50 products
Kurosawa Sake Junmai Kimoto 720ml
Tasting Notes
Kurosawa Junmai Kimoto is medium-bodied and dry with vibrant aromas of banana, mango, and subtle spice. The palate reveals layered flavors of caramelized apple, coconut custard, dried pear, and honeyed fruit with a hint of smokiness and lightly earthy, mushroomy undertones. Complex yet harmonious, with a beautifully balanced finish.
About the Sake
Made using the rare, traditional Kimoto brewing method — which relies on native rather than cultured yeasts — this sake from Kurosawa Brewery in Nagano Prefecture delivers a slightly richer, earthier character than modern styles. The result is a sake of exceptional depth and versatility that rewards both casual drinkers and connoisseurs.
“Kimoto Sake is a traditional style relying on the use of native rather than cultured yeasts. This gives the sake a slightly richer, earthier character. Its rounder body and earthiness make it an excellent pairing for medium-fatty fish like yellowtail.” — Rand Sieger, 67Wine
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with yellowtail, salmon, sushi, grilled mushrooms, miso-glazed dishes, and light poultry. Enjoy cold or gently warmed.
Product Details
- Style: Junmai Kimoto
- Brewery: Kurosawa Brewery, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
- Format: 720ml
- Serve: Cold or warm
Kurosawa Nigori Sake 720ml
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.
Dassai 39 Junmai Daiginjo Sake 300ml
Dassai — meaning "Otter Festival" — is the brand that effectively revolutionized modern sake. Asahi Shuzo, based in Yamaguchi Prefecture, built their reputation on a single-minded obsession with Yamada-Nishiki rice, the "King of Sake Rice," and the relentless pursuit of purity and precision. Where wine is defined by soil and sun, Dassai is defined by the brewer's art.
The Dassai 39 Junmai Daiginjo Sake 300ml is named for its 39% rice polishing ratio — each grain of Yamada-Nishiki milled until only 39% of the original grain remains. By removing the outer layers of the rice, which contain fats and proteins, the brewer reaches the pure starchy heart, resulting in a cleaner, more floral, and more elegant profile. The 39 sits between the approachable 45 and the transcendent 23, offering a beautiful balance of aromatic complexity and accessible pleasure: ripe pineapple, mango, apple, and pear, with a flowery, expertly balanced character that is both refined and genuinely addictive.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Ripe pineapple, mango, apple, and pear with floral lift
- Palate: Clean, elegant, and well-balanced with tropical fruit and subtle sweetness
- Finish: Smooth, refined, and pleasantly lingering
Sake Details
- Junmai Daiginjo — 39% rice polishing ratio
- 100% Yamada-Nishiki rice
- Asahi Shuzo (Dassai), Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
- Kosher certified
- 300ml — serve well chilled
Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Silky Mild Sake 750ml
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
Kirinzan Classic Kirin-Zan Classic Sake Light & Dry 720ml
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
Chitosetsuru Junmai Daiginjo Sake Suisei Dry 720ml
Chitosetsuru Junmai Daiginjo Suisei — Hokkaido, Japan
Nippon Seishu — the brewery behind Chitosetsuru — is one of Hokkaido's most celebrated sake producers, based in Sapporo and dedicated to expressing the unique terroir of Japan's northernmost main island through the art of sake brewing. Hokkaido is a region of exceptional natural resources: pristine soft spring water, cold winters ideal for slow, controlled fermentation, and a growing tradition of cultivating sake-specific rice varieties uniquely suited to the local climate. Chitosetsuru Junmai Daiginjo Suisei is one of the first sakes ever made from Hokkaido's native 'Suisei' rice variety — a local grain with low starch content that allows for a clean, dry sake of excellent structure and remarkable elegance. The rice is milled to 45% of its original size — the hallmark of Junmai Daiginjo, the highest classification in sake — removing the outer layers to reveal the pure, aromatic core of the grain. Fermented with Kyokai #1801 yeast and soft Hokkaido spring water, it is crafted to pair with the abundant seafood of the region: best with simply prepared dishes where the ingredients shine.
