Brands

Yoyoizumi is a flagship brand that can be said to be the crystallization of traditions and techniques inherited generation after generation in the long history of Koshitsukano Shuzo. Combining the feelings of the two integrated breweries into one, the wish 'to deliver delicious sake endlessly like a spring' is put into the name. Its greatest feature is its pursuit of a deep taste that never gets tired of while focusing on the royal road of typical Niigata light and dry style. The sake, carefully brewed with underflow water from the Gozu mountain range, allows one to firmly feel the natural umami of rice in a refreshing mouthfeel. The versatile deliciousness that stays close to every scene, from home tables to gorgeous banquet seats, has been loved for a long time across generations around local Agano City. It is a highly trusted item putting the weight of the brewery's history into a cup.

Koshi no Keisui is a brand pursuing pure and innocent beauty, brewed with the image of clear mountain streams in Agano. This sake, symbolizing the blessings of abundant water flowing from the Gozu mountain range, aims for a crystal and unclouded taste like pure water flowing through mountain valleys. Its greatest feature is the overwhelming refreshing feel and pure throat feel. While eliminating all off-flavors and making the most of the deliciousness of water itself, it elegantly keeps a faint sweetness of rice. The heart-cleansing drinkability, like taking a deep breath in nature, demonstrates its true value especially when drunk chilled. It has outstanding compatibility with delicately flavored fish dishes and dishes utilizing the umami of vegetables, and it is a sake like 'water art' providing peace to the drinker's heart.

Koshi no Ajiwai is a brand deeply rooted in the local food culture, pursuing the 'rich flavor of Echigo' as the name suggests. It is brewed with the aim of drawing out the essential umami of rice to the maximum, as a sake that richly colors daily tables accompanying the severe winter in Niigata. Its greatest feature is the plump and tolerant mouthfeel that gently wraps the taste of dishes. The firm flavor of rice that does not stay within the framework of light and dry style can be felt, and you can realize its depth as you continue to drink. Compatibility with local Agano City specialties and home cooking is considered first, and its stable deliciousness does not waver whether cold or hot. It is a comfortable sake filled with a sense of security, connecting regional bonds and brewing traditions to the next generation.

Torachiyo is a brand expressing strength and indomitable spirit, named after the childhood name of the Echigo hero, Lord Uesugi Kenshin. It is brewed pursuing dignified dignity and drinkability reminiscent of the brave figure in his young days when he ran through the Sengoku turbulent times. Its greatest feature is the tight dry finish and powerful rice umami, suitable for the name. The taste, where Echigo brewers pour all their skills and incorporate traditional Yamahai brewing etc., lets one feel definite vitality in the depth, not just being dry. While having a profound presence, the aftertaste is surprisingly brave, with a refreshing feel as if giving courage to move on. It is a brand with hot feelings supported as a cheer for modern people who continue to challenge, and as a cup when making an intention for special days.

Kirin is the face of Kaetsu Shuzo and a flagship brand boasting a history of over 140 years. It originates from 'Kirinyama Castle' that used to be in this area, and was named after 'Kirin,' a Chinese auspicious beast said to appear in a peaceful world. It is a noble yet friendly sake nurtured by the deep misty climate along the Agano River. Its greatest feature is the neat taste backed by outstanding technology inherited by a family where two generations served as Japanese sake appraisers. Using strictly selected sake rice and pure water from the Tokonami River, and fermenting slowly at a low temperature, it draws out a clear finish without off-flavors and the original soft sweetness of rice. Loved locally beyond time, its high quality, highly evaluated at domestic and international competitions, is truly suitable for the name 'auspicious beast.' It is a dignified Niigata sake that harmonizes with any dish and brings a peaceful atmosphere to the table.

Homare Kirin is a premium brand boasted by Kaetsu Shuzo. Among the flagship brand 'Kirin,' it is a sake full of dignity, brewed by gathering the essence of the brewery's techniques, especially pursuing 'honorable' quality. Its greatest feature is the extremely refined sake quality, finished under strict quality standards by two generations of Japanese sake appraisers, using highly polished selected rice and special yeast. The gorgeous and elegant aroma, silk-like smooth mouthfeel, and comfortable aftertaste integrate to produce a supreme moment. It is often chosen for celebratory seats, gifts for important people, or as a luxurious reward for oneself, and it is truly one of the masterpiece items of the brewery filled with pride and passion of Echigo brewers.

Kanbara is a brand respecting the brewery's identity, conveying the original trade name of Kaetsu Shuzo, 'Kanbaraya.' It is a sake that protects the tradition from the era when this area was called Kanbara District, Echigo Province, and shapes a deep attachment to the land of Agano. Its greatest feature is the taste that suppresses glamour and conveys the original 'strength' and 'flavor' of rice straightforwardly. By using stout sake rice nurtured by the severe climate of local Agano Town and brewing powerfully with traditional methods, it achieves umami that seems to surge from the back of the throat as you drink. The sincere brewing without eccentricity reminds one of the starting point of Japanese sake that never changes even if the times change. It is a brand that stays close to the daily life of Agano Town and continues to support the local flavor, letting one feel the weight of history.

Maru ni Boichi is a brand embodying the pride and spirit of the brewery, named after the family crest of Kaetsu Shuzo, 'Maru ni Boichi' (1 in a bar in a circle). Bearing the family motto 'to make the world round, flat, and straight' in the name, it is brewed aiming for a sake that makes the drinker's heart calm and positive. Its greatest feature is the harmony of 'round mouthfeel' without corners and 'straight passing taste,' as if reflecting the family motto. While drawing out the umami of high-quality local rice to the maximum, it achieves a comfortable finish as if a single line passes through. The unique naming and the label with the family crest are impressive, and you will be convinced by its sincere brewing as you drink. It is a traditional item carefully nurtured in Agano as a sake that colors the gathering with family and friends, wishing for regional peace and harmony.

