Brands
Fukutsuru
Kunizumi
1901
Yoshinotomo
"Yoshinotomo" is the flagship brand representing the dedication of Yoshinotomo Shuzo, Toyama's only Junmai-only specialist. The name comes from the 'Yoshi' of the Yoshida family and 'Tomo' meaning 'friend,' reflecting their goal to create a warm sake that connects people. Brewed exclusively with Toyama-grown rice and Tateyama mountain spring water, without any added alcohol, it features a solid umami core and a crisp, dry finish that disappears cleanly. As an 'ultimate everyday sake' that never becomes tiring—a pinnacle achievable only by a 100% Junmai brewery—it is beloved by a wide range of sake enthusiasts.
Goshoizumi
"Goshoizumi" is the proud sole brand of Takeuchi Shuzoten, named after the village of Gosho where the brewery was founded. This brand is the fruition of a luxurious brewing process that only the smallest brewery in Kanazawa could achieve. Meticulously polishing premium sake rice to an average of 55% and fermenting it slowly at low temperatures, the resulting flavor is a masterful harmony of thick, rich umami and a smooth, clean texture. Their 'Genshu' (undiluted sake) is particularly noteworthy for its light mouthfeel that belies its high alcohol content; as you drink, its solid, dry character becomes more prominent. Known among enthusiasts as Kanazawa's 'phantom sake,' it is a true local sake highly evaluated by connoisseurs.
Kaga Tsuru
"Kaga Tsuru" is a prestigious brand with nearly 400 years of history, named by the third Lord of the Kaga Domain, Toshitsune Maeda. Beginning as an exclusive sake for the Maeda clan, it continues to offer a 'rich (nojun) and deep umami' that perfectly pairs with Kanazawa's fresh seafood and traditional cuisine. From cultivating rice in partnership with the local JA Kanazawa to brewing with the skilled techniques of the Noto Toji, the sake achieves a beautiful coexistence of mellow richness and pleasant crispness. Its high quality has been recognized globally, being selected for ANA's international business class and winning a Gold Medal at the French contest 'Kura Master.' It is a symbolic sake of Kanazawa that condenses the pride and culture of the Kaga Million Koku into a single glass.
Kaga Setsubai
"Kaga Setsubai" is an emotionally evocative brand that captures the crisp winter air of Kaga and the beauty of plum blossoms peeking through the snow. Produced through the exceptional techniques of Nakamura Shuzojo, an organic-certified brewery, its Junmai and Junmai Daiginjo offerings are charms with their transparent, delicate flavors and profound finish. It is a masterpiece with a prestigious and graceful character that honors the aesthetic of Japan's four seasons.
Renaissance Kanazawa
"Renaissance Kanazawa" is a high-end brand from Nakamura Shuzojo that fuses Kanazawa's traditional beauty with modern sensibilities. It was named with the wish for a cultural rebirth and a new leap forward for Kanazawa. With lavishly selected ingredients and brewing techniques that brook no compromise, its powerful yet sophisticated flavor further elevates the world of fine dining.
Kaga Daiko
"Kaga Daiko" is a sake named after the valiant resonance and dynamism of the Kaga Taiko drums, a traditional performing art of Kanazawa. It is characterized by a deep, long-lasting umami akin to the lingering sound of the drums, and a crisp taste that evokes the energy of a festival. Among Nakamura Shuzojo's diverse lineup, this brand expresses respect and love for local traditional culture through a powerful and accessible style.
AKIRA
"AKIRA" is a world-class organic Junmai sake that Nakamura Shuzojo proudly presents to the globe. Brewed exclusively with organic rice from the local Kanazawa farmer 'Kanazawa Daichi' within their organic-certified facility, it is bottled intentionally without filtration. It holds major international organic certifications: JONA (Japan), ICEA (Europe), USDA (USA), and COR (Canada). The sake is characterized by the pure, powerful umami inherent to rice and a clear, clean finish. It is a one-of-a-kind brand that reflects Nakamura Shuzojo's innovation for the environment and the vibrant 'life force' unique to organic cultivation.
Supponpon
"Supponpon" is a playful brand from Nakamura Shuzojo that pursues the charm of sake in its 'natural, naked' state. The unique name reflects a pure desire for people to enjoy sake without the need for complex theories. Its appeal lies in its unpretentious accessibility and the honest, straightforward deliciousness backed by solid brewing technology. It is a friendly drink that proposes new ways to enjoy sake.