The nose is clean and aromatic: light, sweet steamed rice with delicate notes of Muscat and white flowers. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a creamy texture — refined and precise, with a crisp, structured, dry finish that speaks to the low starch content of the Suisei rice. The quintessential Junmai Daiginjo — clean, elegant, and built for the table.
"This is the quintessential Junmai Daiginjo Sake. Junmai Daiginjo is made from highly polished rice making it clean, aromatic, and delicate. The elegance of this sake is the perfect pairing for light, delicate fish like flounder, red snapper, or sea bass." — Rand Sieger, 67Wine
- Brewery: Nippon Seishu (Chitosetsuru), Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- Classification: Junmai Daiginjo
- Rice: Suisei — native Hokkaido variety, milled to 45%
- Water: Soft Hokkaido spring water
- Yeast: Kyokai #1801
- Sake Meter Value: −2 (slightly dry)
- Acidity: 1.3
- ABV: 15%
- Size: 720ml
- Tasting Notes: Sweet steamed rice, Muscat, white flowers, creamy texture, crisp dry structured finish
- Serve: Chilled (45–50°F)
- Best Paired With: Flounder, red snapper, sea bass, oysters, sashimi, lightly seasoned seafood, delicate white fish
Hokkaido's native Suisei rice, milled to perfection — Chitosetsuru Junmai Daiginjo is Japan's northernmost terroir in a glass.
Hakurakusei Junmai Ginjo Sake 720ml
Hakurakusei Junmai Ginjo — Miyagi Prefecture, Tohoku, Japan
Niizawa Brewery, founded in 1873 in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku region of northern Japan, is one of the most respected sake producers in the country — and Hakurakusei is their flagship line. The name translates loosely to "white happiness," and the sake lives up to it: a range built around supreme food-friendliness, delicate aromatics, and a clean, precise style that reflects the cold, pure waters and rice-growing traditions of the Tohoku region.
What makes this Junmai Ginjo particularly special is its rice: Kura no Hana, a rare sake rice variety native to Miyagi Prefecture, milled to 55%. Kura no Hana is prized for producing sake of exceptional clarity and elegance — lighter in body than Yamada Nishiki, with a natural affinity for the Ginjo fermentation style. Fermented slowly at low temperatures to develop its characteristic floral and fruity aromatics, this is a sake of quiet sophistication and remarkable versatility at the table.
Crystal clear in the glass. The nose is gentle and inviting — a whisper of banana, white flowers, and fresh citrus. On the palate it is clean and medium-light bodied, with a zippy, citrus-like acidity that keeps it lively and food-friendly from first sip to last. Neither too sweet nor too dry — it bolsters savory cuisine with equal grace as it walks alongside sweeter Japanese nimono dishes. Serve well chilled.
- Brewery: Niizawa Brewery (Hakurakusei), Miyagi Prefecture, Tohoku, Japan
- Founded: 1873
- Style: Junmai Ginjo
- Rice: Kura no Hana (Miyagi), milled to 55%
- Region: Miyagi, Tohoku, Japan
- Size: 720ml
- Tasting Notes: Banana, white flowers, fresh citrus, clean acidity, medium-light body
- Best Paired With: Nimono (Japanese simmered dishes), grilled fish, sushi, tempura, light chicken dishes, soft tofu
Rare Miyagi rice. 150 years of Tohoku brewing. A Junmai Ginjo built for the table — and everything on it.
Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Sake 720ml
Asahi Shuzo, the Yamaguchi-based brewery behind the Dassai name, has spent decades redefining what premium sake can be. Their obsessive focus on Yamada-Nishiki rice and relentless pursuit of refinement has made Dassai one of the most recognized and respected sake brands in the world. And at the pinnacle of their range sits the 23 — a sake that represents the absolute limit of the brewer's art.
The Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Sake 720ml is named for its 23% rice polishing ratio — the highest degree of milling of any sake in the world. Yamada-Nishiki rice is milled down to just 23% of its original grain size, removing the outer layers to reveal the pure starch core. The result is a sake of unparalleled refinement, subtlety, and aromatic delicacy: exceptionally delicate floral aromas of white blossom and melon on the nose, a silky, elegant palate of honey, ripe pear, and subtle rice sweetness, and a finish that is long, pure, and ethereal. A sake of rare beauty.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: White blossom, melon, and delicate floral lift
- Palate: Silky and elegant with honey, ripe pear, and subtle rice sweetness
- Finish: Long, pure, and ethereal
Sake Details
- Junmai Daiginjo — 23% rice polishing ratio (world's highest)
- 100% Yamada-Nishiki rice
- Asahi Shuzo (Dassai), Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
- Kosher certified
- 720ml — serve well chilled in a wine glass or Champagne flute
- Pairs with: sashimi, oysters, delicate seafood, steamed fish, light Japanese cuisine
Sho Chiku Bai Classic Sake 750ml
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.
Kikusui Junmai Ginjo Sake 300ml
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.
Brooklyn Kura #14 Junmai Ginjo Namazake 750ml
Junmai Ginjo Namazake | Brooklyn, New York City / USA
Size: 750ml | ABV: 15% | Keep Refrigerated · 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.
Number Fourteen — their classic — is a Junmai Ginjo Namazake: unpasteurized, intended to be served locally, chilled, and enjoyed soon after fermentation ends. Brewed from a blend of Calrose and Yamada Nishiki rice milled to more than 60%, fermented cold and slow, it delivers everything you want from a great Ginjo — fresh, crisp, light, and aromatic, with a clean dry finish and a lively, just-brewed vitality that pasteurized sake simply cannot replicate. This is sake at its most alive.
“Intended to be served locally, chilled, and enjoyed soon after the fermentation process ends… a fresh, crisp, light and aromatic sake with a dry finish.”
— Brooklyn Kura
Rice: Calrose & Yamada Nishiki | Milling: 60%+ | SMV: 0 (neutral)
Storage: Keep refrigerated at all times
Pairs with: Oysters, sashimi, light seafood, edamame, soft cheeses, or simply on its own.
Kikusui Shuzo Junmai Sake 720ml
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.
Kawatsuru Sake Olive Junmai Ginjo 720ml
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.
Kinishihai Yukikage Snow Shadow Tokubetsu Junmai Sake 300ml
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.
Snow Angel Nigori Sake Yuki No Tehshi Cup 180ml
Snow Angel Nigori Sake “Yuki no Tenshi” — Hyogo Prefecture, Japan (180ml Cup)
Yuki no Tenshi — “Snow Angel” in Japanese — is a delicate, silky unfiltered nigori sake from Hyogo Prefecture, the spiritual home of Japan’s finest sake brewing. Brewed with mineral-rich Miyamizu spring water — the legendary water source that has defined Hyogo sake for centuries — and rice polished to 70%, this nigori is crafted with a proprietary yeast and a philosophy of balance: off-dry with a touch of sweetness, but kept elegant at 12.5% ABV. The 180ml cup format makes it the perfect single-serve sake for any occasion — no glass required.
The nose is fragrant and inviting: lily flowers, cantaloupe, and a soft floral sweetness. On the palate, the sake is smooth and creamy with a silky, unfiltered texture and flavors of Muscat grape and fresh strawberry, leading to a long, lingering finish. It is rich and delicious — off-dry enough to stand up to bold, spicy flavors, and refined enough to sip on its own chilled.
“A delicate, silky, unfiltered nigori sake. Off-dry with a touch of sweetness but balanced at 12.5% ABV. Aroma of lily flowers and cantaloupes, smooth and creamy texture, flavors of Muscat grape and strawberries with a lingering finish.”
