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Junmai & Honjozo
This category represents the historical advancement or jump to "premium" sakes that are handcrafted for layered perfection and make great food pairings. Think prototypical sushi counter sakes. Each grain of rice must be milled or polished to a "seimaibuai" or remaining of 70% with 30% removal. Very fragrant, clean, and distinctive.
Akishika Junmai "Bambi Cup"
Four Hot Words: Compact, Dry, Clean, & Even. This "ultra popular" One Cup is exclusive to True Sake. Come on, is there a cooler one cup of sake that is dry and compact and extremely easy to empty? Talk about drinkable without thinkable! Light, clean, neutral and smooth this "deer" has hidden flavors such as rice, oatmeal, wheat and hint of good ol' nougat. There is more body and flavor present as the sake comes into room temperature, and do not be afraid to heat this cup as "Bambi" does well hot. A super approachable dry friendly one cup that tastes as fun as it looks. WORD: Even WINE: Dry reds/gentle whites BEER: light beers FOODS: Bar snacks and grilled fare. Prefecture: Osaka; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.7
- 180ml $8.00
Akitabare Koshiki Junzukuri Junmai "Northern Skies" (JH33)
Four Hot Words: Round, Smooth, Light, & Balanced. This Junmai has a plum nose with subtle grass tones. The first sip has a fairly dry start filled with hints of lemon, plum, and grape skin tones. The viscosity is slick and shimmering and the overall feel is soft and balanced. This Junmai is a classic "three sipper" which means you need to realize three sips to find the soul and beauty of this semi-dry Junmai. WORD: Round WINE: Sauvignon Blanc/Pinot Griggio BEER: Pilsner FOODS: Amazingly cuisines do not change the flavor of this sake! Prefecture: Akita; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.8
- 720ml $28.00
Asahiyama Junmai
Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $22.00
Bunraku Nihonjin No Wasuremono Yamahai Junmai "Forgotten Japanese Spirit"
Four Hot Words: Layered, Expressive, Light, & Smooth. This traditionally made sake has a very unique nose filled with chocolate, cream, and wool elements. Talk about a smooth and soft sake! This brew has different faces at different temperatures. Out of the fridge look for ripe rich fruit tones, including kiwi, and when it gets closer to room temp behold dryer elements that are more layered such as steamed rice, creamy pâtés and potatoes. There is a nice vein of white chocolate for those who really spelunk for flavor! Round, soft and silky this Yamahai is gentle and expressive at once! WORD: Smooth WINE: Soft reds/ thick whites BEER: Ales FOODS: Sushi, grill fare, French fries. Prefecture: Saitama; SMV: +5
- 300ml $18.00
Dewatsuru Kimoto Junmai
Four Hot Words: Rich, Smooth, Grilled, & Balanced. The nose on this "pole rammed" sake is a wonderful collection of roasted rice, chestnuts, honey and nougat aromas. This is very solid kimoto sake that feels great in the palate. Think smooth, round, creamy, fat, rich, and very velvety. Look for roasted, ricy, and chocolaty flavors that become more like rich fruit tones as the fluid warms. If you have never tried sun warming a sake for a cool evening this is the brew. Great at so many different temperatures because it is so balanced. WORD: Rich WINE: Pinot Noir/Fat Whites BEER: Creamy Belgians FOODS: Rich cuisines, grilled veggies, salty savory off of the grill. Prefecture: Akita; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $36.00
ENTER.Sake Black Dot 2015
This honjozo, polished to 65%, reflects a clean pure style of sake, with white mountain flowers on the nose. It has a wonderful clean and soft silky texture. The cleansing acidity also provides good structure and there is a subtle fruitiness with hints of mango, peach and pineapple. Sekiya Brewery producer of Black Dot 2015 was established in 1865 based in Kitashitara-gun is located in a mountain valley pass in the Japanese Alps between Nagoya and Nagano. For hundred of years the town was a waypoint and resting place for travelers between the two cities. Sekiya Brewery was established because of the clean water from the mountains and the thirsty travelers crossing the mountains. Now it is a state-of-the-art sake brewery with a tasting room and sake-focused restaurant built out of an ancient farmhouse in town as well.
- 720ml $23.00
ENTER.Sake Shuhari Junmai 2015
This sake, made from Gohyakumangoku rice and polished to 65%, is a clean, smooth sake with citrus peel and alpine flowers on nose followed by white grapefruit, Muscat grape, and green apple on the palate. It has a sharp finish that pairs well with fish or any savory dish. The brand name "SHUHARI" comes from three distinct Japanese characters that relate to Matsumoto's long legacy as a sake brewer: SHU to protect their existing tradition, HA to continue to break new ground in sake brewing, and finally RI to separate and create a new taste of sake for the next generation.
- 720ml $25.00
- 1.8L $50.00
Fuku Chitose Yamahai Junmai "Happy Owl"
Four Hot Words: Funky, Earth, Big, & Round. Talk about a Yamahai nose! Sniff around for earthy, yeasty, stinky cheese, citrus, muddy, and wet wool aromas. Typically a sake with this type of nose drinks big and beefy and you cannot drink too much. But Happy Owl is different. It has huge flavors but it is not too musky and immense to drink. Thus this is a great Yamahai to try for the experience of tasting a smoky and roasted brew that drinks more smooth and round. The huge upfront flavor splash features earthy, nougat, maple syrup, coffee, and nutty expressions that slide into a clean finish. How did they do that? Big flavor with a subtle back! Wow! This is like a Yamahai-Lite! Great for warming. WORD: Flavorful WINE: Zins and big reds BEER: Stouts FOODS: Big flavorful cuisines, cured meats and cheeses. Prefecture: Fukui; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $34.00
Fukuju Mikagego Junmai "Happy Brewery"
Four Hot Words: Soft, Dry, Round, & Balanced. The nose on this Junmai (Yamada milled to 70%) has a ricey, honey, steamed rice and dark chocolate aroma. Behold a smooth and slippery sake that is ricey! Yeah! Not too many sakes drink ricey these days - go figure! Clean, soft, dry and silky there are subtle hints of dark chocolate amongst a watery flow. It gets more frisky at room temp and does well warming. A little tingle of alcohol speaks to those who like clear boozes. So nice to drink a sake that truly is "rice wine." WORD: Ricey WINE: Zesty reds/Dry whites BEER: Crisp ales FOODS: Prototypical pub fare. Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $23.00
- 1.8L $55.00
Genbei Onikoroshi Honjozo "4 Eyed Devil"
Four Hot Words: Easy, Ricey, Savory, & Smooth. This ultra-popular restaurant Honjozo has a nose filled with steamed rice, grains, dried leaves and onigiri. Kyoto is known for their soft water and this brew drinks smooth, round and very soft. The silky texture of this "Devil Killer" has hints of vanilla, caramel, toffee, popcorn balls, and sweet rice, and more caramel comes forth as the sake warms in the glass. Semi-rich and semi-sweet this brew is very drinkable and those who like a little tingle in the tail approve. Cool start with a hot finish this sake is a perennial fan favorite. WORD: Soft WINE: Pinot Noir/Soft whites BEER: Soft ales FOODS: Grilled fare, salty and savory fare, sushi and sashimi, bar foods. Prefecture: Kyoto; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.5
- 1.8L $35.00
Gokyo Junmai "Five Bridges"
Four Hot Words: Rich, Round, Ricey, & Flavorful. This is one of the historically solid Junmai sakes in the sake world. It has a very soild aroma field filled with hot beach sand, steamed rice, honey, and mineral elements. Talk about a smooth and fat sake that feels very good in the mouth. A dry brew but with hints of rich sweetness like nougat, butter, and butterscotch flavors on a slick flow that brings the movement from tip to tail. This sake is rich but it is not full-bodied in a large sense and this is good because Gokyo goes down easy and a second glass is just as easy etc. A good three-temperature sake that does well in a mid-sized glass. WORD: Round WINE: Pinot Noir/Fat Whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: A very food friendly sake with all center of the plate dishes. Prefecture: Yamaguchi; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $35.00
Gokyo Tanuki Junmai "Happy Raccoon"
Four Hot Words: Semi-dry, Ricey, Savory, & Smooth. The nose on this playful Junmai sake is made up of chestnut, steamed rice, honey, straw, and toast elements. This is a very smooth, savory, and fleshy sake that drinks on many different levels. Creamy and round up here, rich and fleshy down there, round and juicy over there, and chewy and semi-thick right here. Loaded with flavors you will need a basket to find sweet nuts and grains, cocoa powder, caramel, nughet, milk chocolate, marshmallow, and a tingle of French toast with maple syrup. But the strength rests in the smooth and confident balance of each sip that ends with quick cinnamon finish. A very sneaky sake that drinks like so many wonderful stories. WORD: Complex WINE: Bourdeaux/Deep Whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Salty and savory fare, off the grill, soups, and game. Prefecture: Yamaguchi; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $35.00
- 180ml $9.00
Gunma Izumi Honjozo "Famous Fountain"
Four Hot Words: Rich, Food-friendly, fat, & 3-temp-drinkable. The nose on this brew that is actually polished to 60% is a wonderful assortment of chestnuts, earthy, cocoa and butterscotch whiffs. WOW! Talk about a powerhouse honjozo that is soooooooooo drinkable with a slippery round smoothness that drinks supremely balanced and pure. This is a true sake! Look for hints of honey, nuts and buttery elements that are smoky, slick and savory. As the sake warms there are nice caramel tones, which means this guy is great for warming. Come on now honey roasted nuts and buttery too? Call the sake cops, because you are stealing this brew for sure. WORD: Balanced WINE: Smooth reds/buttery whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: This sake was made for foods - period! Prefecture: Gunma; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.5
- 1.8L $52.00
- 720ml $25.00
Gunma Izumi Yamahai Junmai "Famous Fountain"
Four Hot Words: Elegant-Yamahai, Smooth, Round, & 3-temp-drinkable. Some Yamahais are too "Yamahai(y)" and drink like a wet dog! And some Yamahais are almost too fancy and drink like a Ginjo or even a Daiginjo. This brew from Gunma Prefecture (Not a lot of Gunma sakes available in the US) is full, rich and fat. BUT it drinks very smooth, soft, and round, which means you can have more than a glass or two, because it doesn't drink like the wet dog! It is a great sake to warm and definitely to pair with all type of foods. I like the fact that there is a subtle acidity play that is unlike other yamahais that at times can almost be too acidic. A smaller cup brings forth more Yamahai qualities, but a mid-sized glass makes this old method sake taste very modern. WORD: Balanced WINE: Smooth reds/buttery whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: This sake was made for foods - period! Prefecture: Gunma; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $34.00
Hakkaisan Tokubetsu Junmai "Hakkai Mountain"
This was the November 2014's Secret Word sake from Niigata prefecture that went for $30 and we will part with it for $15 if you enter the SECRET WORD at checkout ... you have to subscribe to the email version of the newsletter to get the monthly secret word!
