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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.