- Producer: Yuki no Tenshi (Snow Angel), Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
- Style: Nigori (unfiltered) sake
- Prefecture: Hyogo
- Water: Miyamizu mineral-rich spring water
- Rice Polishing: 70% (Seimai-buai)
- ABV: 12.5%
- SMV: -20 (off-dry)
- Acidity: 1.4
- Size: 180ml cup
- Best Served: Well chilled; pairs with spicy foods, BBQ, curries, sushi, and even ice cream
A silky, off-dry Hyogo nigori brewed with legendary Miyamizu water — Snow Angel is the benchmark for what approachable, food-friendly unfiltered sake can deliver in a single-serve cup.
Koshu Plum Wine 750ml
Winemaker Description
Are you always on the lookout for the next delicious dessert wine to accompany your meals? Our 750ml plum drink variety could not be a better choice! With all the distinctive flavors you look for in a fruit-flavored sake, our sweet KOSHU Plum sake finishes off dinner with a taste to remember. You can serve it cold at the end of the meal, or try one as a drink right before you dig into your dinner. Either way, you get a refreshing beverage your guests will ask for again and again.
Intense, appetizing aromas of candied plum and cherry. The palate is sweet, but not cloying, with concentrated flavors of plum, black cherry and almond, and a lingering finish.
The KOSHU PLUM is a decadent, complex plum 'sake', ideal as an aperitif or dessert drink.
Kamoizumi Red Maple Junmai Ginjo Namazume 720ml
Kamoizumi Red Maple — Junmai Ginjo Namazume — Hiroshima, Japan — 720ml
The Maegaki family began as rice farmers in Hiroshima, became landlords, and entered sake brewing at the onset of Japan's modern era in 1910. In 1965, Kamoizumi became one of a pioneering group of ten breweries who committed entirely to junmai sake production — at a time when adding brewers’ alcohol to maximize profits was standard practice. Their first Junmai was released in 1971, and few breweries have taken a bolder stance on developing a true house style. Red Maple is their most celebrated expression: a Junmai Ginjo Namazume aged for two years at 5°C, unpasteurized and undiluted, developing rich, layered savory character without losing a sense of freshness. This is sake at a new level of complexity.
The sake balances sweetness, acidity, astringency, and savory depth like no other — a textbook expression of the elusive flavor of umami. Rich and full-flavored on the palate, with bold character and the drinkability that marks true technical mastery. The two-year cold aging builds layers of complexity — earthy, savory, and deeply satisfying — while the namazume (once-pasteurized) process preserves a vibrant freshness that keeps every sip alive. Designed to be enjoyed now or aged further in a cold cellar or wine fridge.
Unpasteurized, undiluted, aged 2 years at 5°C — Junmai Ginjo Namazume from one of Hiroshima's most pioneering sake breweries. Bold, umami-driven, and built for the table.
- Producer: Kamoizumi Brewery, Hiroshima, Japan
- Style: Junmai Ginjo Namazume (Once-Pasteurized)
- Aging: 2 years at 5°C — unpasteurized, undiluted
- Character: Bold, full-flavored, umami-driven, layered savory complexity
- Size: 720ml
- Tasting Notes: Sweetness, bright acidity, astringency, rich umami, earthy savory depth, vibrant freshness
- Serve: Cold, at room temperature, or over a single ice cube
- Cellar Potential: Drink now or age further in a cold cellar or wine fridge
- Best Paired With: Grilled meats, yakitori, aged cheeses, miso-glazed fish, mushroom dishes, full-flavored cuisine
One of Hiroshima's most pioneering breweries, one of Japan's most complex sake expressions — Kamoizumi Red Maple is the benchmark for what bold, umami-driven Junmai Ginjo can be.
Choya Umeshu With Fruits 750ml
Winemaker Description
Golden yellow. Honey on the nose. Sweet honey, almond and stoney fruit flavors with nice acidity. On the rocks, with club soda, gin or in your favorite tea.