- 720ml $30.00
Hanagaki Junmai
Say hey to a Junmai that drinks like a Junmai! The nose on this sake drinker's sake is a wonderful array of grains, steamed rice, leather, and earth tones. Rice is sake and sake is rice, so move over fruity brews and let the rice in this sake talk to you! Smooth and beefy, rich and large, gritty and dirty, let's get it on! A midsized glass brings forth the Junmai flavors in all of their glory, and look for hint of cocoa to emerge as the fluid warms. This is a great three-temperature sake that shines heated and does the old-style thing at room temperature. WORD: Grains WINE: Big reds/fat minerally whites BEER: Stouts/ Grainy ales FOODS: Burgers, steaks, fries, football fare. Prefecture: Fukui; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $30.00
Huchuhomare Taiheikai Tokubetsu Junmai "Pacific Ocean"
Four Hot Words: Gentle, Smooth, Clean, & Balanced. The front label on this sake is a traditional back of the bottle label with all of the pertinent info you'll ever need. The nose on this brew is a collection of steamed rice, grain, melon, and blueberry elements. This is a very solid sake that is balance personified. There is a velvety flow of fruit elements but does not drink fruity. It has a tremendous mouth feel. It is smooth and round with hints of unripe pear, melon, white grape, and red apple. It speaks to those who like soft and chewy sake. WORD: Balanced WINE: Smooth reds & fat whites, BEER: big ales. FOODS: anything off the grill, shellfish, and sushi. Prefecture: Ibaraki; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $37.00
Ichinokura Mukansa Super-Dry Honjozo "Unclassified"
The nose on this extremely drinkable sake is a mild collection of sawdust, grains, mineral water, and breakfast cereal elements. This is a sake drinker's honjozo for real! A poem: Slippery and dry and whoosh down your palate goodbye! Thin fluid with hints of cantaloupe and Jolly Rancher Melon this brew is very smooth and tastes like dry water. Huh? It's dry but drinks super slippery slick like water. Can a sake be juicy and dry? You bet and your about to drink it! WORD: Dry WINE: Dry Reds/whites BEER: Clean ales FOODS: Pub fare, salty and savory and even greasy! Prefecture: Miyagi; SMV: +10; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $24.00
Joppari Honjozo "Stubborn Daruma"
Four Hot Words: Mineral, Crisp, Dry, & 3-temp-drinkable. Too many sakes, not enough Beaus. Review coming shortly! Prefecture: Aomori; SMV: +8; Acidity: 1.3
- 180ml $6.00
Kaika Sanomaru Cup Tokubetsu Junmai
Four Hot Words: Dry, Clean, Crisp & Drinkable. Have you ever tasted dry water? This unique sake in a cup is clean and dry with gentle flavors of rice and wheat toast. It is very even and balanced and does equally well at room temperature. Not a fruity sake in the least, but a great exploration of a dry sake that is so very drinkable. WORD: Dry. Prefecture: Tochigi; SMV: +2.0; Acidity: 1.5
- 180ml $8.00
Kariho Namahage Junmai "Devil's Mask"
Four Hot Words: Dry, Rich, Expressive, & 3-temp-drinkable. A unique nose filled with grains, cedar, and ripe fruit elements. From start to finish this Devil is a dry sake fan's dream come true, with plump fruit tones and currents of rich roasted flavors. There is a chewiness that makes the dryness dance around the mouth and the elevated acidity leaves a full-bodied experience. How can fruitiness be so dry? Do not confuse this sake with the other Devil's Mask, because this Junmai is far more balanced and exciting. Great for warming. WORD: Dry WINE: Cabs/Big whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Grilled seafood, Bar-B-Q, fried foods. Prefecture: AKita; SMV: +17; Acidity: 1.7
- 1.8L $60.00
- 720ml $28.00
Kenbishi Kuromatsu Honjozo "Black Pine"
Four Hot Words: Rich, Full-body, Smooth, & 3-temp-drinkable. The nose on this extremely famous Honjozo from the brewery that calls itself "The Oldest Brand Since 1505" is a dynamic collection of steamed rice, cocoa, maple syrup, and noughet aromas. The distinctive labels shows a sword tip coming at you just like the deep, rich and full-bodied flavors come right at your palate. This brew is dense and thick and feels great in the palate. Look for savory and sweet rice flavors that flow on a fat liquid that is excellent for warming. Dig deep and you find a layer of cocoa tones and even deeper you will happen upon a cream brulee flavor that is out of this world. Truly one of the classic Honjozos that every sake explorer should try at some point. WORD: Rich WINE: Deep Reds/Fat Whites BEER: Stouts FOODS: Perfect for pub food salty and savory and greasy, also soup and stews when warmed. Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: +/-0.5; Acidity: 1.5
- 900ml $38.00
- 180ml $11.00
Kenshin Junmai "Spirits of Samurai"
- 300ml $12.00
- 720ml $24.00
Kibo Junmai "Hope"
Prefecture: Iwate; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.6
- 180ml $6.00
Kiku Masamune Kimoto Junmai "Chrysanthemum Prince"
Four Hot Words: Ricey, Smooth, Clean, & Gentle. This is a very good introductory sake into the ancient kimoto method for making sake the traditional way. With a creamy nougat, nutty, caramel, and steamed rice nose look for dry, round, and smooth fluid that drinks tight and in control. Hints of maple syrup, vanilla cream, cocoa, and nuts abound, and as the fluid warms you will notice a chocolate body come forth. A really easy to use sake that is good at three temperatures. Round, slippery and with a tickle tail it's a good first time kimoto sake. WORD: Rich-light WINE: Big reds/smooth whites BEER: Belgians FOODS: Very good with grilled and cooked light fare. Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.7
- 300ml $8.00
Kikuhime Yamahai Junmai
- 1.8L $75.00
Kirin Koshi No Takumi Tokubesu Junmai "Sake Specialist"
Four Hot Words: Earthy, Smooth, Solid, & Impact. This Junmai has nose of mushrooms and minerals, very earthy. A very light beginning warms up into a thinly rich middle mouth and ends with a nice slide down back of throat. It has a rich and creamy earthy pull that goes thinly through the mouth, and has a very subtle sweetness near the back of the mouth. This Junmai is a great "comparison" sake to that of a sweet floral type. It is a subtle opposite to a "fruity sake" and yet it drinks lighter than a deep rich sake. A compact flavor that is secretive and inviting. WORD: Mushroom WINE: Shiraz/Zins/Sauvingnon Blancs BEER: Earthy Pilsners FOODS: Hamburgers, Fried pork, salmon sautéed with butter. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +5; Acidity: NA
- 300ml $11.00
Kirinzan Junmai "Flying Horse"
Four Hot Words: Gentle, Clean, Light, & Even. Talk about a beautiful bottle, well this Junmai drinks as great as it looks! The nose on this prototypical "neutral" sake (Not too fruity not too dry) is a gentle collection of mild rice, mineral water, apple, wheat and balsa wood aromas. This is a super user friendly sake that is so drinkable and light that it tastes like dry water! Yup, I said it, "dry water." Look for steamed rice, pear, kiwi, and dried apple hints in a gentle and balanced flow that does well chilled and room temperature. As the sake warms a peek-a-boo vein of white chocolate emerges. Smooth, soft, clean and dry this brew is as easy as they come. WORD: Clean WINE: Dry reds/clean whites BEER: Light ales FOODS: Salty and savory fare, clean sashimi, sushi, gently cooked fish. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $34.00
Kubota Senju Tokubetsu Honjozo "1000 Long Lives"
Four Hot Words: Dry, Crisp, Light, & Drinkable. The nose is a party of dried fruit, minerals, nutmeg, ripe plum, and banana cream pie. Oooooh the Kubota legend brings forth a honjozo that belts around flavors such as caramel, cotton candy and cocoa in a very dry and of course clean package. There is a bit of back door acidity and an unmistakable aftertaste that revisits the cotton candy elements. Clean and clear this honjozo gives one a good impression of a layered sake that works better at or near room temperature. WORD: Clean WINE: Dry reds/crisp whites BEERS: Dry ales FOODS: Sake pub fare, salty and savory, grilled everything! Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +6; Acidity: 1.0
- 720ml $29.00
Masumi Okuden Kantsukuri Junmai "Mirror of Truth"
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Confident, Layered, & 3-temp-drinkable. "Okuden" has a soft nose of mixed berries, melon, and earthtones. A semi-floral front is met by a middle-mouth filled with dried fruit flavors that culminate into a dry ending. The viscosity is slightly thick and the smoothness is unmistakable. The abundant amino acids in this Junmai give it a complete roundness that is further enhanced by warming. There is a wide range of flavors in each sip, resulting in waves or layers of flavor throughout the mouth. WORD: Waves WINE: Dry Chardonay/Soft Reds BEER: Pilsners FOODS: Salmon sautéed in butter, tempura, hamburgers. Prefecture: Nagano; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.6
- 1.8L $62.00
- 720ml $30.00
Miyasaka Yawaraka Junmai "Sake Matinee
