriting tradition.
Sanjuni Shindo
参拾弐 神童Sanjuni Shindo is a brand that challenged the ultimate rice polishing ratio, symbolizing Asahi Shuzo's challenging sake brewing spirit. It was named 'Shindo' (prodigy) from the astonishing polishing ratio of '32%,' which is usually unthinkable, and the overwhelming quality that makes one feel natural talent. Completely scraping off impurities of raw material rice, it extracts only the pure essence of rice. A crystal-clear beauty and a noble aroma reminiscent of fruit spread in the mouth. The surprisingly smooth and light mouthfeel and the long-lasting clear afterglow, born from pushing the limits of technology, leave a vivid impression suitable for being called a 'prodigy.' It is a masterpiece of a new era, a crystal of Asahi Shuzo's brewing theory and passion.
Karine
香里音Karine is a low-alcohol modern brand by Asahi Shuzo suggesting new ways to enjoy sake. Its name was given with the image of flowery 'aroma' (Ka) and 'sound' (ne) like a comfortable rhythm, and it is gaining attention as a light and fruity new-sense sake. By an original brewing recipe, while being low-alcohol, it firmly leaves the rich umami inherent in rice and realizes a sweet and fresh aroma like fruit. Its stylish quality, suitable for enjoying with a wine glass, has gained overwhelming support from those not used to drinking sake and women. A next-generation sake light like a melody that brilliantly colors daily tea time and relaxing moments.
Esshu
越州Esshu is a material-oriented brand by Asahi Shuzo that shaped the unwavering commitment to 'rice.' For the raw material rice, it revived and used the rare Niigata-produced 'Senshuraku,' maximizing the light and elegant umami inherent in rice. Its taste is as refreshing as the clear wind of Echigo, pursuing 'lightness' that stays close to a modern dining table. Not just light, it coexists with a delicate aroma and deep taste, turning daily meals into a higher-grade experience. A brand that continues to pursue the potential of rice where the blessings of nature and the passion of the brewer intersect.
Koshi no Kagirohi
越乃かぎろひKoshi no Kagirohi is a seasonal limited brand by Asahi Shuzo bearing the sound of Man'yo (ancient Japanese poetry) in its name. 'Kagirohi' means the dawn light, and it expresses the pure scene of Niigata greeting the light-shining spring after crossing a severe winter. Its quality, which makes one feel the transition of seasons, has fresh yet calm dignity. The sense of maturation nurtured by the climate and time of Niigata and the vividness of freshly squeezed coexist in an exquisite balance. It features a powerful yet delicate taste that makes one feel the dynamism of life heading from winter to spring. Its rarity, which can only be encountered at a limited time, produces a luxurious moment to enjoy the beauty of the four seasons through sake.
Sennen no Midori
千年翠Sennen no Midori is a brand that Asahi Shuzo brews with respect for the rich nature of Nagaoka, drifting with serene dignity. Its name is modeled after the 'green' of evergreen trees that do not change even after a thousand years, symbolizing eternal vitality and harmony. Brewed slowly with carefully selected material rice and in the pure air surrounding the brewery, its taste is clear everywhere, making one feel a dignified beauty. The fine mouthfeel and the afterglow where the pure umami inherent in rice quietly spreads have a fresh yet deep worldview suitable for the word 'Midori' (evergreen green). A calm and high-grade glass that makes one forget the flow of time.
Koyu
呼友Koyu is a brand symbolizing the depth of bonds, specially brewed for the 'Asahiyama Koyukai' formed by volunteer authorized retailers of Asahi Shuzo. Its name means 'calling a friend,' and contains a wish to enrich a place for good sake, good conversation, and connection with colleagues sharing a common aspiration. Accepting no compromise in quality, the taste polished by the retailers and the brewery together features a sophisticated gorgeousness and a somewhat warm depth. Researching 'the best communication' through sake beyond just making sake, Koyu is a glass full of passion and warmth that stays close to the moment when people commune with each other.
Senshin
洗心Senshin is the peak brand boasting isolated dignity, where Asahi Shuzo pursued the 'spirituality of sake brewing' to the limit. Its name originates from the Zen words 'return to the beginning and wash the heart,' containing a serene philosophy of looking at truth with a pure heart without decoration. Polishing the phantom sake rice 'Takane Nishiki' up to 28% and eliminating all impurities, its quality is as transparent as pure spring water, and the deep umami quietly soaks in. The taste, which threw away excessive production and sharpened only the essence, has a nobility that makes the drinker sit up straight, and it is an incomparable work of art that produces a quiet moment to touch the abyss of life.
Uonuma
魚沼Uonuma is a brand where Shirataki Shuzo directly expresses the terroir of Uonuma, which is its own root. Precisely because it is one of the best rice-producing areas in Japan and blessed with pure soft water, it pursues the original individuality of the region. Sticking to sake brewing rice produced in local Uonuma, the quality with transparency nurtured by the nature of the snow country features the gentle sweetness of rice and a light finish. Its taste, as if the climate of Uonuma was packed into the bottle as it is, resonates deeply with local food culture, reminding us of the rich rural landscape of Uonuma every time we drink it. A simple yet refined product where attachment and pride for the region are condensed.
Reisen Kumedo Tsukizu
霊泉汲不盡Reisen Kumedo Tsukizu is a brand with a very poetic name, containing endless gratitude and respect for 'water,' which is the core of Shirataki Shuzo's sake brewing. Meaning 'a mysterious spring that does not run out even if you draw and draw,' it overlaps the pure water of Yuzawa that wells up incessantly with the never-ending passion for brewing. Its taste, as the name suggests, coexists with transparency that sharpened the purity of water to the limit and deep umami that soaks in. With every sip, it features a nobility as if a scene where snowmelt water passes through strata and is polished over a long time comes to mind. A sacred glass that crystals the aesthetic sense of Shirataki Shuzo, purifying even the heart.