Hadeppa no Kaori is a brand symbolizing regional passion, named after 'Hadeppa,' which means 'fine appearance, highlight' in the Agano dialect. Born from bonds with local young farmers, this sake pursues a powerful and gorgeous quality that lets one feel regional pride with all five senses. Its greatest feature is the rich aroma and taste that directly feels the life force of rice nurtured in the severe nature of Oku-Aga, believing in its power. While maintaining the traditional sharp finish of Kirinzan, the deep umami that seems to take a step further uplifts the drinker's heart. It has a gorgeousness suitable for local festivals and gatherings, exactly like a 'Hadeppa (highlight),' and it is a sake of bonds and pride nurtured along with the smiles of local people.

Kirinzan is an immovable flagship brand of Kirinzan Shuzo, named after the sacred mountain Kirinzan soaring along the Agano River. Pursuing the ideal form of Niigata's 'light and dry' style, it upholds the philosophy of being the 'ultimate daily sake' enjoyed with daily meals. Its greatest feature is the crystal-like transparency with all off-flavors removed and the vibrant sharp finish. The sake, sticking to local rice and carefully polished by in-house milling, never interferes with the taste of dishes, but rather gives a comfortable stimulation making you want to move the next chopsticks. While having a wide lineup from classic authentic dry to refined Daiginjo, the 'bravery (sharpness)' at its root is common. It is a 'dry masterpiece sake' representing Niigata that stays close to the daily life of drinkers and adds joy to the table.

Tokikaze is a modern brand imaged as a refreshing breeze arriving on the wings of the Japanese Crested Ibis (Toki), a symbol of Niigata. Like the crested ibis soaring freely in the sky of Sado, it is brewed aiming for a free, light, and refreshing quality. Its greatest feature is the refined taste reflecting the sensitivity of the times, feeling fruity nuances while being refreshing. The pure environment along the Agano River and the latest brewing technology merge to present the possibility of new Niigata sake beyond the framework of traditional Japanese sake. The label design is also modern, easy to match with a wide range of dishes regardless of Japanese or Western style, and drinking by enjoying the aroma in a wine glass is also recommended. It is a sake like a refreshing breeze symbolizing Niigata flapping its wings toward the future, with thoughts for environmental protection also included.

Toyama Blend is a representative blended sake of Toyama Prefecture, created through the combined efforts of 16 local breweries affiliated with the Toyama Sake Brewers Association. Each brewery provides two types of sake for evaluation, and the final blend is masterfully crafted at the Masuizumi (Masuda Shuzoten) brewery. This project embodies the unity and passion of Toyama's brewers. It features a classic sake richness combined with a complex depth from the blending process, finishing with a beautiful, clean dryness. Each edition follows a different theme, offered as a limited release in 720ml and 1800ml bottles, celebrating the diversity and technical prowess of Toyama's brewing heritage.

"Shiromidori" is a rare brand formerly brewed by Arisawa Shuzoten. Known as a 'phantom sake' that was never sold in regular liquor stores and only available in select restaurants, it featured a unique acidity and a robust character. Its true depth was best revealed when served warm, making it a memorable brand deeply missed by local enthusiasts.

"Fumigiku" is the signature brand that has carried the brewery's unchanging traditions since its founding. Long beloved in Toyama, it is crafted with soft water from the Tateyama Range and carefully selected rice. Characterized by the natural richness of rice and a gentle, easy-drinking profile, it is a high-quality food-pairing sake that colors daily life alongside Toyama's culinary culture.

Haneya is an innovative brand from Fumigiku Shuzo, created with the concept of 'sake that makes the drinker's heart soar, like wings taking flight.' The essence of Haneya lies in its 'Shiki-jozo' method, where every batch is treated with the same care as Daiginjo, and only the 'Nakagumi' (middle press)—the highest quality part of the pressing—is used. It features an elegant ginjo aroma, a silky mouthfeel, and a solid body that finishes with a crisp, clean disappearance. Haneya has won numerous international accolades, including Platinum and Jury Awards at Kura Master, making it a globally recognized icon of Toyama's innovative craftsmanship.

IWA is a global project blending sake tradition with innovation, named after the rock (IWA) of Tateyama and the Shiraiwa district. It is crafted using the exceptional 'Assemblage' technique of Richard Geoffroy, who spent 28 years as the Chef de Cave of Dom Pérignon. Its flagship, 'IWA 5,' is a Junmai Daiginjo brewed using the Kimoto method with Yamada Nishiki, Omachi, and Gohyaku-mangoku rice varieties and five types of yeast. The number '5' symbolizes the balance and harmony of this assemblage. Characterized by multi-layered aromas of nuts, coconut, and violet, it achieves a profound complexity and perfect harmony. Available in over 30 countries, IWA is a modern and sophisticated brand that explores new horizons for Japanese sake.

Masuizumi is the flagship brand of Masuda Shuzoten, featuring an auspicious name that combines the family name 'Masu' with characters for longevity and spring. Crafted with the philosophy of 'Bimi Kyushin' (pursuit of delicious truth), it uses pure water from the Tateyama range and the meticulous skills of Noto Toji. Designed as the ultimate food-pairing sake to complement Toyama's fresh seafood, it offers a refined flavor that is light yet rich in rice umami. With prestigious accolades like Gold medals at the International Wine Challenge (IWC), Masuizumi is a globally recognized sake that embodies the maritime heritage of the historic Iwase port.