Kokuryu’s motto has always been “If we make good sake, people will support it”. The brand was founded in 1804 in the mountains of Fukui. This was an ancient land, nestled in snowy peaks and the Sea of Japan, not far from the main Soto Zen temple Eihei-ji.

Kokuryu, branded as a special sake producer, is unique because they grow their own rice, seek out special yeasts and constantly strive to be the best in sake-brewing and maturation.

The uniqueness of Kokuryu sake can be attributed to the pure water from the snow of the Hakusan mountains. The water slowly percolates through the rocky layers of the mountain and joins in the subterranean flow of the Kuzuryu river – also known as The River of the Nine-Headed Dragon.
Premium rice is a critical component of the sake-making of Kokuryu sake. To make the highest quality Kokuryu sake, the brewery selects and polish prized Yamadanishiki rice from Hyogo Prefecture and Gohyakumangoku rice from Fukui Prefecture.

Both rice and water are considered gifts of nature and with proper care can deepen sake flavours transforming regular sake into exceptional-tasting sake.

Since rice is a product of nature, it is virtually impossible to duplicate its quality from year to year, hence the quality of the sake is left on the shoulders of the Toji or master brewer. The Toji analyzes the year’s rice, relying on his years of experience and the records he keeps to determine the ideal soaking time ensuring precision down to the second.
Kokuryu’s labels carry the motifs of traditional local fabrics. Since the bottles don’t have screw-on caps, the rim is smooth, giving them a graceful silhouette and ensuring an even pour. Embossed on the shoulder of every bottle is Kokuryu’s corporate mark. It contains two forms. One is the Chinese character for ishi, as in Ishidaya and the other is the symbolic sakabayashi, the round ball of cedar needles that breweries hang over their doors after the first sake of the year has been pressed.
While Kokuryu’s bottle design represents its philosophy, glass bottles are beautiful and fragile. This very fragility may be one of the reasons why you cherish your favorite Kokuryu bottle. One of Kokuryu’s hopes is that people around the world will pick it up and feel kindly toward both the bottle and the premium sake it holds inside.

Tasting Note

This Junmai Ginjo sake offers a refreshing taste with silky textures when first sipped. It is complemented by rich, sweet and fruity aromas that enhance the overall flavour.

Product Details:

Size: 720ML
Polishing: 55%
Alcohol content: 15%

Kokuryu Jungin (720ML)

Tasting Note

Kuzuryu translated as "nine-headed dragon" produced a junmai collection which retains a rich full-bodied flavour and texture when drunk cold like liqueurs. When warmed up, it offers a soft, light, crisp and refreshing taste with a dry finish like wine.

Product Details:

Size: 720ML
Polishing: 60%
Alcohol content: 17%

Kokuryu Junmai (720ML)

Tasting Note

A friendly sake for everyday dining, "Ippin" can be served at ​any temperature. Brewed from domestically grown rice, its soft texture and crisp taste makes it an ideal mealtime companion.

Product Details:

Size: 720ML
Polishing: 50%
Alcohol content: 15%

Kokuryu Ippin Junmai Ginjo (720ML)