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Kurosawa Nigori Sake — Nagano, Japan

Kurosawa Brewery has been crafting sake in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture since 1858 — over 160 years of unbroken tradition in one of Japan's most celebrated brewing regions. Nagano's pristine alpine water, cold winters, and clean mountain air create ideal conditions for slow, careful fermentation, and Kurosawa has long been a benchmark for accessible, honest sake that respects both tradition and the modern table.

Nigori — meaning "cloudy" in Japanese — is sake that has been coarsely filtered, leaving fine rice solids suspended in the bottle. The result is a milky, opaque appearance and a texture that is richer and more luscious than clear sake, with a natural sweetness that comes not from added sugar but from the unfermented rice itself. Kurosawa's Nigori is a textbook expression of the style: approachable, generous, and deeply satisfying.

Cloudy ivory in the glass with a soft, creamy pour. The nose is fresh and fruity — ripe pineapple, lychee, and a gentle floral note. On the palate it is smooth and medium-bodied, with a creamy texture, tropical fruit sweetness, and a clean, refreshing finish. Serve well chilled. Delicious on its own, and a natural partner for bold, spicy flavors.

• Brewery: Kurosawa Shuzo, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
• Founded: 1858
• Style: Nigori — Unfiltered, Semi-Sweet
• Region: Nagano, Japan
• ABV: 14.9%
• Size: 720ml
• Tasting Notes: Pineapple, lychee, floral, creamy texture, clean finish
• Best Paired With: Spicy Thai or Chinese dishes, sushi, tempura, mango desserts, soft cheeses

160 years of mountain brewing. One of Japan’s most beloved nigori — creamy, fruity, and endlessly approachable.

About Nigori Sake

Nigori — meaning "cloudy" in Japanese — is an unfiltered style of sake with a milky-white appearance and characteristically full, smooth palate. Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Silky Mild is crafted by Takara Sake USA in Berkeley, California using traditional Japanese methods, making it one of the most approachable and food-friendly sakes available.

Tasting Notes

• Fruity aromas of ripe banana, vanilla, melon and strawberry
• Creamy sweet rice custard on the palate
• Full, smooth and milky with a gently sweet finish
• Slightly sweeter than Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Crème de Sake

Serving & Food Pairings

• Serve chilled or over ice as a dessert alternative
• Pairs beautifully with spicy dishes — the sweetness tempers heat
• Excellent with sushi, Thai cuisine, or fresh fruit desserts
• Kosher certified — suitable for a wide range of occasions

Product Details

• Producer: Takara Sake USA
• Style: Nigori (Unfiltered Sake)
• Origin: Berkeley, California, USA
• Format: 750ml
• Kosher: Yes

About the Sake

Don’t let the Futsushu (everyday sake) classification fool you — Kirinzan Classic takes the concept of daily sake to new heights. While most breweries focus on showcasing premium ginjo styles, Kirinzan takes immense pride in this entry-level expression, crafting it with the same care and precision as their finest bottles.

Made from Gohyaku Mangoku and Koshi Ibuki sake rice polished to 65% — beyond the requirements for even the premium Honjozo grade — all rice is sourced directly from small farmers in the local agricultural cooperative, none farther than five miles from the brewery. Brewed with soft Niigata mountain water in the house style: dry, clean, light-bodied, and beautifully balanced.

Tasting Notes

Dry and clean with notes of hazelnut and toasted rice, a gentle minerality, and a crisp, refreshing finish. Light-bodied and food-friendly — never competing with a dish, only enhancing it.

Serving

Versatile and approachable — excellent served chilled, at room temperature, or gently warmed (nurukan).

Food Pairing

The ultimate food sake — pairs beautifully with sushi, sashimi, grilled fish, tempura, yakitori, ramen, and izakaya-style dishes.

Product Details

• Producer: Kirinzan Brewery
• Style: Futsushu (Everyday Sake)
• Rice: Gohyaku Mangoku & Koshi Ibuki
• Polishing Ratio: 65%
• Sake Meter Value: +6 (Dry)
• Acidity: 1.3
• ABV: 15–16%
• Region: Niigata Prefecture, Japan
• Format: 720ml

Sho Chiku Bai Classic Sake — The Traditional Style

Sho Chiku Bai — meaning “pine, bamboo, and plum blossom” in Japanese, symbols of good fortune and longevity — is one of the most recognized sake brands in the world. The Classic is their most traditional expression: a full-bodied, well-balanced sake that honors the centuries-old craft of Japanese brewing.

Smooth and medium-dry with a mild, complex aroma, this sake delivers a hard, crisp texture and a satisfying full body that makes it equally at home at the dinner table or enjoyed on its own. Brewed at a sake meter value of +3, it sits comfortably in the medium-dry range — versatile, approachable, and endlessly food-friendly.

• Brewery: Takara Sake USA / Sho Chiku Bai
• Style: Classic / Traditional Sake
• Size: 750ml
• ABV: 16%
• Sake Meter Value: +3 (Medium Dry)
• Tasting Notes: Mild, complex aroma; smooth, full-bodied, crisp texture
• Kosher: Yes
• Best Served: Room temperature or gently warmed
• Best Paired With: Mildly seasoned dishes, sushi, tempura, grilled fish, light soups

A reliable, everyday sake that delivers traditional Japanese character at an accessible price — perfect for introducing friends to the world of sake.

Junmai Ginjo Sake | Niigata, Japan
Size: 300ml  |  ABV: 15%  |  Light · Dry · Aromatic

Kikusui is one of Niigata Prefecture’s most celebrated sake breweries, renowned for producing clean, elegant sakes that reflect the region’s exceptionally pure snowmelt water and cool climate. Niigata is Japan’s sake heartland — a place where the combination of pristine water, premium rice, and centuries of brewing tradition produces sake of unmatched delicacy and refinement.

