Niigata Daiichi Shuzo

Niigata Daiichi Shuzo, established in 1963 (Showa 38), was the first merged brewery in Niigata Prefecture, formed by several small-scale breweries. Located on a hill in the Uragawara district of Joetsu, it benefits from a vast pastoral landscape and some of the heaviest snowfall in Niigata, reaching several meters in winter. Its most distinctive feature is 'brewing by all employees,' where the president himself serves as the master brewer (Toji), and a team of full-time staff works together year-round. Eschewing seasonal labor, these dedicated craftsmen pour their passion into every bottle throughout the year. From the flagship 'Koshi no Hakucho' to 'Yanma'—a special series bottled directly from the premium 'middle-press' (nakadori) portion—the brewery produces robust yet delicate flavors woven from the harsh nature of snow country and sincere craftsmanship, attracting attention from sake enthusiasts nationwide.