Did you know that Dassai, a sake brand famous all over the world, is actually from Yamaguchi prefecture? In fact, Yamaguchi is home to not only the famed Dassai, but an impressive variety of sake. Let us introduce a variety of Yamaguchi’s regional sake and the best foods to pair with them!
Iwakuni City
Gokyo (SakaiShuzo K.K., Iwakuni City)This brand is much loved by locals and is crafted using an original strain of sake rice called "Seibu No Shizuku". | |
Dassai (Asahi Shuzo K.K., Iwakuni City)The word Dassai was originally used as a nickname for the region, and literally translates to ‘otter festival’. While otters were common in Yamaguchi, they were known for laying out bountiful catches of fish on the shore as though celebrating their catch, now, like the happy local otters, you can delight in the rich flavor of a local sake. | |
Gangi (Yaoshin shuzo K.K., Iwakuni City)For those who love the unique flavor of a dry Japanese sake, this brand can’t be beat and will have you reaching for one more cup. | |
Kinkan Kuromatsu (Murashige Shuzo K.K., Iwakuni City)This Junmai-shu (sake made only with rice, koji, and water) brand won the best sake award at the 2016 National Sake Competition and is a popular brand found at many local izakaya. | |
Kinsuzume (LLC Horie Sakaba, Iwakuni City)For those who clamor over the delicious flavor of Yamaguchi sake, this is known for its premium flavor which embodies the green valleys and clear water of the region. |
Kudamatsu City
Jizaké Ikusanga (Kinbundo Shuzo K.K., Shimoyama City)An all-rounder, this delicious sake pairs well with all dishes and cuisine. |
Shunan City
Moriko (Yamagata Honten K.K., Shunan City)A regal sake named after the King of Choshu, this sake boasts a fruity bouquet and delicate flavor. | |
Kanenaka (Nakashimaya Shuzojo K.K., Shunan City)A traditional Kimoto-style sake of the region which has a full-bodied flavor profile. | |
Harada (Hatsumomiji K.K., Shunan City)A pure Junmai sake made with local rice. |
Yamaguchi City
Sugihime (Yamashiroya Shuzo K.K., Yamaguchi City)This premium Yamaguchi brand has a history dating back over 400 years. | |
Wakamusume (Shintani shuzo K.K., Yamaguchi City)Excellent quality sake with a freshly made taste. | |
Santoka (Kanemitsu shuzo K.K., Yamaguchi City)Fruity Ginjo sake. Only the best part of the rice is used to make this premium sake (the outer layers have been removed). |
Ube City
Taka (Nagayama Honke Shuzojo K.K., Ube City)This company is a leader in capturing international sake fans and is famous beyond Yamaguchi. | |
Naminohana (Mii Shuzojo K.K., Ube city)The word Naminohana is used to describe waves breaking against cliffs, a well-loved local vista. |
Sanyou-Onoda City
Yamazaru (LLC Nagayama Shuzo, Sanyou-Onoda City)A sake brand which uses a medium hard water, the same type of water used by local farmers in the prefecture. |
Hagi City
Toyo Bijin (Sumikawa Shuzojo K.K., Hagi City)Abe Shinzo, the current prime minister of Japan gave this sake to Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, when he visited Nagato. It has a very fruity and delicate taste. | |
Takarabune (Nakamura Shuzo K.K., Hagi City)A rich, fruity sake. | |
Chomonkyo (LLC Okazaki shuzojo, Hagi City)A sake with an elaborated, rich umami flavor profile. | |
Choyofuku Musume (Iwasaki Shuzo K.K., Hagi City)A sake with a strong connection to the local history of the city where the Meiji Restoration took hold. |
Abu City
Abu no Tsuru (LLC Abu No Tsuru Shuzo, Abu City)A clear tasting sake that cherishes the umami flavor of Japanese rice. |
Mine City
Ohmine (Omine Shuzo K.K., Mine City)A premium, exclusive sake only available in eight countries across the world. |
Nagato City
Omishima (Kozakishudo K.K., Nagato City)This sake pairs well with freshly caught fish from the Sea of Japan. |
Shimonoseki City
Seki Musume (Shiminoseki Shuzo K.K., Shimonoseki)A sake with a sweet refined peachy smell and a crisp taste. | |
Nagato Kikukawa (Choshu shuzo K.K., Shimonoseki City)A richly flavored sake made by expert brewers. |