The Junmai Ginjo is a benchmark expression — approachable enough for beginners, refined enough for enthusiasts. Brewed from Gohyakumangoku rice polished to Ginjo standards, with no added distilled alcohol, it is light, dry, and beautifully aromatic. The nose opens with fresh cantaloupe and ripe banana; the palate is medium-bodied with refreshing mandarin orange overtones and a clean, comfortable finish. The 300ml format is perfect for solo enjoyment, a restaurant pour, or as an elegant introduction to premium Japanese sake.

“Light, dry, and beautifully aromatic — fresh cantaloupe, banana, and mandarin orange with a clean, comfortable finish. An elegant white wine alternative for any occasion.”
— Kikusui Sake Co.

Rice: Gohyakumangoku  |  Classification: Junmai Ginjo (no added alcohol)
Serve: Chilled, in a wine glass or sake cup.
Pairs with: Sushi, sashimi, light seafood, tofu dishes, or delicate Japanese cuisine.

Kikusui Junmai Sake — Niigata, Japan

Named after a Noh theatre play in which eternal life could be gained by drinking the dew from chrysanthemum petals, Kikusui has carried 130 years of brewing heritage into every bottle. Founded in Niigata Prefecture — Japan’s most celebrated rice-growing region — and home to the Kikusui Sake Research Institute since 2004, this is a brewery that takes its craft seriously.

The Junmai is the purest expression of the brewer’s art: made exclusively from 100% Niigata rice and water, with no added distilled alcohol. The result is a sake of earthy elegance and savory depth — the definitive food sake.

• Aromas: Subdued and earthy — steamed rice, bamboo, dried straw, and a whisper of honeydew melon
• Palate: Medium-bodied and smooth, with roasted nuts, umami-rich grains, and a touch of mineral
• Finish: Crisp and bone-dry — cleanses the palate instantly

• Brewery: Kikusui Sake Co., Niigata, Japan
• Classification: Junmai
• Rice: 100% Niigata Japanese Rice
• Size: 720ml
• ABV: 15%
• Best Served: Chilled, room temperature, or gently warmed — pairs with virtually any cuisine

Warming this sake slightly unlocks its full mellowness and richness — the traditional way to experience Junmai at its best. A versatile, food-friendly sake for every table.

Winemaker Description 

Made with yeast extracted from the Sanuki olive native to the region, this hyperlocal sake showcases the best of Kagawa in a one-of-a-kind bottling.

Juicy notes of musk melon, white flowers and green pear with hints of starfruit, grass and salinity.

Try with salad with carrot ginger dressing, coconut crab curry or spring pea & mint gazpacho. 

Our Professional Review

A unique expression of sake made with olive yeast.  Beautiful white fruits and floral notes backed by lovely herbal and savory notes.

Fukucho ‘Forgotten Fortune’ Junmai Sake — Hiroshima, Japan | 720ml

Fukucho ‘Forgotten Fortune’ is one of the most extraordinary sake stories in Japan — and one of the most extraordinary bottles on our shelves. Miho Imada, one of Japan’s only female brewery owners and toji (master brewer), devoted over 10 years of her life to reviving Hattanso — an extinct heirloom rice variety from the Akitsu region of Hiroshima that had disappeared from cultivation entirely. She learned to grow it, learned to brew with it, and then made a deliberate choice to mill it less than most Junmais, believing that minimal polishing best expresses the full flavor, balance, and complexity of this ancient grain. The result is a sake unlike anything else: earthy, bold, and deeply expressive, with a character that could only come from Hiroshima — the birthplace of Ginjo sake and home to more oyster beds than anywhere else in Japan.

The nose is earthy and inviting, with accents of lemon and apricot. On the palate, it is bold and zesty, with a rich, textured mouthfeel and a clean, mineral finish that reflects both the ancient rice and the soft Hiroshima water. It is a sake built for the table — and there is no better pairing in the world than a glass of Forgotten Fortune alongside a plate of fresh Hiroshima oysters.

• Brewery: Fukucho (Imada Shuzo), Hiroshima, Japan
• Brewer: Miho Imada — female brewery owner & toji
• Style: Junmai — pure rice sake, minimal polishing
• Rice: Hattanso — revived heirloom variety, Akitsu region, Hiroshima
• Size: 720ml
• Tasting Notes: Earthy, lemon, apricot, bold, zesty, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Fresh oysters, red curry, ginger steamed clams, grilled fish, umami-rich dishes

A decade in the making, brewed from a resurrected rice — Fukucho ‘Forgotten Fortune’ is the benchmark for what Hiroshima Junmai can be.

Kinishihai Yukikage ‘Snow Shadow’ Tokubetsu Junmai — Niigata, Japan (300ml)

Kinishihai is brewed in Niigata Prefecture — one of Japan's most revered sake-producing regions, celebrated for its cold winters, pristine snowmelt water, and the distinctive ‘tanrei karakuchi’ style: clean, dry, and refined sake of exceptional elegance and food-friendliness. Yukikage — meaning ‘Snow Shadow’ — is a Tokubetsu Junmai, a special designation within the Junmai category indicating a higher level of rice polishing or a distinctive brewing technique that elevates the sake above the standard. It is crafted from a blend of two local Niigata rice varietals — Gohyaku Mangoku and Koshi Ibuki — both milled to 58% of their original size, removing the outer layers to reveal a cleaner, more refined grain. Fermented with S-3 yeast, which produces a mildly fragrant and clean profile with light earthy qualities, Yukikage is a true expression of the gutsy, grounded Niigata style: smooth, earthy, and built for the table. Uniquely versatile — it is equally compelling served chilled or gently warmed, making it one of the most food-friendly sakes in the glass.

