Brands

"Tentaka" is the flagship brand of Tentaka Shuzo and a synonym for dry sake. Aiming for the duality of "sharp crispness" and "pleasant umami," it has been brewed since the founding in 1914 through refined tradition and the latest brewing technology. The brand is highly regarded for its strong commitment to "Organic Certification," symbolizing sake production that pursues environmental consideration and food safety. From Junmai Daiginjo to casual sake, it consistently maintains a backbone of "powerful dry sake that enhances meals," characterized by a refreshing sensation that straightens one's posture with every sip. Having won numerous gold awards in domestic and international competitions, it has made its name known worldwide as a pioneer of Japanese organic sake. It is an exquisite product representing Tochigi, possessing a nobility like a hawk soaring in the sky—powerful yet refined.

"Kyu-bi" is a modern, small-batch series by Tentaka Shuzo, representing their challenge towards the next generation of sake. Named after the local legend of the "Nine-Tailed Fox" in Ohtawara, this brand stands apart from the traditional "Tentaka," symbolizing free and creative brewing unconstrained by existing concepts. Each season, they combine different yeasts, brewing methods, and rice varieties to express the multi-layered charm of sake, ranging from sweet to ultra-dry, and even syrupy sweet styles like noble rot wine. With labels and concepts changing each time, it is a brand that provides surprise and discovery, serving as a crystallization of the brewer's intellectual curiosity. This creative range, emerging from a venerable brewery and transcending the boundaries of traditional sake, is supported by the passion of young brewers seeking new forms of local sake. It is a mysterious and attractive brand where a new story unfolds with every sip.

"Tentaka Kokoro" is a brand that symbolizes the Junmai Daiginjo and Junmai Ginjo lines of Tentaka Shuzo, representing ultimate dignity and harmony. It embodies the brewer's desire to express the "heart of sake brewing," serving as a bottle where the brewery's technology and passion culminate in their purest form. It is characterized by a calm and elegant ginjo aroma combined with a rich flavor that draws out the maximum umami from the rice. It is not just dry; it boasts an exquisite balance between the delicate sweetness that spreads in the mouth and a refined, clean finish—perfection that can be called the "zenith of dry sake." Cherished for years as a gem suitable for special meals or gifts, this sake conveys the history and "heart" of the brewery with every sip. It is an elegant and profound Japanese sake.

"Daina" is the flagship brand of Kikunori Shuzo, named with respect for the "Great Land of Nasu." With the goal of being the "ultimate food-pairing sake," it is characterized by a transparent quality that maximizes the flavor of dishes and never grows tiring to drink. Using local sake rice contract-grown at the foot of the Nasu Highlands and brewed with mineral-rich groundwater, its flavor elegantly harmonizes precise acidity with the mellow umami of rice. Enjoyable across a wide range of temperatures from chilled to warm, it is highly acclaimed for its pairing not only with Japanese cuisine but also with French, Italian, and other Western dishes. It is a sophisticated modern standard of sake, bringing the terroir of Tochigi to the world.

"Kikunori" is a traditional brand bearing the brewery's name, deeply loved by the local community since its founding in 1866. It has long been brewed as a sake that accompanies the rural landscape of Nasuno-ga-hara, its pure water, and local festivals. Characterized by a calm, gentle aroma and a soft flavor that never grows tiring, it embodies the origins of a "local sake" rooted in the community. Once the face of the brewery, this brand served as the technical foundation for the current mainstream "Daina" and remains an important brand that conveys the brewery's history and tradition today.

"Kanuma Musume" is a region-exclusive private brand brewed by Kikunori Shuzo for a famous sake retailer in Kanuma City, Tochigi. It is a unique brand where the Ohtawara-based brewery crafts a sake tailored specifically to the food culture and preferences of the Kanuma region. As the name suggests—with "Musume" meaning daughter—it is characterized by a gentle and mellow mouthfeel. Combining a modest yet lovely aroma with a clean finish, it offers an "everyday luxury" that can be easily enjoyed at the daily dining table. It is a hidden gem that is popular in the region, only to be found in limited locations within Tochigi.

"Goyoutei" is a noble premium brand of Shirasou Shuzo, named after the Imperial Villas (Goyoutei) of Nasu and Nikko that symbolize Tochigi. Leveraging the advantages of the local land, skilled artisans craft this sake using carefully selected Tochigi sake rice and the pure waters of Nasu. The most prominent characteristic of this brand is its elegant, clear aroma and a silky smooth, refreshing finish. Fitting for the name "Goyoutei," its dignified and transparent quality makes it a favorite for gifts to important guests or for grand celebrations. Particularly, their Daiginjo class is highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad as the perfect partner to enhance the delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine. It is the pinnacle of elegant sake, embodying the dignity of Tochigi and the blessings of nature.

"Tochiakane" is a core brand that symbolizes the innovation and playfulness of Shirasou Shuzo. The defining feature of this brand lies in the use of "Flower Yeasts" leveraging their advanced biotechnological expertise. Notably, their sake brewed with "Strawberry Yeast" isolated from Tochigi's famous strawberries has gained enthusiastic support, especially among women and the younger generation, for its sweet-and-sour, fruity aroma. Furthermore, Tochiakane extends beyond sake to include an extensive lineup of authentic Shochu (sweet potato, barley, buckwheat, etc.), providing a multi-faceted range of flavors that support Tochigi's rich culinary scene. The brand's design, which thoroughly pursues compatibility with local ingredients, can truly be called "the beverage for fully enjoying the blessings of Tochigi." It is a brand filled with Shirasou Shuzo's energetic challenge, pushing the boundaries of tradition to open new possibilities for sake and shochu.

