Sake, Soju, Plum Wine

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 — 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 — 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

Winemaker Description

Herbaceous with hints of grapefruit and a light earthiness. Good acidity, mineral driven, well-balanced with a clean, medium finish. Delicious with tempura, full flavored fish and shellfish, fresh green vegetable dishes, and coconut-based Asian dishes. A flavorful base for stocks and marinades. This versatile sake can be served warmed, room temperature or chilled. It is aged for approximately 6 months to achieve its mellow flavor. 

Simple with aromas of rice and melon.  Serve chilled.

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

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.

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. Their range is defined by polishing ratio: the lower the number, the more the rice is milled, and the more refined the sake.

The Dassai 45 Junmai Daiginjo Sake 720ml is the approachable entry point into the Dassai family — and a remarkable sake in its own right. The Yamada-Nishiki rice is milled to 45% of its original size, revealing a sake that is elegant, fresh, and immediately appealing. A slight sweetness and very floral aromas lead to a medium-bodied palate of perfect balance — nutty and candy-like with a delicate hint of honeydew. Smooth, accessible, and endlessly enjoyable.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Floral, fresh, and lightly sweet
• Palate: Medium-bodied with nuttiness, candy, and a hint of honeydew
• Finish: Clean, smooth, and gently lingering

Sake Details

• Junmai Daiginjo — 45% rice polishing ratio
• 100% Yamada-Nishiki rice
• Asahi Shuzo (Dassai), Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
• Kosher certified
• 720ml — serve well chilled
• Pairs with: sushi, sashimi, tempura, light Japanese cuisine

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 — 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.

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 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Producer Description 

This savory sake is inspired by local legends of Niigata's annual fox-bride festival. Local lore tells of mysterious lights that appeared on nearby Mt. Kirin in the distant past, which are claimed to be the lanterns carried in the fox-bride procession. With a 50% polishing rate, this sake could technically qualify as a Junmai Daiginjo, but the savory notes and food pairing versatility identify more with the style expected from Junmai 

Intense aromas of grilled nuts, pistachio, and a hint of white chocolate. Ripe honeydew notes finish crisp with a hint of lingering sweetness.

One of the best meat pairings in the portfolio. Try with duck, fig-stuffed pork loin, or black cod with miso glaze.