The nose is mildly fragrant and inviting: toasted brown rice, light earthiness, and a clean, grounded character. On the palate, it is smooth and earthy with notes of toasty brown rice and a gentle nuttiness. Chilled, it is a natural companion for sushi, gyoza, and delicate seafood. Gently warmed, it blossoms — the perfect accompaniment for yakitori, grilled salmon, or roasted yellowtail. A sake of genuine versatility and quiet depth.

"A true gutsy Niigata style sake — smooth and earthy, with notes of toasty brown rice. When chilled it makes a great companion for a sushi platter or gyoza dumplings, but when gently warmed it blossoms into the perfect accompaniment for yakitori, grilled salmon or roasted yellowtail." — Kinishihai, Producer

• Brewery: Kinishihai, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
• Classification: Tokubetsu Junmai
• Rice: Gohyaku Mangoku & Koshi Ibuki, milled to 58%
• Yeast: S-3
• Style: Niigata tanrei karakuchi — clean, dry, earthy
• ABV: 15%
• Size: 300ml
• Tasting Notes: Toasted brown rice, light earthiness, smooth, mildly fragrant, nutty finish
• Serve: Chilled (45–50°F) or gently warmed (100–110°F)
• Best Paired With (Chilled): Sushi, gyoza, delicate sashimi, cold tofu
• Best Paired With (Warmed): Yakitori, grilled salmon, roasted yellowtail, miso soup, hearty izakaya dishes

Niigata's snow-country terroir in a 300ml bottle — Kinishihai Yukikage is smooth, earthy, and one of the most versatile sakes on the shelf.

Asahi Shuzo, the Yamaguchi-based brewery behind the Dassai name, has spent decades redefining what premium sake can be. Their obsessive focus on Yamadanishiki rice — the finest sake brewing rice in Japan — and relentless pursuit of refinement has made Dassai one of the most recognized and respected sake brands in the world. The Sparkling 45 is their effervescent expression: a Junmai Daiginjo polished to 45% of the original grain, crafted to bring the elegance of Dassai to the sparkling format.

The Dassai Sparkling 45 Junmai Daiginjo Sake 360ml is not trying to be Champagne — it simply shares its grace. Lively, fine bubbles lift a semi-dry, creamy fluid in the glass, carrying aromas of grape, melon, apple, and cream. On the palate, flavors of pear, orange, and whipping cream drink juicy and effervescently, with a soft, refined finish. Best served in a Champagne flute, it is a stunning way to open a meal or celebrate a moment.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Grape, melon, apple, rice, and cream
• Palate: Pear, orange, and whipping cream — juicy, effervescent, and semi-dry
• Finish: Soft, creamy, and refined

Sake Details

• Junmai Daiginjo — 45% rice polishing ratio
• 100% Yamadanishiki rice
• Asahi Shuzo, Yamaguchi, Japan
• Kosher certified
• 360ml — serve in a Champagne flute, well chilled

Fukucho ‘Moon on the Water’ Junmai Ginjo — Hiroshima, Japan | 300ml

Fukucho is one of Japan’s most remarkable sake breweries — and one of its rarest: owned and led by Miho Imada, one of the only female brewery owners and toji (master brewers) in the country. Located in Hiroshima, the birthplace of Ginjo sake, Fukucho draws on the region’s legendary soft water — a resource so delicate it demands extraordinary skill to use in fermentation, but once mastered, enables a level of aromatic precision and fruit expression that is simply unmatched. ‘Moon on the Water’ is bottled immediately without charcoal filtering, preserving every nuance of the brew in its purest form. At under $30 for a 300ml bottle, it is one of the most compelling values in premium Junmai Ginjo sake.

The nose is vibrant and aromatic: lime, melon, fennel, white pepper, and allspice. On the palate, flavors gravitate toward ripe cantaloupe and anise, with the soft minerality of Hiroshima’s famous water evident in the clean, precise finish. Beautifully soft and feminine — a sake of rare elegance and character.

• Brewery: Fukucho (Imada Shuzo), Hiroshima, Japan
• Brewer: Miho Imada — female brewery owner & toji
• Style: Junmai Ginjo — 40%+ rice polished, unfiltered
• Water: Hiroshima soft water — birthplace of Ginjo sake
• Size: 300ml
• Tasting Notes: Lime, melon, fennel, white pepper, allspice, cantaloupe, anise, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Lobster, scallops, oysters, sushi, sashimi, bittersweet chocolate

An unfiltered Junmai Ginjo from Japan’s most celebrated female toji — Fukucho ‘Moon on the Water’ is the benchmark for what Hiroshima sake can be.

Mio Sparkling Sake — Japan

Mio is Japan’s most celebrated sparkling sake — a playful, elegant alternative to Champagne or Prosecco that has captivated sake lovers and wine drinkers alike. Produced by Takara Shuzo, one of Japan’s most storied breweries, Mio (meaning “beautiful cherry blossom”) is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Delicate fine bubbles carry aromas of honeydew melon, lemongrass, and ripe peach to the nose. On the palate, it’s refreshingly sweet with a light, airy texture and a clean, crisp finish — not cloying, just perfectly balanced. The low alcohol and gentle sweetness make it incredibly versatile at the table.

• Brewery: Takara Shuzo, Japan
• Style: Sparkling Sake
• Size: 300ml
• ABV: 5%
• Tasting Notes: Honeydew melon, lemongrass, ripe peach, fine bubbles, clean finish
• Best Served: Well chilled — as an aperitif, with dessert, or as a Champagne alternative
• Best Paired With: Spicy rolls, fruit-based sushi, light appetizers, fresh fruit desserts

The 300ml bottle is perfect for solo celebrations or as a unique gift — pop it open whenever the moment calls for something a little special.