Marebito
"Marebito" is the supreme, limited-production luxury line that consolidates the pinnacle of Nakamura Shuzojo's 200-year expertise. The word 'Marebito' is an archaic term for 'a noble visitor from afar,' and this sake is brewed to be the finest drop for entertaining special guests. Using strictly selected premium ingredients and a lavish brewing process that spares no time, it achieves a blissful aroma and a deep, intricate flavor. Boasting a level of perfection comparable to a work of art, it is the brand that demonstrates the very top of Nakamura Shuzojo's technical capabilities.
Nichiei
"Nichiei" is the timeless flagship brand of Nakamura Shuzojo, embodying over 200 years of tradition and prestige. Its name, meaning 'prospering every day,' carries a wish for the daily prosperity and happiness of the drinker. Having evolved alongside Kanazawa's rich food culture, this sake features a well-balanced, full-bodied flavor profile where gentle aromas harmonize with the natural umami of rice. By actively using Ishikawa-grown sake rice, it captures the essence of the local terroir, serving as a prestigious local sake representative of Kanazawa.
Alain Ducasse
"Alain Ducasse" is an innovative brand born from a collaboration with the world-renowned master of French cuisine, Alain Ducasse. Brewed to reach the pinnacle of 'marriage' between French cuisine and sake, it is characterized by a sophisticated acidity reminiscent of wine and the elegant umami unique to organic rice. It is a global sake that transcends the boundaries of East and West to grace the tables of the world's most cutting-edge restaurants.
Kanazawa Nakamuraya
"Kanazawa Nakamuraya" bears the brewery's house name and embodies the pride and identity of a true Kanazawa local sake. It presents the weight of over 200 years of history in a style tailored to modern sensibilities. Pursuing a flavor profile that harmonizes perfectly with local food culture, this brand allows drinkers to enjoy the intersection of Kanazawa's tradition and contemporary flair.
Manzairaku
"Manzairaku" is the flagship brand of Kobori Shuzoten, named after a celebratory court music (Gagaku) piece in a tradition spanning back to the 18th century. It is brewed with the pristine snowmelt water of Mount Hakusan and strictly selected sake rice, including the rare 'Hokuriku No. 12.' While possessing a plump and deep umami, it is characterized by a refreshingly clean finish, making it a highly perfected sake for enjoying with food. As a representative brand of Ishikawa, it is beloved for everything from festive gifts to daily luxuries. Every glass carries a wish for the drinker to experience auspicious moments and continued prosperity.
Hakusan
"Hakusan" bears the name of the sacred Mount Hakusan itself, embodying the ultimate pride of Kobori Shuzoten. It is brewed with the bounty of clear water from Mount Hakusan—one of Japan's three most famous mountains—and rice nurtured by the local soil. The sake features a crystal-clear flavor and a prestigious aroma that seem to reflect the holiness and purity of the mountain. It is a deep and pure drop cultivated by local faith and history.
Ishikawa-mon
"Ishikawa-mon" is a brand that showcases a commitment to local production, using 100% of the original sake rice developed by Ishikawa Prefecture over a decade. Kobori Shuzoten's advanced techniques bring out the delicate sweetness and mellow mouthfeel characteristic of this specific rice strain. It offers a modern flavor that allows you to directly feel the rich terroir of Ishikawa, representing a true union of regional agriculture and brewing expertise.
Shishiku
"Shishiku" was named after the scenic Shishiku Highlands in Hakusan City. Just like the highlands with their vast panoramic views, this sake evokes the grand and powerful energy of nature. True to its name, which means 'the roar of a lion,' it possesses a solid and robust flavor profile. It is a characterful sake where the strength of the Hakusan foothills merges with the brewery's traditional techniques.
Kikuhime
"Kikuhime" is a timeless masterpiece that has carved its name into history as a synonym for Yamahai-style brewing. By championing 'Yamahai-shikomi' ahead of the industry and drawing out the umami and acidity of rice to their limits, it has established an unshakable status as the representative of 'manly sake' (otoko-zake). Its most prominent feature is the overwhelming depth and powerful acidity born from the Yamahai process, which follows the laws of nature by slowly nurturing lactic acid bacteria and yeast. Furthermore, using Yamada Nishiki from the special A-A district of Yokawa, Hyogo, and aging for one to two years creates a flavor profile with layers of mellow aromas reminiscent of nuts and honey, and dense umami suggesting brown sugar. Its quality, honored with numerous international awards, is the very pride of Kikuhime as they continue to pursue the 'truth of sake' without being swayed by trends.