"Fukuju Matsunoi" is the most beloved standard brand that Shirasou Shuzo has protected since its founding. The name, combining the auspicious characters for "Fortune" (Fuku), "Longevity" (Ju), and "Pine" (Matsu), carries the warm wish of the brewer for the happiness of those who drink it. Brewed carefully with pure water from the Nasu mountains and high-quality Tochigi rice using traditional methods, it is characterized by a calm, settled aroma and a mellow flavor that one never tires of. It has long accompanied the lives of local people, from daily evening drinks to regional celebrations. The sincere and reassuring taste, reflecting the depth of Shirasou Shuzo's history, is a brand that truly embodies what a "local sake" should be—a regional treasure that continues to this day.

"Eikan" is one of the flagship brands that Kaneko Shuzo continues to brew with pride. The name carries the glorious wish of the "Crown of Glory" (Eikan) to honor victory and merit, and it has long been cherished as a sake that colors regional celebrations and special occasions. Crafted meticulously using high-quality sake rice nurtured in the natural environment of Nasu and the pure waters of the Naka River, it is made with traditional techniques backed by over 200 years of history. It is characterized by a solid rice umami while maintaining a crisp and clean finish, offering a dignified flavor. Stay close to the hearts of those who drink it and providing a certain sense of satisfaction, this brand is truly a drop of glory, concentrating the craftsman spirit of Kaneko Shuzo.

"Kotobuki Ichiban" is a very auspicious brand, named with the wish to deliver the "Number One Joy" (Ichiban no Yorokobi), as the name suggests. It is a fusion of Kaneko Shuzo's over 200 years of brewing history and the techniques nurtured by the clear waters of the Naka River, coloring people's new beginnings and celebratory occasions. While carefully bringing out the rich umami of the rice, it gives a surprisingly light and bright impression on the palate. One sip of its harmonious flavor brings a sense of happiness, and it has gained immense local trust as a food-pairing sake that goes exceptionally well with various dishes. Embodying the brewer's sentiment that "for the best celebration, the best Number One," it is a cup that hints at a bright future.

"Nakiryu" is a brand with a powerful resonance that vibrates the soul of the drinker, just like the famous "Crying Dragon" (Nakiryu) of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. It was created by Kaneko Shuzo to express the strength and purity of the dragon, overlapping its image with the clear flow of the Naka River. Brewed meticulously using traditional methods and strict temperature control, this sake hides a dynamic rice umami like a dragon within its crisp, dry profile. One sip spreads a rich aroma throughout the mouth, followed by a pleasant, long-lasting finish. It is a powerful yet refined draught, crafted by a venerable brewery that fuses modern sensibility with traditional skills.

"Takauji" is a brand that symbolizes the history and pride of Ashikaga City, named after Ashikaga Takauji, the founder of the Muromachi Shogunate. It is brewed with the aim of creating a flavor that possesses both dignified elegance and strength, worthy of the regional hero's name. Using the pure water of Ashikaga and carefully selected sake rice, it is meticulously crafted with traditional skills, achieving both a rich fullness of rice and a clean, sharp finish. With one sip, you can sense the long history and culture of Ashikaga through its refined and distinguished flavor. As a symbol of the historic city of Ashikaga and a cup that embodies regional pride, it is a supreme sake highly regarded for gifts and celebratory occasions.

"Hatsu-ebisu" is a brand with an auspicious name brewed by Yoshii Shuzo, named after Ebisu, the god of business prosperity. "Hatsu" denotes a new beginning, and "Ebisu" refers to the god who brings fortune, making it a beloved celebratory sake that graces new starts and special occasions. Brewed meticulously using traditional methods with pure groundwater from Sano and sake rice from Tochigi Prefecture, it is distinguished by its remarkably mellow and gentle mouthfeel. The soothing flavor, which harmonizes a calm aroma with the natural umami of rice, pairs beautifully with Sano's local cuisine and has long been cherished by the community as Yoshii Shuzo's signature brand.

"Kaika" is the flagship brand of Daiichi Shuzo, named in 1875 after the "Bunmei Kaika" (Civilization and Enlightenment) of the Meiji era, with the wish to "bloom flowers of joy in people's lives." It is a premier sake representing Tochigi, brewed with master craftsmanship using high-quality rice grown by the brewery's own staff and the pure groundwater of Sano, a region famous for its pristine waters. The defining characteristics are a fruity, brilliant aroma and a refined flavor that maximizes the natural umami of the rice. Having won major awards like the "Grand Gold Medal" at numerous domestic and international competitions, it is a masterpiece that combines the balance of a traditional food-pairing sake with modern elegance—truly embodying the "blooming" (Kaika) of Japanese sake.

"Kaika Natsu" is a summer-limited brand from Daiichi Shuzo. Designed as a "refreshing cup" for the hot summer months, it focuses on delivering a crisp and exhilarating experience. While retaining the brilliance of the standard Kaika, it is finished with a light mouthfeel to pair perfectly with summer vegetables and light dishes. Best enjoyed well-chilled or on the rocks, it is a sake with clear transparency, reminiscent of a cloudless summer sky.

"Kaika Bloom" is a brand developed as a separate line from Daiichi Shuzo's Kaika series. As the name suggests, it is a sake that expresses the beauty of the moment when a flower opens and its fragrance rises. With a particular focus on yeast and brewing methods, it is characterized by an even more brilliant aroma and a texture that highlights the soft sweetness of the rice compared to the standard Kaika. It is cherished as a sake that elevates joyous moments and adds elegance to gifts or special gatherings.