Uka Sparkling Sake Junmai Daiginjo Organic 300ml
Uka Sparkling Sake Junmai Daiginjo — Fukushima, Japan | Organic | 300ml
Uka is a premium sake producer from Fukushima Prefecture, one of Japan’s most celebrated sake-brewing regions, known for its pure mountain water and exceptional rice cultivation. This Junmai Daiginjo — the highest classification of sake, made with highly polished rice and no added alcohol — is certified organic and crafted in a sparkling style that makes it one of the most distinctive and approachable bottles in the category. Kosher certified and elegantly presented in a 300ml format, it is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
The nose is ethereal and inviting: white flower, fresh pear, and a delicate whisper of anise, with a fine natural effervescence that lifts the aromatics beautifully. On the palate, the sake is silky and refined, with a bright citrus fruitiness and a clean, refreshing finish. The bubbles are delicate and persistent — more like fine Pétillant Naturel than aggressive carbonation — making this an exceptional aperitif or a show-stopping pairing at the table.
“Dreamlike mist in a glass graced with aromas of white flower, pear, and anise. Silky texture with a citrus fruitiness heightened by a delicate effervescence.” — Uka
- Producer: Uka, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
- Style: Sparkling Junmai Daiginjo Sake
- Classification: Junmai Daiginjo (highest grade — no added alcohol)
- Certification: Organic | Kosher
- Size: 300ml
- Tasting Notes: White flower, pear, anise, citrus, silky texture, delicate effervescence
- Best Paired With: Oysters, sushi, sashimi, light seafood, soft cheeses, fruit-based desserts, or as a celebratory aperitif
Japan’s most elegant sparkling sake — Uka Junmai Daiginjo delivers organic craftsmanship, Kosher certification, and a dreamlike effervescence that makes every pour feel like a special occasion.
Dassai Sparkling 45 Junmai Daiginjo Sake 360ml
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
Tsukasabotan Yamayuzu Shinori Yuzu Sake 720ml
Tsukasabotan · Yamayuzu Shinori Yuzu Sake · Japan
Yuzushu | Kochi Prefecture, Japan | 720ml
Producer & Place
Tsukasabotan Yamayuzu Shinori is a gentle yuzushu from Kochi Prefecture, Japan. Offered in a 720ml bottle, it brings a citrus-led alternative to the table for shoppers exploring yuzu sake.
Aromatic Profile
The producer note describes lemon peel, honey, fresh lemonade, elderflower and sugar aromas. Citrus and floral accents define the nose, with an elegant, refined character. These descriptors refer to aromas, not a verified ingredient list.
Winemaker Description
Winemaker Description: This gentle Yuzushu from Kochi Prefecture offers a splendid nose of lemon peel, honey, fresh lemonade, elderflower, and sugar aromas, capturing an elegant and refined essence.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
Our suggestions: try a small chilled pour, over ice or with a splash of soda. Pair with a citrus dessert or enjoy alongside a light appetizer to explore its fragrant character.
Product Details
- Producer: Tsukasabotan
- Name: Yamayuzu Shinori
- Style: Yuzushu / yuzu sake
- Region: Kochi Prefecture
- Country: Japan
- Size: 720ml
- Producer-described aromas: Lemon peel, honey, fresh lemonade, elderflower and sugar
Bushido Way of the Warrior Ginjo Genshu Sake Can 180ml
Bushido Way of the Warrior Ginjo Genshu Sake — Japan | 180ml Can
Bushido is the most portable premium sake on the market — and one of the most exciting. Named for the ancient Japanese warrior code of moral values, loyalty, and honor, this Ginjo Genshu is brewed to the exacting standards of a premium sake house and packaged in a sleek, single-serve can that goes anywhere you do. Ginjo-grade brewing means slow, cold fermentation with select yeast for exceptional aromatic complexity; Genshu means undiluted — bottled at full cask strength for maximum flavor and character. At under $8 for a 180ml can, it is one of the most compelling values in premium sake.
The nose is fresh and aromatic: tart raspberry, Asian pear, and watermelon rind with a lift of white flowers. On the palate, it is bright and lively, with a clean, slightly spicy finish that lingers with elegance. It drinks beautifully chilled straight from the can — or poured over ice.