Kiku Masamune Taru Junmai Sake 720ml - Premium Cedar-Aged Japanese Sake

Experience the unique character of Kiku Masamune Taru Junmai Sake, a distinctive Japanese sake aged in traditional cedar casks. This premium Junmai-grade sake combines centuries-old brewing traditions with the aromatic essence of high-quality Japanese cedar, creating a crisp, dry sake with elegant complexity and a refreshing finish.

Why Choose Kiku Masamune Taru Junmai Sake?

• Cedar-Aged Tradition: Stored in casks made from premium Japanese cedar (sugi) for distinctive woody aromatics
• Junmai Grade: Pure rice sake with no added alcohol - authentic and traditional
• Crisp & Dry: Clean, refreshing character with elegant balance
• Versatile Pairing: Perfect with sushi, sashimi, grilled fish, and Japanese cuisine
• Elegant Presentation: Presented in a sophisticated frosted glass bottle

Tasting Profile

This silky smooth sake offers a crisp, dry flavor profile enhanced by the pleasant hint of Japanese cedar. The palate is full yet elegant, with a clean and refreshing aftertaste that makes it incredibly food-friendly. The cedar aging adds subtle woody notes and aromatic complexity without overwhelming the sake's natural rice character.

Perfect Food Pairings

Kiku Masamune Taru Junmai Sake pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh sushi and sashimi
• Grilled yakitori and teriyaki dishes
• Tempura vegetables and seafood
• Miso-glazed fish or tofu
• Aged cheeses and charcuterie
• Cedar-plank grilled salmon

About Taru Sake

Taru sake is a traditional style of Japanese sake aged in cedar casks, imparting subtle woody aromatics and a unique character. This ancient method dates back centuries when sake was commonly stored and transported in cedar barrels. The cedar's natural oils gently infuse the sake, creating a distinctive flavor profile prized by sake connoisseurs.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy chilled (45-50°F) to appreciate the crisp, refreshing character and cedar aromatics. Can also be served at room temperature (68-72°F) to bring out fuller, rounder flavors. Serve in traditional ochoko cups or wine glasses to capture the aromatic complexity.

About Kiku Masamune Brewery

Founded in 1659, Kiku Masamune is one of Japan's most respected sake breweries, with over 360 years of brewing excellence. Located in Nada, the premier sake-producing region of Japan, Kiku Masamune combines traditional craftsmanship with modern precision to create exceptional sake.

Toyo Bijin Junmai Ginjo — Yamaguchi Prefecture, Chugoku, Japan

Toyo Bijin — “Asian Beauty” — is one of Japan’s most evocatively named sakes, and the story behind it is as memorable as the sake itself. Sumikawa Brewing Company, based in Yamaguchi Prefecture in the Chugoku region of western Japan, was founded by a brewer who named his label in honor of his late wife — a tribute that has since become one of the most recognized and beloved sake brands in the country.

This Junmai Ginjo is brewed from Yamada Nishiki rice — the gold standard of sake rice — and fermented in the Ginjo style at low temperatures. But where many Ginjo sakes lean toward delicate and floral, Toyo Bijin takes a bolder path: this is a very dry sake, famously described as “strong enough to kill a devil.” Assertive, umami-rich, and deeply satisfying.

Clear and luminous in the glass. The nose opens with red apple and a fading whisper of nutmeg spice. On the palate it is full-flavored and bone dry, with a firm structure, pronounced umami, and a long, clean finish. Serve chilled.

• Brewery: Sumikawa Brewing Company, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Chugoku, Japan
• Style: Junmai Ginjo
• Rice: Yamada Nishiki
• Size: 300ml
• Tasting Notes: Red apple, nutmeg spice, pronounced umami, bone-dry finish
• Best Paired With: Yakitori, sashimi, aged cheeses, miso soup, oysters

Named for a beloved wife. Brewed with conviction. A sake bold enough to kill a devil — and elegant enough to honor her memory.

Rand Sieger, 67Wine: This is a heady sake with deep, rich umami flavors and bright acidity, perfect for matching the richness of fatty fish like otoro, salmon, or mackerel.  The honjozo style relies on the addition of a small amount of brewer's alcohol to create a smoother, lighter sake with heightened aromatic complexity.

Winemaker Description 

Delicate and nuanced, this autumnal release from Kozaemon sees a period of aging over summer before its release, yielding a sake with subtle maturity and refinement. A natural pairing for all specialties of autumn like squash and slow braised meat.

Tentaka ‘Hawk in the Heavens’ Junmai Tokubetsu Sake — Tochigi, Japan | 300ml

Tentaka — meaning “Hawk in the Heavens” — is one of Japan’s most distinctive sake breweries, located in Tochigi Prefecture north of Tokyo, where the cool mountain climate and pristine local water produce sake of exceptional character and depth. This Junmai Tokubetsu (“special pure rice”) is brewed without added alcohol and with extra care in rice selection and milling, resulting in a sake that is drier, more complex, and more food-friendly than most in its class. 

Dry and crisp, with a medium body and a rich, satisfying mouthfeel. The flavors are earthy and savory: mixed nuts, fresh-cut green grass, and subtle umami, with a lengthy, clean, dry finish that lingers with quiet elegance. This is a sake built for the table — serious, grounded, and deeply food-friendly.