Four Hot Words: Light, Balanced, Nuanced, & Even. This old-style Junmai from Masumi brewery has a unique aroma profile filled rice, caramel, butterscotch, cream and grain elements. Talk about a smooth operator, this low-alcohol (12%) brew has a light buoyancy that is very drinkable. For such a subtle brew there are loads of flavors to unearth - like honeydew, Asian applepear, young peach and plum, with a hint of citrus tones. Thin texture and juicy flavor, elegant and light, with a tip-of-the-tongue sweetness that dances with gentle lactic acidity. At room temperature look for more richness and a hint of caramel. WORD: Elegant WINE: Light reds/Crisp whites BEER: Light ales FOODS: Soft flavors with salty and greasy goodness. Prefecture: Nanago; SMV: -4; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $25.00
Nishida Denshu "Country Squire"
Four Hot Words: Deep, Daring, Round, & Umami. This ultra-popular Junmai comes from a brewery that only makes 50,000 cases per year, which creates a hyper-demand for such a well-structured and flavorful sake. With a nose of soft grass tones and floral elements, "Denshu" has full flavored beginning of dried fruits and a subtle vanilla under-current. It is a very clean and fresh tasting sake that has a great deal of "umami" in its make-up. It also is rich and deep, which spells out the fact that this Junmai is so well-built that it is both strong and light. WORD: Umami WINE: Deep Reds/Robust Whites BEER: Strong Ales FOODS: Grilled everything, sushi, French fries. Prefecture: Aomori; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $47.00
Nishinoseki Daruma Cup Tokubetsu Junmai
Four Hot Words: Chewy, Smooth, Ricey & Round. A thick and chewy sake at its best! Fat and rich this brew is so fun and so smooth. There is a gentle rice sweetness that flows across the palate in a full and blanketing flow. Feel that sake! There are hints of minerals, which also makes this sake good for warming! And yes you can put a cup in a warm bath of water! WORD: Chewy. Prefecture: Ohita; SMV: -1.5; Acidity: 1.4
- 180ml $8.00
Ohyama Tokubestu Junmai "Big Mountain"
Four Hot Words: Fresh, Bright, Fuity, & Balanced. This Junmai has a nose of caramel and bananas. A smooth start is followed by a mellow fruit middle with strawberry tones and finishes with a dry ending. The thin viscosity plays with a hidden acidity to achieve a round and smooth crispness, which leaves a prolonged lingering flavor of cooked pears and subtle minerals. This is a classic dry sake that tastes fruitier than it really presents itself. WORD: Snappy WINE: Pinot Grigio/Dry Whites BEER: Ambers /Octoberfest Releases FOODS: Sautéed fish dishes, fresh oysters in a vinaigrette, steamed crab and lobster. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +6; Acidity: 1.3
- 1.8L $60.00
- 300ml $13.00
Ohyama Tomizu Tokubetsu Jumai "Special Water"
Four Hot Words: Impactful, Silky, Ricey, & Special. The nose on this Junmai that drinks very much like a Ginjo is an array of white grape, apple, pear, cucumber and berry essences. This is not your usual dry and simple Ohyama rather it is a very impactful brew with layers of powder sugar, sweet rice, apple, and young pear flavors. A super flavorful sake that drinks silky smooth and juicy but is not overtly sweet. There is a little astringency that speaks to wine drinkers and a smaller cup highlights the flavor ride. Good fruit tones, good feeling, good sake that speaks the Yamagata style of flavor and feeling. WORD: Flavorful WINE: Crisp Reds/Tight Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Steamed cuisines, lightly flavored dishes, sushi, sashimi. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: -6/-7; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $35.00
Okunomatsu Junmai
- Default Title $11.00
Otokoyama Tokubetsu Junmai "Kimoto Cup"
- 180ml $6.00
Otokoyama Tokubetsu Junmai "Man's Mountain"
Four Hot Words: Velvety, Balanced, Elegant, & Supreme. This tokubetsu Junmai has an earthy yet sweet aromatic nose that borders on ripe fruit. The strength in this Junmai rests in it unmistakable dryness and working acidity play. The flavor profile is very solid in the sense that it has a clean viscosity wrapped in a mouthful of dried fruit flavors and subtle earthiness. This is a very user-friendly dependable sake that is great for beginners and is well relied upon by old faithfuls. WORD: Consistent WINE: Dry Whites and Tannin-laced reds BEER: Ales FOODS: Miso-based dishes, Sashimi, Stir-fries. Prefecture: Hokkaido; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.3
- 1.8L $60.00
- 720ml $30.00
- 300ml $13.00
Otokoyama Tokubetsu Junmai Can "Namacho"
Prefecture: Hokkaido; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.5
- 180ml $8.00
Ozeki Karatamba Honjozo "Dry Wave"
Four Hot Words: Dry, Crisp, Ricey, & Clean. Sizes 1.8L and 720ml are only available by special order only. Please call us at 415-355-9555 for more information. The nose on this Honjozo sake is a rich collection of caramel, cocoa, earthtone, and maple syrup elements. And guess what? It drinks that way to! Rich, dry and smooth look for your sweet rice, caramel and mild maple syrup licks on a velvety fluid flow. Smooth personified the beauty in this rich and savory beast is that it should drink sweet, but it doesn't! This is the rich side of sake that drinks more soft than heavy and take note of the very solid finish. WORD: Rich WINE: Pinot Noir/Fat dry whites BEER: Creamy ales FOODS: Off the grill and fried food specialist. Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: +7; Acidity: 1.4
- 300ml $8.00
- 1.8L $38.00
- 720ml $16.00
Sawahime Tokubetsu Honjozo
Four Hot Words: Dry, Light, Heatable & Elegant. This amazingly gentle Honjozo has a very slight nose with rice, grains, earthy, and cashew nut tones. Talk about a super smooth and light sake. This specially milled Honjozo is extremely drinkable with hints of powder sugar and light candy elements without drinking sweet. In fact it drinks super slippery and elegantly dry for all of the flavors from the candy shop! WORD: powder sugar WINE: soft reds/sweet whites BEER: sweet ales FOODS: Grilled white fish, shell fish, light soups, clean veggies and tofu. Prefecture: Tochigi; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $25.00
Sawanoi Kiokejikomi Iroha Kimoto Junmai "Fountain of Tokyo"
Four Hot Words: Old-School, Rich, Round, & Sinificant. This traditional old method sake was fermented in a cedar tank. Consider it a new version of old-school sake, with a gentle nose made up of dry cedar, celery, and pepper. A tremendously elegant sake with tons of character but in a very mild presentation. There are flavors galore such as white pepper, cinnamon, and chestnuts but they all stay forward as this brew has no tail! Perhaps it is the stellar balance of this sake, or just a new twist on an ancient brew. WORD: Elegant WINE: Complex reds/peppery whites BEER: Woody ales FOODS: Smoked fish, creamed fish, grilled fare. Prefecture: Tokyo; SMV: -1; Acidity: 2.2
- 720ml $59.00
Shirakabe Gura Kimoto Junmai "White Wall"
Four Hot Words: Round, Semi-Sweet, Smooth, & Chewy. This super smooth "Kimoto" (traditional poll-rammed) sake has a deep nose filled with chestnut, earth tones, straw, and butterscotch elements. Behold a very round and smooth sake that has elevator-rides of flavors going up and down. First floor clean and caramel, second floor smooth chestnut essences, third floor a sneaky level gentle bitterness with a touch of dark chocolate. This rich and drinkable brew gets more soft closer to room temperature. WORD: Chestnuts WINE: Pinot Noir BEER: Belgian Ales FOOD: Soy sauce cuisines, grilled fish and meat, mushroom risoto. Prefecture: Kyoto; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.2
- 720ml $38.00
Shirakabe Gura Tokubetsu Junmai "White Wall"
Four Hot Words: Clean, Ricey, Light, & Drinkable. The nose on this Junmai is all steamed rice and earthy. Whitewall uses Gohyakumangoku brewing rice milled to 60% and this is evident by its deep earthy richness. Drinks far drier than the SMV indicates and is filled with layers of rice and grains. A good value sake to explore the rich and earthy tones found in a balanced sake that is brewed with amazing water. Does well chilled and even better warmed. WORD: Earthy WINE: Dirty reds/Big whites BEER: Ales/pilsners FOODS:Salty and savory fare, miso, fried chicken, tacos. Prefecture: Kyoto; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.6
- 1.8L $36.00
- 720ml $18.00
- 300ml $9.00
Shirataki Jozen Junmai "Aqua"
Four Hot Words: Dry, Viscous, Compact, & Food-frendly. A very welcoming Junmai from a brewery known for their Ginjo sakes with a nose filled with grain, cocoa, rice, blueberry jam, and crème brulee elements. Behold a rich, round and solid Junmai that is incredibly smooth and soft, but has a backbone of flavors that says this sake is not only sexy but confident. Look for layers of rice, grains, and cocoa expressions on a solid flow that feels great in the mouth. In a word this brew drinks dry through and through, but there are rich semi-sweet tones of hot chocolate and oatmeal that get more pronounced as the sake warms in the glass. Very nice at room and good for warming. WORD: Solid WINE: Deep Reds / Complex Whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Grilled salty fare, cooked fish and chicken, sushi, sashimi, tempura. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +7; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $30.00