- Producer: Bushido Sake, Japan
- Style: Ginjo Genshu (undiluted, premium grade)
- Format: 180ml Can
- Tasting Notes: Tart raspberry, Asian pear, watermelon rind, white flowers, spicy finish
- Best Served: Chilled straight from the can, over ice, or alongside sushi, sashimi, light salads, and spicy Asian dishes
Premium Ginjo sake in a can — Bushido is the benchmark for on-the-go sake done right.
Kiku Masamune Shuzo Taru Junmai Sake 720 ml
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.
Tozai Sake Living Jewel Junmai 720ml
Tozai ‘Living Jewel’ Junmai Sake — Kyoto, Japan | 720ml
Tozai ‘Living Jewel’ is named for Japan’s legendary koi fish — the shimmering, vibrantly colored “living jewels” that have symbolized good fortune and luck for centuries. Brewed in Kyoto from Koashihikari rice, this Junmai sake is crafted for pure, effortless pleasure: light, soft, and endlessly approachable, with the kind of easy elegance that makes it the perfect introduction to premium Japanese sake.
The nose is gentle and inviting: banana, citrus, and Asian pear with a soft, clean freshness. On the palate, it is light and smooth, with a delicate sweetness and a clean, refreshing finish that makes you reach for another pour. Serve chilled for maximum freshness — or gently warmed to bring out its subtle rice character.
Rand Sieger, 67Wine — “Light, soft sake with notes of banana, citrus and Asian pear.”
- Brewery: Tozai (Kinoshita Brewery), Kyoto, Japan
- Style: Junmai — pure rice sake, no added alcohol
- Rice: Koashihikari
- Size: 720ml
- Tasting Notes: Banana, citrus, Asian pear, soft sweetness, clean refreshing finish
- Best Served: Chilled or lightly warmed; pairs with sushi, sashimi, tempura, light salads, and mild cheeses
A Kyoto Junmai of effortless elegance — Tozai ‘Living Jewel’ is the benchmark for what approachable premium sake can be.
Toyo Bijin Sake Junmai Ginjo 300ml
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.
Dassai Blue 50 Sparkling Nigori 360ml
Dassai Blue 50 Sparkling Nigori — Hyde Park, New York — 360ml
Dassai is one of Japan's most celebrated sake breweries, renowned for its ultra-premium Junmai Daiginjo expressions and a relentless pursuit of purity and craftsmanship. Dassai Blue is their American chapter — a brewery established in Hyde Park, New York, bringing traditional Japanese sake-making methods to the Hudson Valley. The Sparkling Nigori 50 is a landmark release: the first sparkling cloudy sake produced entirely in the United States using traditional Japanese methods, including an in-bottle secondary fermentation with no added sugar. A milestone for American sake, and a genuinely thrilling drink.
Cloudy and luminous in the glass, with fine, persistent bubbles from the natural in-bottle fermentation. The nose is fresh and inviting — green apple, ripe pear, and the delicate sweetness of Japanese wagashi confections. On the palate, the sake is well-balanced and lively, with a pleasant natural sweetness derived from rice, moderate fizziness, and a refreshing, crisp finish. Light, elegant, and endlessly approachable.
Junmai Daiginjo Nigori — in-bottle secondary fermentation, no added sugar. The first sparkling cloudy sake produced entirely in the United States using traditional Japanese methods. Dassai Blue, Hyde Park, New York.
- Producer: Dassai Blue, Hyde Park, New York
- Style: Junmai Daiginjo Sparkling Nigori Sake
- Method: In-bottle secondary fermentation — no added sugar
- Rice Polishing Ratio: 50%
- Size: 360ml
- Tasting Notes: Green apple, ripe pear, wagashi sweetness, natural rice sweetness, moderate fizz, crisp refreshing finish
- Serve: Chilled at 41°F (5°C) or below
- Best Paired With: Oysters, sushi, sashimi, light seafood, soft cheeses, fresh fruit, or enjoyed on its own as an aperitif
A landmark American sake — Dassai Blue's Sparkling Nigori 50 is the benchmark for what traditional Japanese craftsmanship can achieve in the Hudson Valley.