• Brewery: Tentaka Shuzo, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
• Style: Junmai Tokubetsu — special pure rice sake, no added alcohol
• Size: 300ml
• Tasting Notes: Mixed nuts, fresh green grass, earthy umami, rich mouthfeel, long dry finish
• Best Paired With: Hearty grains, mushrooms, beef, lamb, BBQ, grilled vegetables, aged cheeses

A Tochigi Junmai Tokubetsu of rare depth and character — Tentaka ‘Hawk in the Heavens’ is the benchmark for what savory, food-driven sake can be.

Producer Descrption 

Local, all-natural aodani plums are soaked in Tozai sake for over three months resulting in an incredibly balanced sake with tart, juicy acidity on the finish. Plum blossoms are known as "The Flowers of Peace" in Japan and symbolize growth, renewal, and awakening.

Aromas of almond and marzipan followed by plum, apricot, and cherry on the palate. The soft tartness and acidity balance the finish with a slightly sweet smoothness.
Pair with pulled pork, glazed salmon, or desserts like peach cobbler. 

Rihaku ‘Dreamy Clouds’ Nigori Tokubetsu Junmai Sake — Shimane, Japan | 720ml

Rihaku ‘Dreamy Clouds’ is one of the most technically accomplished Nigori sakes in the world — and one of the most quietly revolutionary. Brewed in Shimane Prefecture from Gohyakumangoku rice, this cloudy sake achieves something rare: a milling rate of 59% that technically qualifies it as Junmai Ginjo grade, making it one of the only Nigori sakes in existence to reach that quality threshold. Where most Nigori are sweet, heavy, and one-dimensional, Dreamy Clouds is bright, lean, and genuinely complex — a sake that invites Nigori lovers to discover an entirely new dimension of what cloudy sake can be.

The appearance is beautifully cloudy, with the characteristic milky white of unfiltered sake. The nose is nutty and inviting, with dark plum and a tangy, citrus-tinged lift. On the palate, it is bright and lean, with a satisfying chewiness as sweet rice flavors intermingle with nutty, slightly fruity characteristics and a clean, tangy finish. It is unlike any Nigori you have tasted before.

• Brewery: Rihaku Shuzo, Shimane Prefecture, Japan
• Style: Nigori (cloudy) Tokubetsu Junmai — 59% milling rate (Junmai Ginjo grade)
• Rice: Gohyakumangoku
• Size: 720ml
• Tasting Notes: Nutty, dark plum, sweet rice, tangy, citrus-tinged finish
• Best Served: Well chilled; shake gently before pouring to mix the sediment
• Best Paired With: Spicy noodle dishes, risotto, white fish, mild curries, creamy cheeses

A Junmai Ginjo-grade Nigori from Shimane — Rihaku ‘Dreamy Clouds’ is the benchmark for what cloudy sake can be.

Poised, precise and quietly complex.
Assemblage 6 presents a refined and highly detailed expression of IWA 5, combining exotic fruit, floral lift, savory depth and subtle bitterness in a remarkably controlled style. Notes of lychee, gardenia, green papaya, nori seaweed and dark chocolate create a sake that is both elegant and distinctive.

With Assemblage 6, IWA explores contrast through delicacy and depth. The aromatic profile is expressive yet composed, moving from bright floral and tropical notes toward more savory, mineral and umami-driven tones as the sake opens.

The nose begins with lychee and gardenia, bringing a fragrant, lifted character. With air, notes of green papaya emerge, followed by a subtle savory suggestion of nori seaweed and a darker, more complex note reminiscent of dark chocolate.

On the palate, Assemblage 6 is precise and finely structured. The texture is polished and seamless, with freshness carrying the sake from its bright opening through a more savory and contemplative middle. The finish is long, clean and quietly persistent, with delicate umami and bittersweet tones adding complexity.

The result is a Junmai Daiginjo of remarkable poise — layered and expressive without becoming heavy, and particularly compelling as it evolves in the glass.

Style: Poised · Precise · Lychee · Gardenia · Green Papaya · Nori · Dark Chocolate

Serving: Serve lightly chilled and allow it to warm gradually in the glass. Its combination of floral, savory and umami notes makes it especially versatile with food.

Assemblage 6 captures IWA's signature balance in a particularly refined form, offering elegance, complexity and a distinctive savory edge.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Gravitas, depth and beautifully layered complexity.
Assemblage 5 reveals a deeper, more contemplative side of IWA 5, combining richness and aromatic intensity with the precision and balance that define the project. Notes of plum, raspberry, jasmine, pineapple and almond unfold gradually, creating a sake of remarkable dimension and poise.

With Assemblage 5, IWA moves toward greater depth and concentration while preserving an essential sense of freshness. The aromatics are generous yet refined, with ripe fruit, delicate florals and subtle nutty tones coming together in a seamless, harmonious expression.

The nose opens with notes of plum and raspberry, followed by an elegant floral lift of jasmine. As the sake develops in the glass, hints of pineapple and almond emerge, adding richness and complexity without overwhelming its finely balanced character.

On the palate, Assemblage 5 is broad, layered and composed. There is a satisfying sense of weight and depth, yet the texture remains polished and controlled. Fruit, floral and savory elements build gradually toward a long, refined finish that is both generous and exceptionally precise.

The result is a Junmai Daiginjo with genuine gravitas — complex and expressive, but never excessive. It rewards slow tasting and continues to reveal new dimensions as it opens in the glass.

Style: Gravitas · Depth · Plum · Raspberry · Jasmine · Pineapple · Almond

Serving: Serve lightly chilled and allow time in the glass for the aromatics and texture to fully develop. An excellent choice for richer dishes and more contemplative drinking.

Assemblage 5 shows IWA at its most profound and layered, balancing generosity and depth with remarkable elegance and control.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Juicy, lifted and wonderfully expressive.
Assemblage 4 brings a more playful and vibrant dimension to IWA 5, combining generous texture with remarkable freshness. Notes of marzipan, citrus zest, sansho and fennel unfold across a sake that feels energetic, precise and beautifully composed.

