Ibaraki Prefecture's local sake rankings and popular whiskeys and craft beers

When you hear the words "alcohol" from Ibaraki Prefecture, what kind of alcohol or brand comes to mind?
Ibaraki has a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, spanning a wide range of genres. From traditional sake to innovative brands, there is also a wide range of craft beer, craft whiskey, and shochu produced in addition to sake . Ibaraki's alcoholic beverages vary greatly from production methods to flavor characteristics, so you can enjoy tasting and comparing the various types.
This time, we will be introducing sake from Ibaraki Prefecture. There are brands that have won awards at famous sake tasting competitions, so please take a look for reference.

The alcohol situation in Ibaraki Prefecture, where local sake and craft beer are popular

Ibaraki Prefecture boasts one of the largest numbers of sake breweries in the Kanto region

Ibaraki Prefecture is one of the areas in the Kanto region that boasts the largest number of sake breweries. It is said that there are more than 40 sake breweries in Ibaraki, making it the most in the Kanto region .
The reason sake brewing is so popular in Ibaraki Prefecture is due to its abundant water sources. There are five major water systems in Ibaraki Prefecture: the Kuji River system, the Naka River system, the Tsukuba Mountain water system, the Kinugawa River system, and the Tone River system, and various types of sake are produced in each area.
Ibaraki sake is characterized by a wide variety of flavors that cannot be lumped together . You can feel the difference in taste depending on the brewery and brand, so it is an irresistible area for alcohol lovers. Among the breweries is Sudo Honke, the oldest sake brewery in Japan that has been making sake since the Heian period. If you like sake, be sure to try comparing the different sakes from Ibaraki.

Ibaraki sake is highly regarded nationwide

Ibaraki sake, which has high quality water, is highly rated among sake lovers. Many Ibaraki sakes have won awards at famous sake tasting competitions such as the National New Sake Tasting Competition and the Sake Competition . There are also many high-ranking sakes such as Daiginjo sake and Junmai Daiginjo sake. Ibaraki sake, which is high-class and sophisticated, is also highly rated overseas.
Another interesting thing about Ibaraki sake is that each one has a different background and history. Some sake is made by preserving tradition, others incorporate innovative techniques, and some are made using rare sake rice and yeast. If you become more familiar with Ibaraki sake, you will be able to enjoy the world of sake even more.

In addition to alcohol, local beer is also popular

Ibaraki Prefecture is not only famous for sake. Ibaraki is also well-known for its local beer brewing, which makes use of its abundant water sources .
Among them, Hitachino Nest Beer produced by Kiuchi Brewery is particularly well-known. It is renowned not only for its appearance but also for its cute packaging design, and is popular as a souvenir or gift.
Some of the craft beer factories and breweries in Ibaraki offer factory tours and have restaurants where you can enjoy your craft beer along with your meal. We recommend checking them out as part of your Ibaraki sightseeing tour.

Craft whiskey breweries

Today I had a reunion with my former coworkers ︎👍🏻 ̖́-
The gift he brought me was Hinomaru Whisky Σ(ﾟдﾟ；)
I lost the lottery and couldn't buy it, so I'm really happy (*´ω｀*)

It was fun and delicious,
It was awesome 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/WGRSuJGvRc

— RS_o☆nun (@onuyaaan) January 11, 2023

Kiuchi Brewery, popular for its local sake and craft beer, has also been focusing on craft whiskey production in recent years. Hinomaru Whisky, produced at Kiuchi Brewery's Yasato Distillery, is an up-and-coming brand that was launched in 2022, but is already so popular that it has become the highlight of whiskey lottery sales .
In addition, Meirishurui Co., Ltd., a liquor manufacturer headquartered in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, has also been working on making whiskey since the fall of 2022. The distilled whiskey is scheduled to be released on the market in the future , so the development of craft whiskey is expected in Ibaraki Prefecture in the future.

Top 6 recommended sakes from Ibaraki Prefecture

1st place: Yuuki Shuzo Yui Junmai Daiginjo

I had Yui's Junmai Daiginjo. When I sipped it, I could taste the gorgeous sweetness and umami that is unique to Akaiwa Omachi. Towards the end, a pleasant bitterness appeared, and the sharpness disappeared smoothly as the sweetness, umami, and bitterness harmonize.
I hope for a speedy recovery for Yuki Sake Brewery, which brews amazing sake. pic.twitter.com/jhGHmwLAIe

— tak tak@SakeAka (@taktak1221660) October 19, 2022

• Type of sake: Junmai Daiginjo sake
• Manufacturer: Yuki Sake Brewery
• Raw rice: Akaiwa Omachi rice (premium grade)
• Rice polishing ratio: 38%
• Alcohol content: 15%
• Price: 1,800ml 12,100 yen (tax included)