Dassai Blue 50 Junmai Daiginjo Sake 375ml
Dassai Blue 50 · Junmai Daiginjo · Hyde Park, New York
Dassai Blue 50 is a Junmai Daiginjo sake made in Hyde Park, New York, with Yamada Nishiki rice. This 375ml bottle offers a compact introduction to the brewery’s Type 50 expression and its fruit-led flavor profile.
Pineapple and honeydew aromas lead into pineapple, lemon and sweet almond on the palate, followed by a subtle caramel finish. The producer recommends serving it chilled at 41°F (5°C) or below. For a pairing suggestion, try sushi, lightly prepared fish or a fresh seafood appetizer.
Producer Description
Renowned for its depth and complexity of flavor, Dassai Blue works exclusively with the “King of sake rice” Yamada Nishiki to produce Junmai Daiginjo, the highest grade sake in the world.
Our Type 50 is bottled three different ways to highlight not just the versatility of the rice, but also the exceptional level of craft that goes into every expression of Dassai Blue.
Dassai Blue · Producer Description
Producer Tasting Notes
Aromas of pineapple and honeydew open to pineapple, lemon and sweet almond with a subtle caramel finish.
Best Served: Chilled, 41 degree F (5°C) or below.
Dassai Blue · Tasting and serving notes
At a glance
- Producer: Dassai Blue
- Expression: Type 50
- Style: Junmai Daiginjo sake
- Origin: Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Rice: Yamada Nishiki
- Size: 375ml
- Aromas: Pineapple and honeydew
- Palate: Pineapple, lemon and sweet almond
- Finish: Subtle caramel
- Serving temperature: 41°F (5°C) or below
New York-crafted Junmai Daiginjo with bright fruit and a subtle caramel finish.
Kenbishi Kuromatsu Honjozo Sake 900ml
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.
Gyokusendo Shuzo Mukade Nigori Ginjo Dry Sake 720ml
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.
Kuroki Honten Kiroku Memory Shochu 720ml
Winemaker Description
Kurokame Is A Surprising Imo Shochu Made With 'Purple' Satsuma Sweet Potatoes. These Potatoes Have A Robust Reddish Purple Skin, But Are A Pale Yellow Inside. It Is Distilled Traditionally In Earthen Pots (Kame) Using Black Koji (Kuro Koji). Thus The Name, Kurokame ?
Or Black Stone Pot.
Kurokame Has A Surprisingly Neutral Nose. Imos Tend To Smell Like Fresh Dirt In A Good Way. This Imo Smells More Subtle. Almost A Roasted Essence. The Initial Palate Is Spicy With A Rich Sweetness. And Then The Roast Hits. A Roasted Wheat Flavor. The Roast Holds Along With A Hint Of Sweet Spiciness Throughout the Finish.
Kozaemon Liqueur Junmai Umeshu 500ml
Rich, elegant, and deeply aromatic, the Kozaemon Junmai Umeshu is a premium Japanese plum liqueur crafted with exceptional care at the historic Nakashima Brewery in Gifu Prefecture. Made from sun-ripened ume plums sourced from Wakayama — Japan's most celebrated ume-growing region — and steeped in Kozaemon's own Junmai sake, this is umeshu at its most refined: complex, balanced, and unmistakably Japanese.
Kozaemon & Nakashima Brewery
Founded in 1702 in Minokamo, Gifu Prefecture, Nakashima Brewery is one of Japan's most respected sake producers. The Kozaemon label represents their finest expressions — crafted using traditional techniques, locally sourced Hida Minori rice, and the pure soft waters of the Hida River. Their Junmai Umeshu applies this same philosophy to Japan's beloved plum liqueur tradition, using their own sake as the base rather than the more common shochu or neutral spirit.
Tasting Profile
Deep amber with a luminous clarity. The nose is intensely aromatic — ripe ume plum, apricot, and a gentle floral sweetness with hints of almond. On the palate it's luscious and full-bodied with bright natural acidity cutting through the sweetness, layers of ripe stone fruit, and a long, warming finish. Beautifully balanced between sweet and tart, rich and refreshing.