With Assemblage 4, IWA continues to explore the possibilities of assemblage through contrast and balance. There is richness here, but it is never heavy. Instead, the sake moves effortlessly across the palate, with bright aromatics and savory complexity creating a sense of constant motion.

The nose opens with delicate notes of marzipan and fresh citrus zest, followed by the distinctive aromatic lift of sansho pepper. As the sake develops, subtle herbal and anise-like tones of fennel emerge, adding freshness and complexity.

On the palate, Assemblage 4 is juicy, supple and energetic. Its rounded texture is balanced by a lively, finely structured freshness that keeps the sake focused from beginning to end. Citrus and spice carry through the finish, leaving a clean, savory and mouthwatering impression.

The result is a Junmai Daiginjo that feels both sophisticated and spontaneous — expressive enough to enjoy on its own, yet versatile and dynamic at the table.

Style: Juicy · Dancing · Marzipan · Sansho · Citrus Zest · Fennel

Serving: Serve lightly chilled. Particularly rewarding with food, and worth allowing to develop in the glass as its temperature slowly rises.

Assemblage 4 captures IWA's signature sense of harmony while introducing an especially lively, vibrant and gastronomic personality.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Intensity without weight.
Bright floral and vegetal notes gradually reveal deeper tones and IWA's characteristic white-pepper spice. The palate is energetic, seamless and beautifully balanced, culminating in a racy, tactile finish.

With Assemblage 3, IWA turns up the intensity while maintaining the sense of equilibrium that defines the project.

The nose is highly defined, opening with bright vegetal and floral impressions rather than overt fruit. Given time and air, deeper and more complex tones emerge, accompanied by the distinctive suggestion of white pepper that has become part of IWA's aromatic signature.

The palate delivers an impressive combination of presence and weightlessness. Energetic and finely structured, it builds toward a tactile, racy and intensely mouthwatering finish without becoming heavy. The result is a Junmai Daiginjo that feels simultaneously powerful and exceptionally controlled.

Assemblage 3 combines Yamada Nishiki, Omachi and Gohyakumangoku, five yeast strains, predominantly traditional Kimoto and reserve sake components. The individual components are polished to 35%, with no added alcohol.

Style: Intense · Floral · Energetic · White Pepper · Mouthwatering

Serving: Excellent with food and particularly interesting as it develops with air and temperature.

Assemblage 3 is where IWA's quiet elegance begins to show a distinctly more energetic edge.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Purity comes into focus.
Assemblage 2 heightens the aromatic expression of IWA 5, building upon the balance and textural complexity of the inaugural release while placing greater emphasis on purity and aromatic definition. Floral and vegetal when cool, increasingly fruity and spicy as it warms, it finishes mineral, persistent and mouthwatering.

At cooler temperatures, the sake is taut, luminous and precise, showing delicate vegetal and floral qualities. As it warms, the expression becomes more energetic and expansive, with fruit and spice emerging alongside increased persistence.

At warmer temperatures, the palate gains body and breadth while retaining its clarity, introducing mineral, earthy and gently bitter elements with a mouthwatering, savory finish and nuances of licorice.

The assemblage is composed from Yamada Nishiki, Omachi and Gohyakumangoku, along with five different yeast strains, predominantly traditional Kimoto and reserve sake components. All individual components are polished to 35%, with no added alcohol.

Style: Pure · Floral · Vibrant · Mineral · Precise

Serving: Particularly compelling as it moves from cool to cellar temperature. For the collector interested in following the evolution of IWA, Assemblage 2 marks an important refinement of the original vision — clearer, brighter and increasingly expressive.

Assemblage 2 is where IWA's purity of vision becomes unmistakable.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Where the story begins.
Complex, layered and unusually savory, Assemblage 1 established the essential IWA 5 signature: richness without heaviness, finely balanced aromatics, saline persistence and distinctive umami. This is the founding expression — the sake that introduced Richard Geoffroy's vision to the world.

Assemblage 1 introduced a sake grounded in Japanese tradition but deliberately unconventional in its pursuit of balance between aroma, palate, texture and finish. Its aromatic profile leans toward deeper, darker tones than one might expect from Junmai Daiginjo, while the palate is beautifully composed, savory and persistent.

Subtle fruit and vegetal notes evolve toward spice and wood as the sake warms, eventually revealing more bitter, saline and umami-driven dimensions with suggestions of iodine and licorice.

Assemblage 1 uses Yamada Nishiki, Omachi and Gohyakumangoku rice, five yeast strains, predominantly traditional Kimoto methods and reserve sake components. It is a Junmai Daiginjo with no added alcohol; its classification is based on a 50% polishing rate for the least-polished component.

Style: Complex · Savory · Layered · Saline · Umami-Rich

Serving: Fascinating across a range of temperatures; allow it to open in the glass. A compelling opportunity to experience where the entire Assemblage project began.

Assemblage 1 is the most foundational expression of IWA — the origin of a remarkable and ongoing story.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Jokigen Junmai Sake Green Label — Yamagata Prefecture, Japan

Sakata Shuzo has been brewing sake in Yamagata Prefecture — in the Tohoku region of northern Japan — for generations, drawing on the soft, mineral-pure waters of Sakata and the cold mountain climate that makes Yamagata one of Japan’s most celebrated sake-producing regions. The brewery’s Jokigen label (“good mood” in Japanese) is a fitting name for a sake built around pleasure, generosity, and the kind of fruit-forward character that makes it as welcome at the casual table as at the considered dinner.