Musubiyui is produced by Yuki Sake Brewery in Yuki City, which has a 400-year history. This sake is made using underground water from the Kinugawa River system, and has a pure and soft impression, and is well-known for its full-bodied flavor . In addition to Junmai Daiginjo sake made with Akaiwa Omachi rice, Musubiyui also offers Junmai Ginjo sake and Tokubetsu Junmai sake made with a variety of rice, including Omachi, Yamada Nishiki, and Masshigura.
The brewery is located in Yuki City, which is also famous for producing Yuki Tsumugi silk. The logo on the label features a design of Yuki Tsumugi silk thread.
By the way, Yuki Sake Brewery was also in the news in 2022 when two of its sake breweries, which are nationally registered tangible cultural properties, were burned down. They are currently working towards recovery, and the circle of support is expanding.

2. Morishima Shuzo Morishima Omachi Junmai Daiginjo

• Type of sake: Junmai Daiginjo sake
• Manufacturer: Morishima Sake Brewery
• Raw rice: 100% Omachi
• Rice polishing ratio: 50%
• Alcohol content: 15%
• Price: 1,800ml 3,300 yen (tax included)

Morishima Sake Brewery is a coastal brewery with over 150 years of history. Although the brewery was damaged in the 2011 earthquake, it has striven to recover and has grown ever since.
Their representative brand, Morishima Omachi Junmai Daiginjo, has won multiple awards at the IWC and Kura Master, and is recognized worldwide for its quality. Its fresh flavor makes it suitable for drinking with meals, and it pairs well with simple dishes.

3. Raifuku Sake Brewery Raifuku Junmai Daiginjo Bespoke

• Type of sake: Junmai Daiginjo sake
• Manufacturer: Raifuku Brewery
• Raw rice: Aizan
• Rice polishing ratio: 29%
• Alcohol content: 16%
• Price: 1,800ml 11,000 yen (tax included)

The key point of Raifuku Sake Brewery's sake is that it is made with a particular focus on "flower yeast" such as dianthus and begonia . Junmai Daiginjo Bespoke is made from Aizan, a rare sake rice, polished to 29%, and is popular as a lucky sake.
This sake has the sweetness that is characteristic of Aizan and the aroma of ginjo sake, and has a long, luxurious finish. It has also won multiple awards in the Junmai Daiginjo category at the IWS.

4. Buyu Dry Junmai

• Type of sake: Junmaishu
• Manufacturer: Buyou
• Raw material rice: Yamada Nishiki/Gohyakumangoku
• Rice polishing rate: 60% or less
• Alcohol content: 15-16%
• Price: 1,800ml 2,880 yen (tax included)

Buyu is a sake made using underground water from the Kinugawa River system. A unique precision filtration system is used to ensure stable water quality and quantity.
Such Takeyu sake has a unique character. The dry Junmai sake is impressive for its crisp dryness , and has a moderate acidity and a rich flavor that is a perennial favorite. This sake was also featured in the popular manga "Oishinbo."

5. Sudo Honke Gono Homare (white label)

• Type of sake: Junmai Daiginjo sake
• Manufacturer: Sudo Honke
• Raw rice: Kame no O Koshihikari rice from Kasama City
• Rice polishing ratio: 50%
• Alcohol content: 15-16%
• Price: 1,800ml 3,540 yen (tax included)

Sudo Honke is a sake brewery located in Kasama City, and is said to be the oldest sake brewery in Japan . All the sake they currently produce is unfiltered Junmai Daiginjo sake, which is high quality and has a fresh taste.
The white label of Sato no Homare is the standard bottle of Sudo Honke . It is a dry Junmai Ginjo sake with a crisp impression, and its well-balanced and versatile taste is appealing. In addition to the 1,800ml bottle (1.8L bottle), it is also available in 4-go bottles and one-cup bottles, making it easy to try.

6. Urazato Sake Brewery Kiri Tsukuba Special Junmai

• Type of sake: Special Junmai sake
• Manufacturer: Urazato Sake Brewery
• Raw rice: Gohyakumangoku
• Rice polishing ratio: 55%
• Alcohol content: 15%
• Price: 1,800ml 2,970 yen (tax included)

Kiri Tsukuba is a local sake produced by Urazato Sake Brewery, located near Mount Tsukuba. This brewery is famous locally as a gold medal winning brewery, and is known for its careful selection and polishing of rice . It is also known for using Ogawa yeast, discovered by former brewing engineer Ogawa Chikara, and is renowned for its impressive aroma and delicious taste.
There are various sakes in the Kiri Tsukuba series, but the one I would especially recommend is the special junmai sake, which is exquisitely dry and easy to drink. It is the brand's standard sake, and its appeal is that it can be enjoyed at any temperature.