- 300ml $12.00
Shunnoten Tokubetsu Junmai "Fishermen Cup"
Four Hot Words: Ricey, Semi-dry, Smooth, & Drinkable. Prefecture: Yamanashi; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.6
- 180ml $9.00
Sougen Junmai "Pride of Samurai"
Four Hot Words: Balanced, Smooth, Ricey, & 3-temp-drinkable. The nose on this "essential" Junmai brew is filled with steamed rice, cereal, caramel corn, cocoa, and creamy elements. Sougen is a sake drinker's sake. It quintessentially captures the Junmai experience with incredible balance for all of the creamy, savory, cocoa, and ricey flavors. A dry brew with a juicy smooth feeling that hides a peek-a-boo hint of sweet brown sugar elements. The plump acidity level speaks to red wine tannin geeks. And the wide body and juicy feeling speaks to those who like a well-balanced and flavorful sake that doesn't forget its rice roots. WORD: Smooth WINE: Pinot Noir/ Dry Chardonnay BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Oily and salty fare, rich sauces, grilled meats, cooked fish. Prefecture: Ishikawa; SMV: +2.5; Acidity: 1.8
- 1.8L $76.00
- 720ml $38.00
Suehiro Densho Yamahai Junmai "Ancient Method" (JH40)
Four Hot Words: Round, Ricey, Velvety, & Drinkable. The 720ml size is no longer available. The nose on this superb "Yamahai"-style (traditionally made sake) is a gentle collection of rice, bread, and cocoa elements. Bingo! A great sake at a great price point for what it is! This is a terrific feel-good-in-the-mouth sake that is super smooth and super round with a gentle sweetness of tangy citrus and sweet rice. Talk about velvety - the fluid of this sake is soft and heavy. But that amazing feeling is perfectly matched with unique flavors. Have you ever wanted to drink a lemon cookie with powder sugar on top? This is a very solid introduction to a Yamahai sake that has many attributes of an old-school brew. WORD: Smooth WINE: Soft reds/Round whites BEER: Clean Ales FOODS: Anything off the grill, think salty fare, smooth pastas. Prefecture: Fukushima; SMV: -0.5 +0.5; Acidity: 1.2 ~1.4
- 1.8L $54.00
- 720ml $27.00
Suigei Tokubetsu Junmai "Drunken Whale"
Four Hot Words: Dry, Ricey, Robust, & 3-temp-drinkable. This Tokubetsu Junmai is said to be brewed for whales that reside off of the Pacific coast of Kochi. The nose is a collection of rose, wood, and grape scents. The brewery advertises that this Junmai is "for the serious sake drinker" and we agree. It is very dry throughout the mouth and ends in a "he-man" sort of finish. Nevertheless there is a strong presence of fennel and hops and this is underscored by an unripe strawberry vein. It is extremely clean in viscosity and texture and flavorful enough to drink all night! WORD: Hops WINE: Dry Whites/Strong Reds BEER: Hoppy Ales/Pilsners FOODS: Vegetable tempura, albacore sashimi, salads with ginger-soy dressings. Prefecture: Kouchi; SMV: +7; Acidity: 1.6
- 1.8L $57.00
- 720ml $23.00
- 300ml $14.00
Taiheizan Kimoto Junmai "Grand Mountain"
Four Hot Words: Full-Bodied, Smooth, Soft, & 3-temp-drinkable. This is a traditional, old-method sake that would appeal to the American palate. Welcoming and rich, it has a big, creamy nose with sides of banana and vanilla. It's soft and rolling, with expansive flavors hidden in a clean and delicate finish. A huge bite of flavor offers up all sorts of mouth feelchewy, syrupy, widewith hints of nuts and a subtle backdoor fruitiness. WORD: Plush WINE: Pinot Noir/Hefty whites BEER: Chewy FOODS: Tomato-based dishes, grilled meats, smoked fish. Prefecture: Akita; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.7
- 720ml $34.00
Tedorigawa Yamahai Junmai "Silver Mountain"
Four Hot Words: Food-friendly, Bold, Ricey, & 3-temp-drinkable
- 720ml $32.00
Tengumai Yamahai Junmai "Dance of the Demon"
Four Hot Words: Bold, Expansive, Full-bodied, & Impact. Rice: Gohakumangoku milled to 60%. Tengumai is another of the "to do" sakes on your list, as it is ultra-popular in Japan for good reason. This Junmai is constructed the traditional way using the Yamahai method and easing on the carbon filtration thus leaving a gamey and syrupy amber nectar that is best served room temperature. It has a full nutty and earthy nose that smells slightly astringent. What comes next is a flavor forward rush of butterscotch and walnuts nestled in a solid acidity that brings a warm and thick texture to all the recesses of the mouth. This Junmai shimmers and plays very round in the corners of your mouth, and leaves a lasting and splendid tail that is more thick than sizzle. WORD: Amber WINE: Thick Reds/Chewy Whites BEER: Ambers/Honey Stouts FOODS: simmered seasoned fish, salmon teriyaki, yakitori with sauce, ginger pork and chicken. Prefecture: Ishikawa; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.8
- 1.8L $63.00
- 720ml $30.00
Tensei Yamahai Tokubetsu Junmai "Thousand Waves"
Four Hot Words: Elegant, Robust, Smooth, & Balanced. Okay! I am a sucker for the packaging so let's just get this out of the way right now. Currently my empty bottle at home has a flower in it, because it's an awesome vase! They name this sake "Thousand Waves" because they only release a 1,000 of these cool ceramic bottles each year. This Yamahai has the nose and the flavor of a robust full-bodied brew, but it drinks incredibly smooth and balanced for all of the action. A throw back bottle for a throw back form of making sake using the Yamahai technique, which is a method of allowing more naturally occurring lactic acid to be a part of the brewing process. If you have not tried a "Yamahai" this is a great starting point because it has the elevated acidity and the gamey nature of a true yamahai, but it does drink far more elegantly and maybe that's why they put it in the elegant bottle. Prefecture: Kanagawa; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.7
- 500ml $58.00
Tenzan Junmai Genshu "Mt. Tenzan"
Four Hot Words: Deep, Expansive, Impact, & 3-temp-drinkable. This Junmai genshu (undiluted) is the hands down winner of packaging in the sake world. Thankfully what rests inside is just as cool. With a soft fruity nose of bananas and melons, this sake has an off-gold appearance. From the first big introduction to the final goodbye this genshu is deep and expansive. Flavors from bananas, melons, and crushed leaves run throughout the mouth in a dry and solid transition. The viscosity and full-bodied flavor would appeal to any red wine drinker with a taste for flavor forward sakes that "talk-the-talk". Brewer recommends served chilled or on the rocks, we say serve cold. WORD: Well Dressed WINE: Big Reds BEER: Stouts/Guinness FOODS: Saut??ed salmon, sweet and sour pork, fried chicken, sukiyaki. Prefecture: Saga; SMV: +2; Acidity: 2.2
- 720ml $47.00
- 300ml $24.00
Tsukasabotan Hana Junmai "Pink Peony"
Four Hot Words: Gentle, Semi-dry, Crips, & Even. A very deceptive nose on this sake displays creamy, nutty, apple, caramel, and graham cracker elements on a sake that is quite dry for a "flower" = "hana." This is a very unique Junmai from a brewery that makes light and dry sakes for easy coiffing. It's dry but drinks wet and very clean with a laser fast finish. Displaying many white wine qualities that speak to a nice acidity play with very good flavors of green apple, yogurt, young pear, and green grapes this brew is very easy and subtle. Be warned the first glass may just lead to the end of the bottle. WORD: Dry WINE: Crisp Reds/ Dry Whites BEER: Crisp Ales/Light Beer FOODS: Anything off of the grill, any white wine fare. Prefecture: Kochi; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $25.00
Tsukasabotan Senchu Hassaku Junmai "Great Plan"
Four Hot Words: Round, Dry, Smooth, & Creamy. "Great Plan" is one of those sakes that break the mold. It's quite a dry brew, but doesn't have the typical sharp, staccato profile of a dry sake. Rather it drinks clean and round and provides a great example of a shimmering sake. The nose is collection of aromas from marshmallow and cream to apple and plums. Hints of cherries and caramel don't arrive until the dead-stop finish. WORD: Round WINE: Soft reds/dry whites BEER: Dry Ales FOODS: Steamed clams, cooked fish, salty fare and fresh oysters. Prefecture: Kouchi; SMV: +8; Acidity: 1.4
- 1.8L $69.00
- 720ml $49.00
Tsukinokatsura Junmai "Iwai"
Four Hot Words: Ricey, Soft, Rich & Creamy. Hold the phone folks! This sake is made with one of the most expensive sake brewing rice varietals out there, usually used for Daiginjo sakes, but not this brew which is only polished to a meager 80% remaining (That is less than the "premium" level). But why? So you can taste the rice silly! First look for a ricy, grainy, and earthy nose on this fat and plump Junmai. Next open your gullet because you are about to get a mouth rush of deep rich rice, butterscotch, cocoa, and creamy waves of flavor. So soft for so much flavor and feeling. Talk about drinking incredible body, this brew has a Bo Derrick "10." Great at so many temperatures! WORD: Soft WINE: Merlot/Pinot Noir/Rich Whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Anything from the grill including fish and veggies, salty and savory, and warm soups and stews. Prefecture: Kyoto; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $32.00