The Green Label Junmai is brewed from Hyogo-grown Yamada Nishiki rice — the undisputed king of sake rice — milled to 70% and fermented with Jokigen’s proprietary house yeast. Yamada Nishiki is prized for its large grain size, low protein content, and exceptional ability to develop glossy texture and tropical fruit character during fermentation. At SMV +2, this is technically dry, but the lush, fruity aromatics and medium-full body give it a richness and generosity that belies the numbers. An atypically fruity Junmai — and all the better for it.

Clear and bright in the glass. The nose is vibrant and inviting — fresh toasted grains, lush tropical fruit, and a lift of muscat grape. On the palate it is medium-full bodied with a beautiful glossy texture, flavors of fresh apple, muscat, and ripe stone fruit, and a soft but dry finish that keeps it food-friendly and endlessly sippable. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

• Brewery: Sakata Shuzo, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
• Style: Junmai
• Rice: Yamada Nishiki (Hyogo), milled to 70%
• Yeast: Jokigen House Yeast
• Water: Sakata Soft Water
• Sake Meter Value (SMV): +2 (dry)
• Acidity: 1.6
• ABV: 15%
• Size: 720ml
• Tasting Notes: Toasted grains, tropical fruit, fresh apple, muscat grape, glossy texture, soft dry finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fatty salmon, roast chicken, Thai red curry, yakitori, miso-glazed vegetables

Yamada Nishiki rice. Yamagata soft water. A Junmai that rewrites what “dry” can taste like.

Winemaker Description 

If you've ever encountered a "warm sake" skeptic, heat up a bottle of this Kenbishi "Kuromatsu" and prove to them that warm sake can be one of life's greatest pleasures. With the right amount of heat (around 104°F), hints of cashews, rice, caramel emerge. This 180ml bottle is designed especially for the microwave – remove the cap and heat for 20 seconds.

One cup sakes were first introduced during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and are perfect for taking on a picnic, a game, or alongside takeout.

Little Sumo Junmai Genshu — Hyogo Prefecture, Japan (200ml Cup)

Little Sumo is brewed in Hyogo Prefecture — Japan's most celebrated sake-producing region and home to the legendary Nada district, where the mineral-rich 'Miyamizu' spring water has been the foundation of Japan's finest sake for centuries. Miyamizu — literally 'shrine water' — is prized for its high mineral content, which promotes vigorous fermentation and produces sake of exceptional richness, structure, and depth. Little Sumo is a Junmai Genshu — a pure rice sake (no added alcohol) bottled undiluted at full fermentation strength, giving it a robust 18% ABV and a stout, rich character that packs an extraordinary amount of flavor into a small package. The rice is polished to 70%, retaining more of the grain's natural richness and contributing to the sake's full, textured mouthfeel. Fermented with proprietary yeast and Miyamizu spring water, it strikes a compelling balance between sweet and dry — fruity, nutty, and built for food.

The nose is inviting and expressive: aromas of melon and plum with a rich, generous character. On the palate, it is full-textured and layered — Asian pear, banana, and almonds, balanced between sweet and dry with a satisfying nuttiness on the finish. Stout, rich, and punchy — it truly packs a lot into a small package. Best served chilled at 45–50°F.

"Aromas of melon and plum, and rich texture with flavors of Asian pear, banana and almonds. Balanced between sweet and dry with elements of fruit and nuttiness. Packs a lot in a small package!" — Little Sumo, Producer

• Brewery: Little Sumo, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
• Classification: Junmai Genshu (undiluted, no added alcohol)
• Prefecture: Hyogo
• Rice: Polished to 70%
• Water: Miyamizu mineral-rich spring water
• Yeast: Proprietary
• Sake Meter Value: +6.0 (dry)
• Acidity: 1.4
• ABV: 18%
• Size: 200ml (cup)
• Tasting Notes: Melon, plum, Asian pear, banana, almonds, rich texture, sweet-dry balance, nutty finish
• Serve: Chilled (45–50°F)
• Best Paired With: Yakitori, Korean BBQ, fatty sashimi, gyoza, grilled meats, izakaya dishes

Hyogo's legendary Miyamizu water in a cup-size package — Little Sumo Junmai Genshu is rich, punchy, and one of the most fun sakes on the shelf.

Gyokusendo Shuzo Mukade Nigori Ginjo — Gifu, Japan

Gyokusendo Shuzo is a small, artisan brewery nestled in Gifu Prefecture, in the heart of the Japanese Alps. The brewery draws its water from the legendary springs of the Yoro Mountains — a source celebrated for centuries for its exceptional purity and soft mineral character, long considered among the finest brewing waters in Japan. It is this water, combined with locally grown rice milled to 50% and the delicate Ginjo fermentation process, that defines the Mukade style: refined, aromatic, and unlike any nigori you have encountered before.

Nigori sake is unfiltered, allowing fine rice sediment to remain in the bottle — giving it a characteristic milky appearance, a silky texture, and a gentle richness that sets it apart from clear sake. The Mukade Nigori Ginjo takes this tradition and elevates it: fermented at low temperatures with Yeast 601 to develop the floral, fruity Ginjo aromatics, then left unfiltered to preserve its natural texture and depth. The result is a sake that is simultaneously elegant and indulgent — dry on the finish, yet lush and enveloping on the palate.

Cloudy and luminous in the glass, with a soft ivory hue. The nose is delicate and floral — white peach, lychee, rice blossom, and a whisper of cream. On the palate it is silky and medium-bodied, with a gentle sweetness that gives way to a clean, dry finish. The Yoro mountain water is felt throughout: soft, pure, and seamlessly integrated. A sake that rewards both the curious newcomer and the seasoned enthusiast.