Producer
Nakashima Brewery (Kozaemon), Minokamo, Gifu Prefecture
Base
Junmai Sake
Ume Source
Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
Country
Japan
Format
500ml
What is Umeshu?
Umeshu is a traditional Japanese liqueur made by steeping ume — a stone fruit related to both plum and apricot — in alcohol with sugar. While most commercial umeshu uses shochu or neutral spirits as the base, premium producers like Kozaemon use sake, adding a layer of grain complexity and umami depth that elevates the liqueur far beyond the ordinary. The result is a drink of genuine sophistication.
Perfect Pairings & Serving
Serve chilled, on the rocks, or with sparkling water as a refreshing highball. Pairs beautifully with Japanese cuisine — sushi, yakitori, tempura — as well as soft cheeses, foie gras, and fruit-based desserts. Also exceptional as a digestif or aperitif.
Kozaemon Hiyaoroshi Junmai Ginjo Sake 720ml
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.
Uka Black Label Sake Junmai Daiginjo ORGANIC 720ml
Uka · Black Label Organic Junmai Daiginjo · Japan · 720ml
Clear and bright, Uka Black Label opens with lifted aromas of strawberry and pineapple, followed by a delicate whisper of anise. Its fruit-forward character is balanced by a gentle hint of honey.
Full-bodied yet balanced, it has a silky, luscious texture and a long, lingering finish. A distinctive Junmai Daiginjo to pour when you want a sake with both generous fruit and an elegant feel.
Winemaker Description
Clear, day-bright nectar with aromas of strawberry, pineapple, and a whisper of anise. Full-bodied, balanced, and fruity with a hint of honey. A silky, luscious texture and a long finish.
At a Glance
- Producer: Uka
- Style: Black Label Junmai Daiginjo
- Certification: Organic
- Country: Japan
- Size: 720ml
Bright fruit, honeyed balance, and a silky finish make this a polished expression of organic Junmai Daiginjo.
Chiyonosono Sake Sacred Power Junmai Ginjo 300ml
Chiyonosono · Sacred Power Junmai Ginjo · Kyushu, Japan · 300ml
Chiyonosono's Sacred Power is crafted with house-cultivated Kyushu Shinriki rice and Kumamoto yeast. The rice is polished to 55% of its original size, removing 45% of the grain, for a junmai ginjo with a rich, mellow character.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of hay, lemongrass and tropical fruit introduce a silky, full-flavored palate. Fruit notes mingle with saline accents and savory umami, finishing with uplifting brightness and acidity. The 300ml bottle is an inviting choice for exploring this sake alongside a meal.
Producer Description
Chiyonosono's Sacred Power was crafted with Kyushu Shinriki rice (their own house-cultivated variety) and Kumamoto yeast. The Seimaibuai value is 55%, meaning 45% of the grain was polished away.
This is a rich, mellow, full-flavored sake with aromas of hay, lemongrass and tropical fruits. On the silky palate, those fruits couple with accents of saline and savory umami flavors, finishing with uplifting brightness and acidity. Enjoy with selections from the raw bar, sushi and sautéed greens and veggies.
Pairing Suggestions
Enjoy with selections from the raw bar, sushi, sautéed greens and vegetables. Its combination of fruit, savory depth and bright acidity offers plenty to explore at the table.
Sake Details
- Producer: Chiyonosono
- Expression: Sacred Power
- Style: Junmai Ginjo
- Region: Kyushu, Japan
- Rice: Kyushu Shinriki, house-cultivated
- Yeast: Kumamoto
- Rice Polishing Ratio: 55% remaining
- Size: 300ml
Rich texture, savory depth and a bright finish in a compact bottle.
Tentaka Hawk in the Heavens Sake Junmai Tokubetsu 300ml
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.
Rihaku Nigori Sake Dreamy Clouds Tokubetsu Junmai 720ml
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.