Ura Gasanryu Honjozo "Koka"
Four Hot Words: Award-winning, Refreshing, Light, & Smooth. This IWC Honjozo Trophy winner has a grassy and herbal nose with hints of white grapes, blueberry and mint. How can a round, lush, gentle, juicy, and silky sake be so flavorful? I dunno, but this added alcohol brew is at the peak of the smooth sake game as it caresses the palate. So flavorful yet so balanced. Look for mild melon, berry, apple and juicy pear swirls that harmonize. A great example of a honjozo that is in tune, and perhaps the low acidity level gives it that stellar texture play. Smaller glasses bring more flavor impact, and larger vessels bring forth more smoothness. WORD: Smooth WINE: Pinot Noir/Merlot/Soft fat whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Simple fare with clean flavors. Think steamed or boiled or raw. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.0
- 720ml $28.00
- 1.8L $47.00
Ura Gasanryu Junmai "Fuka"
Four Hot Words: Layered, Balanced, Rich, & Ricey. We don't currently carry the 1.8L in store. Please call our store (415) 355-9555 to place a special order. The aroma field on this rice and water only sake is filled with steamed rice, yellow apple, caramel, wheat and cinnimon elements. This is a very drinkable Junmai that is both rich and light. How can that be? Well the flavors are rich and savory including caramel corn, butter toffee, and gentle veggie quality. But the body is semi-thick and slick and it doesn't have that "body equals flavor" feeling. Round and smooth there is a crispness in the younger bottles and a plumpness in the older brews. Creamy and a good umami push makes this sake a good food pairing partner. A smaller cup brings forth more zest and the sake relaxes as it warms. WORD: RichLight WINE: Merlot/Pinot Noir/Rich Whites BEER: Creamy Belgians FOODS: Rich flavors, salty fare, warmed dishes, things off the grill. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +/-0; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $35.00
- 1.8L $67.00
Urakasumi Honjozo Genshu "Misty Bay"
Four Hot Words: Rich, Immense, Bold, & Fun. The nose on this dynamic genshu (19%) has a collection of aromas from grains, steamed rice and minerals to butterscotch, burnt sugar and roasted caramel. Talk about a round and smooth brew that is very large in presence. Beefy, chunky, immense - take your pick, but enjoy the chewy rush of rich flavors and feelings. A deep and profound sake that has layers of brown sugar and caramel tones that float on a fleshy fluid. Smokey rice elements present themselves closer to room temperature. WORD:Rich WINE: Pinot Noir/White Burgundy BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Anything off of the grill, salty and savory fare, meats, fowl and game. Prefecture: Miyagi; SMV: -1; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $37.00
Urakasumi Junmai "Misty Bay"
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Deep, Round, & Flavorful. This Junmai fits perfectly into the category of medium-dry. It has soft nose of rice and dried leaves, and has a pale yellow sheen. Different temperatures produce different flavors. At room temperature it has a very nice entrance of chocolate wisps and a savory aftertaste, and chilled this Junmai brings forth a fruitier feel of soft pear and mellow mango. It is disguised very well for a Junmai, subtle yet elusive, and all the while it sits remarkably well on the palate. This sake epitomizes a perfectly balanced sake. WORD: Clever WINE: Sauvignon Blanc BEER: Soft Ales FOODS: Salty and savory fair, shrimp dumplings, soba noodles, sautéed filet of sole, spaghetti with basil. Prefecture: Miyagi; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.5
- 1.8L $76.00
- 720ml $38.00
- 300ml $15.00
Wakaebisu Tokubetsu Junmai "Ninja"
Four Hot Words: Dry, Clean, Friendly, & Crisp. The nose on this perfectly dry sake is a collection of cut wood, green apple, minerals, and a hint of cocoa. Welcome to a dry sake drinker's sake! Ninja is a crisp and compact brew that drinks far too easy. Look for dried fruit tones like pear, apple, and apricot, but don't think fruity. This brew is clean, bright and has a killer quick finish. As the fluid warms there is a hint of sour fruits, which works very well with the overall balance of this crafty Ninja. WORD: Dry WINE: Tannin Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Think of your grill! Prefecture: Mie; SMV: +8; Acidity: 1.7
- 720ml $30.00
Wakatake Onikoroshi Tokubetsu Junmai Genshu "Demon Slayer"
Four Hot Words: Fat, Round, Ricey, & Strong. The gentle nose on this undiluted Junmai (18%) is a mix of berries and green plums with cinnamon and steamed rice elements. Think fat, rich and creamy as this sake carries a "Wow!" smoothness. The layers of flavor are amazing as steamed rice tones give way to a rich fruitiness when the brew comes closer to room temperature. This extremely "food friendly" Junmai speaks to those who like a mouthful of fat and chewy smoothness that is neither particularly fruity nor dry just balanced. Look for a vein of caramel and plum expressions, and enjoy the rich complexity from one of our favorite breweries. WORD: Fat WINE: Chewy Pinot Noirs/Deep Whites BEER: Creamy ales FOODS: Anything from the land or sea the bigger the flavor the better. Prefecture: Shizuoka; SMV: +7; Acidity: 1.5
- 1.8L $60.00
- 720ml $32.00
- 300ml $12.00
Yuho Junmai "Eternal Embers"
Four Hot Words: Full, Complex, Rich, & Smooth. Another rich and full bodied Ishikawa Junmai with a nose made up of musky, tangerine, yeast, caramel, and cooked rice aromas. This is a deep and smooth sake that drinks in flavor waves filled with honey, cocoa, burnt maple syrup and cooked raisin flavors that slide through the palate. Talk about a red wine lovers brew that speaks to those who like a whole story in the glass and then some. If you are an umami hunter take note of this Yuho! WORD: Rich WINE: Vast reds/ dirty whites BEER: Big ol stouts FOODS: Rich and complex red wine cuisines, anything on a stick! Prefecture: Ishikawa; SMV: +6; Acidity: 1.7
- 720ml $32.00
Yuho Kimoto Junmai "Rhythm of the Centuries"
Four Hot Words: Big, Rich, Smooth, & Grilled. The nose on this traditionally made brew is a unique collection of nutty, earthy, leather, roasted rice, and sour lemon tones. This is a very tasty and complex Kimoto that drinks smooth and round for all of the action within. Rich, full bodied, juicy, plump and a little musky look for velvety layers of nutty, earthy, and steamed rice flavors. It's not too big like many Ishikawa brews, and that makes the drinking experience all the more smooth and expressive - more drinkable. WORD: Rich WINE: Huge reds/ Fat whites BEER: stouts FOODS: complex fare, all things from grill, veggies. Prefecture: Ishikawa; SMV: +3; Acidity: 2.2
- 720ml $35.00
Yuki No Bosha Yamahai Junmai "Cabin in the Snow"
Four Hot Words: Balanced, Complex, Velvety, & 3-temp-drinkable. The nose on this "traditionally" made sake is a collection of cooked rice, cream, chestnuts, cocoa and mint tones. This is a very balanced and tasty Yamahai that is solid and richly confident. There is a gentle sweetness of powder sugar, honey, sweet nuts, and milk chocolate that rides on a round body with a quick finish. Dig deep amongst the candy bar flavors and find a vein of mint hidden in the creaminess. Just a very well balanced and a supremely drinkable Yamahai that shows a little acidity in a larger vessel. WORD: Flavorful WINE: Bordeaux/Deep Whites BEER: Creamy Belgians FOODS: Big dishes as well as small, from grilled to raw. Prefecture: Akita; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.9
- 720ml $40.00
Yukikage Tokubetsu Junmai "Snow Shadow"
Four Hot Words: Dry, Lean, Light, & Clean. This "solid as your father" sake has a mild nose filled with green apple, bamboo, steamed rice, apricot and pudding elements. Talk about a "feeling" brew that is grounded and drinks very well balanced. It's a classic "non-impactful" sake that is a joy to drink because it is so solid and so sake! There is a smooth and subtle richness that hides within a tight and compact delivery that rounds out more in a larger vessel. Take the flavor elevator up for hints of rice crackers and steamed rice, and down for semi-sweet deep and earthy tones including maple syrup and caramel. A light and solid sake that has many masks, but one solid face. WORD: Smooth WINE: Merlot/Sauvingnon Blanc BEER: Hefferweisen FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, grilled oily fish, Asian fried fare. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.3
- 1.8L $57.00
- 720ml $25.00
Junmai Ginjo & Ginjo
This category represents the historical advancement or jump to "premium" sakes that are handcrafted for layered perfection and make great food pairings. Think prototypical sushi counter sakes. Each grain of rice must be milled or polished to a "seimaibuai" or remaining of 60% with 40% removal. Very fragrant, clean, and distinctive.