• Brewery: Gyokusendo Shuzo, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
• Style: Nigori Ginjo — Unfiltered, Dry
• Rice: Locally grown, milled to 50%
• Yeast: 601
• Sake Meter Value (SMV): –10
• Acidity: 1.5
• ABV: 14%
• Size: 720ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, lychee, rice blossom, cream, silky texture, dry finish
• Best Paired With: Tebasaki barbecue chicken wings, spicy red curries, tempura, soft cheeses, oysters

Yoro mountain water. Ginjo precision. Nigori soul. Sake at its most quietly extraordinary.

Brewery: Nippon Seishu • Prefecture: Hokkaido  • Rice: ‘Suisei– local Hokkaido rice milled to 45% • Water: Soft spring water • Yeast: Kyokai #1801 • Sake Meter Value: – 2 • Acidity: 1.3 • ABV: 15%  

• One of the first sake made from Hokkaido’s native ‘Suisei’ rice variety. Low starch content allows for clean and dry sake with excellent structure.
• Light aromas of sweet steamed rice, medium bodied, creamy texture with light notes of Muscat, finishes crisp and structured.
  
• Meant to pair with the abundant seafood local to Hokkaido. Best with simply prepared dishes where ingredients shine instead of heavily seasoned cuisine.

Jokigen Junmai Ginjo “Red Label” — Sakata Shuzo, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan (720ml)

Jokigen — meaning “good mood” in Japanese — is the flagship sake of Sakata Shuzo, a celebrated brewery in Yamagata Prefecture known for producing some of Japan’s most expressive and food-friendly sake. The Red Label Junmai Ginjo is built on a foundation of Oyama Nishiki rice — a specially developed sake rice created by a group of Toyama farmers who chose Sakata Shuzo as the brewery best equipped to unlock its full potential. Milled to 55%, brewed with Jokigen’s proprietary house yeast and Sakata’s famously soft local water, the result is a classically fruity Junmai Ginjo with a subtle savory quality that sets it apart from sweeter expressions of the style. A model of the Yamagata school: layered, balanced, and deeply satisfying.

The nose opens with fresh pear, cherry blossom, and ripe apple — bright and inviting. On the palate, the sake is medium-bodied and elegant with bold notes of stewed black cherry, orange zest, and a clean savory finish that lingers with quiet complexity. At 16% ABV with a near-neutral SMV of +1 and acidity of 1.5, it is dry enough to pair with rich, umami-forward dishes while remaining approachable and pleasurable on its own.

“The Jokigen is a model Junmai Ginjo, with bold notes of cherry and apple balanced by savory undertones. Classic Yamagata style with its subtle layers of fruit and light sweetness. Made from specially grown Oyama Nishiki developed by a group of Toyama rice farmers looking to develop the ultimate sake rice.”

• Brewery: Sakata Shuzo, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
• Style: Junmai Ginjo
• Rice: Oyama Nishiki, milled to 55%
• Yeast: Jokigen House Yeast
• Water: Sakata Soft Water
• SMV: +1 (near-dry)
• Acidity: 1.5
• ABV: 16%
• Size: 720ml
• Best Paired With: Grilled duck breast, miso-marinated black cod, maguro sashimi, richer seafood and umami-forward dishes

A model Yamagata Junmai Ginjo from one of Japan’s most respected sake breweries — Jokigen Red Label is the benchmark for what Oyama Nishiki rice, brewed with precision and purpose, can deliver in a glass of sake.

Junmai Sake — Dry Hopped | Brooklyn, New York / USA
Size: 750ml  |  American Craft Sake

Brooklyn Kura is New York City’s first sake brewery, founded in 2018 in the Industry City complex in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Drawing on traditional Japanese brewing techniques while embracing the creative spirit of American craft culture, they have built a reputation for sake that is genuinely innovative — approachable for newcomers, compelling for enthusiasts, and unlike anything else on the shelf.

“Occidental” — meaning “of the West” — is their most distinctive expression. A Junmai sake dry-hopped in the tradition of American craft brewing, it pours a beautiful pale pink with a bouquet that is floral, yeasty, and IPA-like in the best possible way. On the palate, velvety smooth citrus and ripe fruit flavors are perfectly balanced — refreshing, complex, and utterly original. East meets West, sake meets craft beer, and the result is something that makes you say “Ahhhh.”

“Named ‘Occidental’ which means ‘of the West,’ this sake definitely holds true to its name… The bouquet is emboldened with a yeasty, IPA-like hint that boosts the delightful floral aroma. This sake’s velvety smooth citrus and fruit flavor is perfectly balanced.”
— Brooklyn Kura

Style: Junmai (pure rice sake), dry-hopped
Serve: Chilled, in a wine glass or sake cup. Pairs with sushi, oysters, spicy Asian dishes, or light salads.

Producer Description 

This sake is a reflection of the brewery's director Masahiko Touda, who dubs himself a fungi maniac. His goal was to brew a sake that would pair with mushrooms. Notes of dried apricot, orange rind, and sweet miso enhances the earthy, deep flavors in the Kinoko Parcel.

We enjoy this sake at room temperature in a wine glass to enjoy its fruitier aromas, and warm in a guinomi to take in the more savory flavors. Touda-san hunts for mushrooms all year, exclaiming, “In Japan, mushrooms can be found throughout the year and are part of our nature and life. May the Fungi be with you!" 

Producer Description 

Kawatsuru translates to “river crane” and comes from the sighting of a crane in the river behind the brewery. Crane of Paradise is described as “umakuchi,” a combination between sweet, dry and umami flavors. The perfect summertime sip!

Juicy notes of grapefruit and freshly cut grass, with a hint of salted pineapple. Crisp, dry finish with an almost effervescent energy behind it.

Try with Pizza with prosciutto/speck or smoked salmon with cream cheese.