Brands

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.

Sokonuke is a brand from Kawachu Shuzo that aims for a deliciousness that penetrates through limits. It is brewed with the passion to deliver a surprise and joy so great it feels like 'the bottom has fallen out' (sokonuke). While allowing the drinker to directly experience the plump umami of rice, the finish is surprisingly light. Its charm lies in a liberated flavor that is perfect for those moments when you want to step outside the routines of daily life and enjoy sake to your heart's content.

Soutenbou is an ambitious brand from Kawachu Shuzo, launched in 2000 with the goal of reviving the Echigo-style 'tanrei umakuchi.' Named after a legendary local mountain, its name carries the passionate message of 'sake brewed with the thoughts (sou) of the craftsmen and the blessings of heaven (ten).' With a steadfast commitment to using spring water from the Nishiyama Mountains and the rare local sake rice 'Takane Nishiki,' it achieves both the gentle umami of rice and a light, ephemeral finish. While carrying the weight of tradition, this sake carves out a new horizon, standing as a 'modern classic' nurtured by the terroir of Nagaoka and Mishima.

Waramasu is a historic brand from Suminoi Shuzo that was highly celebrated in the Ryuto (Furumachi) district of Niigata during the elegant Taisho Roman era. Its name is derived from the auspicious meaning 'filled with smiles and fulfilling a long life,' and it was long cherished as a celebratory sake that invites good fortune. Today, it stands as a name symbolizing the brilliant history of Suminoi Shuzo, carrying forward the spirit of this traditional brewery. It embodies a timeless wish to deliver joy and fortune to many people.

Koga is a brand that represents the elegant traditions of good old sake that Suminoi Shuzo once pursued in its brewing. Drawing out the deep umami of rice and offering a calm, sophisticated flavor, it possessed a dignity perfectly suited to the name 'Koga' (ancient elegance). Today, it remains as a fragment of memory telling the story of past brewing passion, etched quietly yet proudly within the history of Suminoi Shuzo.

Sabiniko Rock is a playful, modern brand from Inomata Shuzo with the concept of 'alternative sake dedicated to all who love cats, music, and sake.' Featuring catchy labels with striking cat illustrations, it overturns traditional sake imagery and has gained immense support from beginners and younger generations. While highlighting the umami of self-cultivated rice, its flavor profile possesses a vivid individuality that stimulates the senses much like music or culture. With a portion of sales donated to animal welfare activities, it delivers a heartwarming experience that embodies a genuine love for cats.

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.

Kaganoi is a prestigious brand with over 370 years of history, named by the Kaga Domain's daimyo Maeda Toshitsune in the early Edo period. Utilizing medium-hard water—rare for Niigata—it is characterized by a high mineral content that provides a powerful drive, harmonized with the rich umami of rice to create a deep, full-bodied character. Having overcome the tragic destruction of the brewery in 2016, the current 'Kaganoi,' brewed in a new facility with state-of-the-art equipment, is truly the taste of hope, filled with an indomitable spirit of recovery. It is a masterpiece where traditional gravity and modern crispness resonate, a sake Itoigawa proudly presents to the world.

Kenshin is the flagship brand representing Ikedaya Shuzo, named because the brewery is located along the Chikuni Highway—the stage for the famous anecdote where the Echigo general Uesugi Kenshin sent salt to his rival Takeda Shingen. Using pure subsoil water from the Himegawa River, which draws from Mount Shirouma, the sake is characterized by a mellow, transparent sweetness. Its prowess, evidenced by numerous Gold Medals at the Annual Japan Sake Awards, is supported by a sincere and uncompromising approach to brewing that seems to inherit the spirit of 'Gi' (justice) associated with Lord Kenshin.

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.

Sechubai is one of Niigata's representative sakes and the symbol of Maruyama Shuzojo's convictions. Its greatest charm lies in a 'tanrei amakuchi' (light and sweet) flavor that brings out the gentle sweetness of rice, paired with an elegant and modest aroma reminiscent of plum blossoms heralding spring in snow country. The texture—created by the soft mountain water and traditional hand-crafted koji—is incredibly smooth, with a comfort that feels as though it melts away in the mouth like snow. Imbued with the soul of Maruyama Shuzojo, which sincerely pursues 'delicious sake' without being swayed by trends, it remains beloved by many enthusiasts.

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.