Chiyomusubi Kitaro Jungin Junmai Ginjo "Kitaro Cup"
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Clean, Light, & Fun. With a unique nose of steamed rice, grains, and vanilla this classy "One Cup" sake is an example of the new style technique of placing great sake in formerly cheap packages. One Cups used to be considered cheap sake. This is not cheap sake in fact behold a wide and full-bodied brew that has deep recess hints of caramel, maple syrup, and mature fruit elements in an expressive fluid with a tingle tail. Red wine drinkers take note! WORD: Full Monty WINE: Zins and Cabs BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Forget about it. Prefecture: Tottori; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.4
- 180ml $8.00
Chiyomusubi Oyaji Gokuraku Junmai Ginjo "Oyaji Cup"
Four Hot Words: Dry, Balanced, Clean, & Fun. With a very mild nose of minerals and sugar cane this classy "One Cup" sake is an example of the new style technique of placing great sake in formerly cheap packages. One Cups used to be considered cheap sake. This is not cheap sake in fact look for a very well balanced brew with hints of powder sugar and cotton candy in a soft and gentle fluid. There are layers of silkiness that speak to those who like it clean and gone. White wine drinkers take note! WORD: Smooth WINE: Pinot Noir/White Burgundy BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Forget about it! Prefecture: Tottori; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.6
- 180ml $8.00
Cowboy Yamahai Junmai Ginjo
Four Hot Words: Robust, Round, Rich, & Full-body. YeeHaw! The nose on this storied sake is a collection of musky fruits, straw, steamed rice, and caramel elements. Howdy Partner! And welcome to a super full-bodied sake that appeals to big red wine drinkers. Complex, layered, saucy, deep, rich, bold, ricey this Cowboy is the real deal. With an 19% alcohol content this vast and savory sake is a real mouthful that is as smooth as it is solid. It's character is a perfect food pairing partner that compliments everything from steak and game to fowl and shellfish. There are creamy hints of sweet rice and nughet that pop on an acidity push. You kill it and grill it and Cowboy Yamahai will thrill it! WORD: Beefy WINE: Big reds/Huge whites BEER: Strong ales FOODS: The works! Bigger the better. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +3.5; Acidity: 2
- 720ml $32.00
Dewazakura Dewasansan Junmai Ginjo "Green Ridge"
Four Hot Words: Fruity, Bright, Round, & Wine-like. The rice for this Junmai Ginjo is really milled to a Daiginjo rate and has very floral nose filled with hints of cherry blossoms and pear. It has a light and smooth beginning that greets a fruity middle mouth made up of persimmon and peach flavors, and the sake slips into round and fresh finish with no aftertaste. Dry fruit tones mixed with a tender acidity makes for an elegant and refreshing sake that feels good in the mouth. WORD: Peach WINE: Merlots/Sauvignon Blanc BEER: Amber/Honey Ales FOODS: Steamed white fish, fried scampi, daikon stew. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.4
- 1.8L $81.00
- 720ml $40.00
- 300ml $15.00
Dewazakura Izumi Judan Ginjo "Tenth Degree"
Four Hot Words: Dry, Crisp, Compact, & Different. That's it you found one of the most crisp and dry sakes in the store! The nose on this cutting sake is a collection of floral, berries, rice, and mineral water aromas. Behold a sake that is built to appeal to those who like martinis. Yup I said it! This sake is so crisp and compact that it drinks with many similar flavors to a cocktail of sorts. Look for juniper berries, crisp pear, and dry melon tones on a fluid that is as clean and crisp as any in the business. This sake does open up the next day and drinks a little more fruit forward, but on the whole it is dry and sharp and does appeal to those who like the flavor and alcohol tingle of clear liquors. WORD: Dry WINE: Clear Liquors/ crisp whites BEER: Sharp ales FOODS: Clean and compact fare. Prefecture: Nagano; SMV: +12; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $37.00
- 1.8L $84.00
Dewazakura Oka Ginjo "Cherry Bouquet"
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Shimmering, Aromatic, & Dry. Rice: Miyamanishiki, Yuki Kessho milled to 50% Yeast: Association #10 This Ginjo is the sister to Dewasansan and is also milled to Daiginjo levels. The nose is a beautiful blend of flower blossoms, peach, radish, and spring water. It has dry start that is accompanied by a soft and creamy middle mouth filled with dried fruit overtones and a subtle melon finish. The viscosity thickens as the fluid warms in the mouth, and there is an overall floral perception from start to ending. It is a very nice example of a sake that shimmers in one's mouth as the roundness is quite prominent and appealing. WORD: Pear WINE: White Burgundy/Sauvignon Blanc BEER: Ambers/Smooth Stouts FOODS: Shrimp tempura, scallops with broccoli, sake steamed clams, Japanese omelets. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.2
- 1.8L $78.00
- 720ml $38.00
- 300ml $14.00
Dewazakura Omachi "Jewel Brocade"
Four Hot Words: Rich, Smooth, Flavorful & Balanced. The nose on this yet another awesome sake from Dewazakura is filled with honey, flower, steamed rice, and lemon peel aromas. Bingo! What an excellent sake. This brew is extremely flavorful sake that has so much taste and impact that it is excitement in the glass. Deep, rich and round this "Omachi" an heirloom rice varietal drinks smooth and lush for all of the outstanding flavors, which is the essence of balance. Look for honey, clover, sweet rice, and sweet tea hints that drink juicy and bright. A very expressive sake that celebrates the Omachi flavor and drinking experience. WORD: Expressive WINE: Rich Reds/Smooth Whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Salty and savory pub and grill fare. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $43.00
- 1.8L $87.00
Eiko Fuji Jumai Ginjo Namachozo "Glorious Mount Fuji"
Four Hot Words: Crisp, Bright, Fruity, & Flavorful. The aroma profile on this single pasteurized sake has a suave collection of grape skin, papaya, melon, and peach elements. This is a very elegant, clean, and flavorful sake that has semi-chewy layers of flavors that bounce between melon, peach and blueberry- floating on a mineral water quality. It's a mouthful of flavor with a soft and round finish that ends quickly for so many faces of fruit and fun. In a word this sake is a very good example of a Ginjo in the raw form. For the very "in-tune" this sake used to be a full-nama, but the brewers feel that a single heating makes this sake drink more balanced and stable and we agree. PS. A good brew for warming but we didn't say that! WORD: Elegant WINE: Complex reds/ Minerally whites BEER: Clean Ales FOODS: Shellfish, grilled shrimps, lightly flavored pasta, cold chicken, and sushi. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.2
- 720ml $54.00
Esshu Sakura Biyori Ginjo "Cherry Blossom Season"
Four Hot Words: Clean, Soft, Light-fruit, & Etherial. First and foremost Esshu is drinking great this season! The nose is splendid collection of cherry, plum, white raisin, and sweet rice aromas, which translates into the flavor nicely. Bright and clean with a dash of fruit tones but overall a dry drinking experience. This is extremely well balanced sake with hidden fresh flavors such as cherry, melon, pear and sweet rice on a flow that dances through the palate. Sakurabiyori gets softer in a larger glass and gets a little creamy as it warms. The low alcohol content makes this super sipping sake perfect for those who like dry, light and prestine sakes that have the feeling of drinking gorgeous water. WORD: Gentle WINE: Soft reds/Dry whites BEER: Light ales FOODS: Sushi and Sashimi for sure! Light fare with a hint of saltiness. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.0
- 720ml $35.00
Fukucho Junmai Ginjo "Moon on the Water"
Four Hot Words: Soft, Layered, Expressive, & Fruity. The nose on this elegant sake made by a female master sake brewer is a collection of pear, honeydew, yellow apple and sweet rice aromas. Talk about a ripe and layered sake. This Junmai Ginjo drinks like a Daiginjo in that it is clean and nuanced with a very gentle roundness. There are hints of apple, pear, and mango fruit tones but this brew is not sweet. It is a very drinkable sake that is a celebration of smoothness and the fluid feels great in the palate. Soft but with impact is a great combination in the sake world. WORD: Soft WINE: Mooth reds/fruity whites BEER: Gentle Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, gently flavored dishes. Prefecture: Hiroshima; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $49.00
Fukuju Jumai Ginjo "Happy Brewery"
Four Hot Words: Silky, Juicy, Fruity, & Fun. This smooth and user friendly Ginjo has a rolling nose filled with strawberries, and melon, and a hint of banana. Silky, juicy, fleshy, and super smooth Fukuju is a walk on the fruit side. How can rice and water taste like fruit? That is the amazing thing about this amazing sake that feels so great in the mouth like a buoy on the bay! And best of all this juicy and fruity sake does not drink cloyingly sweet, rather it drinks velvety and extremely soft. A slick sake that walks the walk. WORD: Slick WINE: Soft reds/juicy whites BEER: Fruity Ales FOODS: Clean flavors, sushi, sashimi, elegant cuisines. Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $38.00
- 1.8L $74.00
Hakkaisan Ginjo "Hakkai Mountain"