Secchuka
雪中花Seccuka (Snow Flower) was a brand produced by Yamani Watanabe. It was brewed with the goal of achieving a dignified beauty and clarity, like a flower blooming in the harsh winters of snowy Hokkaido. Reflecting the spirit of Otaru, it hid a delicate flavor within its proud dry profile, designed to be enjoyed during the cold months. It is an elegant brand that symbolizes Hokkaido's historical brewing culture.
Hime no Kakushizake
姫のかくし酒A brand featuring motifs from Iwate's folklore and culture, characterized by elegant sweetness and a soft mouthfeel. Developed as part of a product line targeting women, it is finished with a sake quality that emphasizes ease of drinking and approachability. Using Iwate Prefecture rice, it has a good balance of understated aroma and moderate sweetness, and its charm lies in its gentle taste that does not overpower even when paired with meals.
Ryokutankei
緑端渓Ryokutankei is a brand that Shirataki Shuzo brews by imagining the deep and fresh nature of Yuzawa, especially the beauty of canyons full of vitality. Its name was given from the mysterious scene woven by deep forests where green seems to drip and pure mountain streams flowing through them. Polishing high-quality material rice luxuriously and brewed in the clear air of the snow country, its taste is as refreshing as the wind of the fresh green season, featuring a smooth mouthfeel. The balance between the delicate aroma and the soft umami lurking in the coolness like water is exquisite, bringing quiet peace to the heart of the drinker. The sensibility of Shirataki Shuzo, which advocates coexistence with nature, is expressed as an elegant drop.
Minatoya Tosuke
湊屋藤助Minatoya Tosuke is a brand symbolizing the pride and tradition of the brewery, bearing the name of the first founder who is the root of Shirataki Shuzo. The passion of the founder who tried to open a new era of sake and the skilled techniques inherited for many years are condensed into this single bottle. Brewing carefully selected material rice and nurtured by the rich nature of the snow country, its taste combines a deep aroma with rich yet refreshing crispness. While protecting the spirit of traditional sake brewing, its appearance with sophistication suitable for modern dining tables is trusted by many people as the face of the brewery. A high-grade yet warm authentic sake loved beyond time.
Bokushi
牧之Bokushi is a brand of Aoki Shuzo, derived from the name of Suzuki Bokushi, the author of 'Hokuetsu Seppu.' It is a high-quality Junmai Daiginjo using Yamada Nishiki rice from the Special A district, demonstrating Aoki Shuzo's high technical skill. Suzuki Bokushi was a man of letters from Shiozawa, known for 'Hokuetsu Seppu,' which recorded the life and culture of the snow country in detail. As a brand bearing his name, it expresses the cultural background of Minami Uonuma and the tradition of Aoki Shuzo. Characterized by a delicate aroma and elegant flavor, it is a dignified sake suitable for special occasions.
Makihataya
巻機山Makihataya is a brand of Aoki Shuzo, named after Mt. Makihata, a sacred peak in Minami Uonuma City. Mt. Makihata is one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains and is also the source of Aoki Shuzo's brewing water. Characterized by a delicate flavor produced by this pure meltwater, it embodies gratitude for the blessings of the mountain. This brand expresses the majestic nature of Minami Uonuma and the mystique of Mt. Makihata. It is a sake that reflects Aoki Shuzo's dedication to its water source and attachment to the region.
Seppu
雪譜Seppu is a brand of Aoki Shuzo, named after Suzuki Bokushi's masterpiece 'Hokuetsu Seppu.' Written in the Edo period, 'Hokuetsu Seppu' is a valuable document recording the life and culture of the snow country in detail. As a brand bearing its name, it expresses the history and culture of Minami Uonuma and the tradition of Aoki Shuzo. It is positioned as a dignified brand where one can feel the terroir and literary background of the snow country. It is a sake rich in regional character, fusing the cultural heritage of Shiozawa and the brewing techniques of Aoki Shuzo.
Ginga Tetsudo no Yoru
銀河鉄道の夜A Junmai Ginjo sake with the motif of Kenji Miyazawa's masterpiece "Night on the Galactic Railroad." It is brewed using Iwate Prefecture's sake brewing rice "Gin Ginga" polished to 50% and Iwate Prefecture's original yeast "Giovanni no Shirabe." The blue bottle and label depict the Galactic Railroad running through the night sky, visually expressing the world of Kenji's story. It features a refreshing fruit aroma and a rich fragrance typical of Junmai Ginjo, with a mellow taste spreading in the mouth. As a brand with high cultural value that expresses the world of works by Kenji Miyazawa, a representative children's literature author of Iwate, in sake, it is highly rated both inside and outside the prefecture.
Takachiyo
TakachiyoTakachiyo (Romaji) is an innovative brand conscious of modern dining tables and global sensibilities, as symbolized by the Romaji notation. By flat polishing the in-house cultivated rice 'Ipponjime' and controlling each process in brewing precisely to the limit, it realizes a refined and clear quality. While letting one feel the umami of rice firmly, the taste with brilliance and transparency like a crystal presents how sake should be for the next generation. The stylish appearance and reliable quality that does not betray it demonstrate its true value even when tasted in a wine glass. It is a modern collection leading to the future where Takachiyo Shuzo's insatiable spirit of inquiry and the latest technology are fused.