Craft beer, craft whiskey, and shochu: perfect souvenirs from Ibaraki

1. Hitachino Nest Beer

• Type of alcohol: Beer
• Manufacturer: Kiuchi Sake Brewery
• Alcohol content: about 5-6%
• Price: 330ml approx. 450-500 yen

Hitachino Nest Beer is a craft beer made by Kiuchi Brewery. It is made using ingredients imported from the original source, and the malt source changes depending on the type of beer.
They have a very wide selection of craft beers, including white ale, pale ale, weizen, amber ale, and rare beers such as red rice ale and daidai ale . The label with an illustration of an owl is a great landmark.

2. Shimotsuma Beer

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— vanBeelife (@VBeelife) September 6, 2022

• Type of alcohol: Beer
• Manufacturer: Shimotsuma Brewery
• Alcohol content: about 5-6%
• Price: 330ml approx. 450 yen

Shimotsuma Beer is produced at Beer Park Shimotsuma , a complex where you can enjoy natural hot springs and local beer. The restaurant at the facility has a beer factory attached, and when you visit as a tourist, you can try three different types of beer. You can enjoy beer.
The restaurant serves Spanish cuisine and you can enjoy your meal while drinking beer.

3. Kashima Paradise Beer

Kashima Paradise Beer is brewed with the holy water of Kashima Shrine (established in the first year of Emperor Jimmu's reign, the Ichinomiya of Hitachi Province, and one of the three shrines in the eastern part of Japan).
This is a very rare beer made by a farmer using only the finest ingredients. The sacred water has a high hardness, making it suitable for brewing ale. (From the left) GOA (IPA), 5daughters (sake lees white), Yasaka (saison)
All of them have amazing aromas 🍺 pic.twitter.com/dEQCfgkSgb

— Rei (@GSXS1000_rs) May 15, 2019

• Type of alcohol: Beer
• Manufacturer: Kashima Paradise
• Alcohol content: approx. 5-6%
• Price: 330ml x 6 bottles, approx. 4,500 yen

Kashima Paradise Beer is a craft beer store run directly by farmers. It is brewed at a microbrewery operated by the young agricultural group Kashima Paradise. This beer is brewed using holy water from Kashima Shrine, which boasts a 2,000-year history, and is considered auspicious . This water has a very high hardness of 95, making it ideal for ale beer.
Beer made using the power of nature allows you to enjoy the delicious flavor of the ingredients as they are.

4. Hinomaru Whisky The 1st Edition

• Type of alcohol: Blended whiskey
• Manufacturer: Kiuchi Sake Brewery
• Alcohol content: 48%
• Price: 700ml 5,500 yen

Hinomaru Whisky is a new whiskey created by Kiuchi Brewery in 2022. It is made using some ingredients such as barley, wheat, and rice from Ibaraki Prefecture, giving it a unique Ibaraki feel.
The 1st Edition, which is said to be the original, is currently skyrocketing in price, with the retail price rising to about three times the original price of 5,500 yen . The unique flavor is rich like vanilla or latte, with a hint of spice.

5. Kanasago, authentic soba shochu

• Type of alcohol: Soba shochu
• Manufacturer: Goretsu Tominaga Sake Brewery
• Alcohol content: 25%
• Price: 1,800ml 2,035 yen

Kanasago Soba Shochu is a soba shochu born in Kanasago, the home of soba. It has a refreshing taste with the flavor of soba , and you can enjoy its clear, delicious flavor.
In addition to the standard way of drinking it, such as with hot water, you can also drink it in more unusual ways, such as on the rocks or with soba hot water. In addition to the authentic type of Soba Shochu Kanasago, there is also a type that is a mix of types A and B.

Ibaraki has many rare alcoholic beverages and is popular among buy-back specialty stores.

Each sake from Ibaraki is unique. Some are rare brands with low production volumes, and some are limited-edition products. There are also many sakes that can only be purchased within Ibaraki Prefecture or at special locations called authorized dealers .
Ibaraki sake is highly rated at specialty stores and tends to sell for a high price. If you have any Ibaraki sake that you don't drink, consider using a specialty store before you let it go to waste.
Liquor buying specialty store Linksus is also strengthening its buying of Ibaraki liquor. Rare sake brands and up-and-coming Hinomaru whiskeys tend to fetch high prices.
Linkuss offers on-site purchases and mail-order purchases, and can accommodate requests for purchase appraisals from all over the country. If you have alcohol you want to sell, please feel free to contact us.
Linkus Ibaraki liquor purchase here

summary

The reality is that Ibaraki sake is so unique that it is difficult to sum up its characteristics in one word. In addition to its flavor, there are also bottles with unusual and stylish labels, so it is recommended to choose it as a souvenir or gift.
When enjoying Ibaraki sake, it might be interesting to pay attention to the commitment to ingredients and manufacturing methods, as well as the historical background of each sake brewery. Be sure to learn more about Ibaraki sake, and if there is anything that catches your eye, give it a try.