The nose on this famous sake from a famous brewery is a mild collection of rose pedals, melon and mild pear aromas. This is the prototypical light and dry Niigata style Ginjo sake from a huge brand name brewery. It is a tight and compact brew that is dry and layered with a zesty appeal. Crisp and tingly it speaks to clear liquor fans and those who like their tight and crisp white wines. Look for dried pear, apple and trail mix flavors that flow on a very clean fluid that flies down the palate. WORD: Dry WINE: Crisp reds and whites BEER: Crisp ales FOODS: Sushi and sashimi and clean grilled flavors. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +6; Acidity: 1.2
- 720ml $38.00
Hakkaisan Junmai Ginjo "Hakkai Mountain"
Four Hot Words: Clean, Light, Dry, & Flavorful. Hakkaisan is one of the premier Junmai Ginjo's in Japan (rated #2 in its type) and is quite difficult to obtain both here and there. This popular Ginjo has unique spicy nose of apples and roasted nuts, and this aroma translates over into the taste profile. It is obviously well built, as the consistency is overwhelming from first sip to the non-existent ending. Classic Niigata style brewing means that Hakkaisan has a superbly clean mouth texture and a whisper finish and should be tasted at least once in every sake drinker's lifetime. WORD: Desirable WINE: Super clean sauvignon blancs BEER: Light beers FOODS: Sashimi, light meats, grilled fish. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.3
- 1.8L $92.00
- 720ml $44.00
Hakushika Junmai Ginjo Pack
- 900ml $10.00
Hakutsuru Jumai Ginjo "White Crane"
Four Hot Words: Clean, Smooth, Even, & Drinkable. This Ginjo has a nose of soft ripe strawberries and grass. It has a very mild and dry start that develops into a more fruity finish. It is a perfect beginner's example of a "Light and Smooth" type sake with a suppressed sweetness, and old faithfuls appreciate the rolling acidity play that rounds off this light Ginjo. As the White Deer (Hakushika) warms in your mouth one can find hints of ripe fruit and a balanced dryness that makes for a Ginjo that goes well with food pairings. WORD: Clean WINE: Sauvignon Blancs/Dry Reds BEER: Ales/Ambers FOODS: Steamed Crab, sautéed filet of sole, soba noodles. Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $14.00
- 300ml $7.00
Jinyu Junmai Ginjo "Brave Warrior"
This Riddler of a sake is all things to all people. Riddle me this - is it tangy, astringent, sour or sweet? You can't tell because it is deep with layers of fruit tones including citrus here and plums there. Velvety, smooth and different this is a guessing man's brew that keeps you coming back to the question why does it taste so good? If you question the universe then let the sake universe question you back with a brew that thinks as well as it drinks! WORD: Complex WINE: Expressive Reds/Deep Whites BEER: Winter Belgians FOODS: Character cuisine with lots of flavors working, smoked fish, shell fish, semi-spicy fare. Prefecture: Chiba; SMV: +/0; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $35.00
Jokigen Junmai Ginjo
Four Hot Words: Crisp, Unique, Bright, & Miystery. This is an unusual brew from start to finish, and that is why it is so popular with sake connoisseurs in Japan. With a nose made up of grape, cherry, mango, candy and a touch of anise elements this sake is a totem pole brew with flavors and faces on every level. Juicy and fruity on one level, a hint of sour tones on another, and yet another layer filled with tangy peppery elements this Ginjo works in so many ways. But the balance remains constant - can you imagine that? And look for a quick and semi-dry finish amongst all of the mouth action with each sip being a complete mystery. This is an adventure sake from start to finish. WORD: Different WINE: Deep Reds/Complex Whites BEER: Bitter ales FOODS: Fried fare, grilled chicken, savory flavors, bar snacks. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $33.00
Kaiun Junmai Ginjo
Four Hot Words: Fat, Fruity, Full, & Fun. The nose on this famous "celebration" sake with tremendous packaging is a mild assortment of melon, pear, apple, and honey elements. Talk about one of "those" sakes! Kaiun is the perfect marriage between a fruity sake and a creamy brew that drinks very balanced and very velvety. Plump, viscous, chewy, look for ripe fruit compote, rich pear, honeydew and a hint of banana tones only when the fluid warms. Smooth, fruity, and creamy how do they do that? This is a sake that screams impact and is a truly feel good brew. Wine drinkers will enjoy the talking tail on this pride of Shizuoka Prefecture. WORD: Juicy WINE: Soft reds/creamy whites BEER: Belgian Ales. FOODS: Shellfish, clean seafood, sushi, sashimi. Prefecture: Shizuoka; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.4
- 1.8L $69.00
Kamoizumi Shusen Junmai Ginjo "Three Dots"
Four Hot Words: Earthy, Rich, Full-bodied, 3-temp-drinkable. This Junmai is on the opposite spectrum to a fruity floral sake. It has a full nose of shiitake mushrooms, woodsy earthtones and damp leaves. This is a very deep Ginjo that starts soft and ends with a deep exhale of mushrooms and smoked wood. There is a very soft creaminess that is thick and chewy, almost like a moderately sweet sherry, and subtle anisette flavoring turns into a honey-like aftertaste when the sake warms up. This sake is best served room temperature or slightly warmed. WORD: Shiitake Mushroom WINE: Deep Rich Reds BEER: Ambers/Stouts FOODS: Duck, meat, Bar-B-Q, risotto. Prefecture: Hiroshima; SMV: +1.5; Acidity: 1.6
- 900ml $35.00
Kanbara Junmai Ginjo "Bride of the Fox"
Four Hot Words: Rich, Layered, Smooth, & Velvety. Behold a brilliant nose filled with green grapes, minerals, wheat, and steamed rice. This Ginjo is a Totem Pole of personalities and each flavor has a face. Look high for deep and rich chocolate tones and peer low for a creaminess that screams "empty cup." The richness is the real play with this sake, as the depth and feel come forth when you use a larger drinking vessel. A cold weather Ginjo that has a warmth that red wine lovers could sink their teeth into. WORD: Layered WINE: Cabs-Zins/White Burgundy BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Pasta, soups, cooked fish, and your favorite hamburger. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $36.00
- 300ml $17.00
Kariho Rokushu Junmai Ginjo "Six Boats"
Four Hot Words: Crisp, Dry, Even, & Drinkable. A unique collection of aromas from rice and grains to berries and a touch of mint. This is a great example of a semi-fruity sake that drinks dry and compact. Dry, clean and smooth with a touch of crispness look for hints of cherry, cranberry, cantaloupe and an expression of almonds or sweet nuts. Although the brew drinks tight and clean it has a wideness that balances out the round and softness of the fluid. This dry Ginjo has a very quick finish with a tickle of tartness. Think clean and flavorful! WORD: Dry WINE: Compact Reds/Dry Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sashimi, clean grilled fish and chicken, fruit salads. Prefecture: Akita; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $46.00
Kikusui Junmai Ginjo "Chrysanthemum Water"
Four Hot Words: Crisp, Clean, Bright, & Top-seller. True Sake owner Beau Timken recorded Kikusui as the first entry in his personal journal of over 200 sakes and would later purchase Kikusui as his first case of sake, thus Kikusui holds a special place on our shelves. This Ginjo has a slightly fruity nose with hints of citrus and persimmons. Kikusui has a confidently smooth beginning with a gradual thickening viscosity that ends in a slightly salty aftertaste. Dry, sharp and smooth according to most, this Ginjo sits well in the mouth and will tease you with sweet fruit tones and a dry finish. Kikusui is fermented at a low temperature longer than most Ginjos to rid the sake of the sometimes "heavy" characteristics of a Junmai, thus giving it an overall light and dry complexion. Gin and vodka drinkers will enjoy. WORD: Citrus WINE: Sharp Whites/Dry Reds BEER: Ales/Ambers FOODS: Suitable for light and stronger flavored dishes such as dim sum, chicken/pork with mild spice, creamy cheeses and fresh fruits. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.6
- 1.8L $59.00
- 720ml $33.00
- 300ml $11.00
Kiminoi Yamahai Junmai Ginjo "Emperor's Well"
Four Hot Words: Deep, Expansive, Smooth, & Round. A prototypical Yamahai nose filled with earthy, gritty, ricey, shroomy, grainy elements with a waft of creme brulee. And yes the flavor matches the aroma as this deep and layered sake has a gamey attitude that is full and robust. Look for flavors such as rice and grains that blend into a gentle earthiness with a vein of vanilla. A Ginjo that tastes like rice - how novel! Velvety, gutsy, and complex this brew is bold and yet subdued. More richness comes out at room temp and so does a peek-a-boo view of marshmallow. WORD: Gamey WINE: Deep Dark Reds/Huge Whites BEER: Stouts FOODS: A game griller special, chops, sausages, mushroom risotto. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $36.00
Kimurashiki Kiseki No Osake Junmai Ginjo "Miracle Sake"
This brew is a story worth sharing. There was once an apple orchard in Japan that grew okay apples. Not great and not special. As hard as they tried they could not up their game. Then one day they invited a legendary farmer/cultivator named Kimura who developed his own growing technique called the Kimura Natural Cultivation Method. And voila! From that day forth those apple farmers have grown legendary apples that are famous throughout Japan and are called "Miracle Apples." Fast forward to a sake brewery in Okayama Prefecture that was having a similarly difficult time growing good rice for their sake. They invited Kimura-san to work his magic in the rice game, and voila he started using a rice varietal called Asahi, which produced this sake called you guessed it "Miracle Sake." Talk about feel great sake. This brew is thick, slippery, and extremely smooth. It has a rich sweetness with tones of apple, pear, and vanilla that drinks very well balanced and relaxed. Is it a miracle I dunno! But it sure drinks great. Prefecture: Okayama; SMV: -4; Acidity: N/A
- 720ml $40.00
Kinoeno YuuGa Junmai Ginjo "Deep Elegance"
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Rich, Fat, & Full. This value Ginjo has an aroma profile filled with soil, butter, cream, plum, and caramel tones. Talk about a multi-temperature Ginjo sake! This guy is so smooth and yummy at most temp zones including piping hot and close to room temperature. Can a brew be more about what it is not than what it is? It's not your typical light and fruity Ginjo, rather it is light and rich with very mild and neutral flavor elements such as steamed rice, nuts, and a touch of caramel. There is also the allusive "umami" quality that speaks to those who like a certain a rice-flavor driven sake. WORD: Smooth WINE: Soft reds/ earthy whites BEER: Belgian ales FOODS: Veggie dishes, tempura, French fries, mushroom pastas. Prefecture: Chiba; SMV: +/-0; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $27.00
Kirinzan Junmai Ginjo
What a bottle! And yes it is the sister sake to the amazingly beautiful bottles for the Junmai and the Daiginjo. Do good looks translate to good tastes? You bet as the very mild nose on this Ginjo is a whisper of steamed rice, crushed leaves, cotton, and balsa wood. Huh? Yup the nose has given this sake away as one of those "Mystery" sakes that every sake fan at some point must try. Why a mystery? Because there is so much going on here but it is still just clean and simple and so easy to drink at three different temperatures. Huh? A three temperature Niigata Ginjo? See what I am saying? Of course this brew is clean and tight with a very nice tail. It is dry for sure, but call the sake Sherlock Holmes because there is some peek-a-boo sweet rice and a hint of cocoa elements that just appear. Differently sized glasses make the mystery all the more profound and it's time for you to solve this riddle. WORD: Professional WINE: Tight reds/Crisp whites BEER: Crisp ales FOODS: Clean cusines that make you think. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +4
- 720ml $47.00
Kokuryu Junmai Ginjo "Black Dragon"
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Deep, Rich, & Savory. A tantalizing nose filled with hints of roasted coffee, mint, salt water taffy, tropical flowers, grapes and honey. This extremely well balanced sake achieves the near impossible of being both expansive in character and clean in feeling. There hints of fruits, minerals, and caramel but also peek-a-boo layers of grains and umami. Almost sweet and savory at once with a dry quick finish. WORD: Big Clean WINE: Merlot/Pinot Noir/Sauvignon Blanc BEER: Blond Ales/Hefeweizen FOODS: Anything Grilled! Prefecture: Fukui; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.4
- 1.8L $87.00
- 720ml $43.00
Kokuryu Tokusen Ginjo "Crystal Dragon"
Four Hot Words: Complex, Silky, Balanced, & Bright. A delightful nose filled with blackberries, pineapple, purple grapes and Red Vines. Another extremely well balanced sake with hints of light honey and tea flavors. A unique dryness emerges with each sip and the overall feeling is a slide of gentle flavors. This Ginjo is as good as it gets! WORD: Elegant WINE: Complex Reds/ Dry whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sushi and lightly seasoned dishes. Prefecture: Fukui; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $44.00
Koshi No Kanbai Tokusen Ginjo "Vanishing Point"
Four Hot Words: Historical, Bright, Layered, & Elegant. This quintessential Ginjo from the "Best Known Brewery In Japan" has a dynamic nose filled with pear, rose pedal, cucumber and steamed rice tones. Talk about an ultra clean experience, the term flavored water comes to mind. There are hints of cooked pear and grapefruit elements surrounded by silky waves of steamed rice wrapped in semi-thick fluid that has the famous "phantom finish" where you do not remember swallowing. If "philosophy" were a drink, this would be it. WORD: Clean WINE: Complex reds/Layered whites BEER: Deep ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, most things off of the grill. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +7; Acidity: 1.2
- 500ml $38.00
Koshi No Tousetsuka Junmai Ginjo "Snow Flower"
Four Hot Words: Soft, Clean, Light, & Pristine. And yet another excellent Ginjo made in the Niigata-style of clean and pristine sake. This Ginjo has a slight cherry blossom and green apple nose with vanilla undertones. It starts super clean and super smooth, and the ending of course is clean and smooth. There are subtle fruit tones hidden in the soft vanilla shimmer of this "like water" sake, but it is sweet without being fruity. This is a fine example of a dry Ginjo, and one should know that this brewery uses snow-covered natural sake vats in its production. WORD: Water WINE: Soft Reds/Dry Whites BEER: Gentle Ales FOODS: Shrimp dumplings, steamed crab, baked lobster, late night eggs. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +6; Acidity: 1.4
- 1.8L $75.00
- 720ml $40.00
Kouro Junmai Ginjo "Famous # 9"
Four Hot Words: Historical, Balanced, Chewy, Huge-character. This extremely "educational" sake (only 24 bottles in the US) has a vast nose filled with strawberry, lychee, honeydew, vanilla and apple elements. How can something drink so clean and yet have so much body! This is the mystery of a classic brew that has an enormous mouth feel, which coats the mouth with gentle and nuanced flavors. A rice-driven Ginjo with hints of unripe fruits, a layer of vanilla, and a whisp of the infamous umami characteristic. So soft, so chewy, so rich and yet so well balanced. For the well versed behold "shibumi" (estrigency) in a delicate delivery and "kire" (quick finish), which is amazing for so much body. Larger glasses and closer to room temperature bring out more "moods." WORD: Big Story WINE: Pinot Noir/White Burgundy BEER: Big Belgians FOODS: Anything off the grill, out of the ocean, from the soil, or felled from the heavens. Prefecture: Kumamoto; SMV: +0.5; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $75.00
Kubota Ginjo Genshu
- 720ml $30.00
Kudoki Jozu Junmai Ginjo "Pick-Up Artist"
Four Hot Words: Plump, Fruity, Bright, & Impact. Great name and a great nose on this sake with hints of pear, apple, and purple plum aromas. Ahhhhh! A brew that gets it. A terrific feeling sake that fills the mouth with fat and gooey flavors but stays super smooth. The brilliant acidity-balancing act takes the sweetness out of the gambit of fruit flavors including pineapple and mango. Plump and complex this "sexy beast" is layered and luxurious with attitude and swagger. Drink closer to room temp if you want even more fruit tones, but chilled is happening. WORD: Vivacious WINE: French Pinot Noir/French Chardonnay BEER: Deep Belgians FOODS: Oily and grilled fare, sushi, shellfish. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.2
- 1.8L $54.00
- 720ml $28.00
- 300ml $12.00
Masumi Junmai Ginjo "Karakuchi Ki-ippon"
Meibo Yowano Tsuki Junmai Ginjo "Midnight Moon"
Four Hot Words: Light, Smooth, Round, & Drinkable. This is a very consistent flavorful, light and smooth type of Ginjo. The nose is full of vanilla and melon, and the first sip shines of a well-built Ginjo. The sake has a smooth start and an equally smooth finish with a middle made up of melon and citrus undertones. It is very well balanced and literally slides on the tongue. The viscosity spells a fruity type flavor but the taste is refreshingly dry. In sailing terms this Ginjo is even-keeled and the proof is in the easy and refreshing nature of each sip. Very user friendly for Ginjo lovers. WORD: Cantaloupe - WINE: Gervestervienners/Sauvignon Blanc - BEER: Hefferwiesens/Honey Ales FOODS: Omelets, fish mousses, oysters with vinaigrette, fried scampi. Prefecture: Aichi; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.4
- 500ml $27.00
Mizunoshirabe Ginjo "Sound Of Water"
Four Hot Words: Gentle, Clean, Even, & Like-water. "Sound of Water" has a really superb nose filled with hints of peaches, grapes, and persimmons with an undercurrent of minerals and green grasses. The first sip spells a very gentle and delicate sake with a smoothness and confidence filled with a melon slickness. The middle-mouth is chewy and clean and the finish is a nice disappearing act with no aftertaste. This is a great "bring to a party sake." WORD: Melon WINE: Soft Reds/Gentle Whites BEER: Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, and clean flavors. Prefecture: Kyoto; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.2
- 720ml $28.00
Narutotai Genshu Junmai Ginjo Genshu "Red Snapper"
Four Hot Words: Round, Complex, Dry, & Presence. This genshu (undiluted sake with 17% alcohol) has a subtle aroma profile that hints of damp wood, whipping cream and a tingle of licorice. It is a deep and rich sake that drinks thin even though it feels robust. With a layered acidity, it's a perfect genshu for pairing with largely flavored Western-style cuisines. Look for the red snapper on the label as this sake was constructed to pair perfectly with this fish. WORD: Deep WINE: Merlots/Soft Reds BEER: Pale Ales FOODS: Cooked fish, juicy game dishes, vegetable tempura, holiday turkey and ham. Prefecture: Tokushima; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $54.00
Ohyama Junmai Ginjo "Fu-In"
The nose on this special sake is an awesome collection of melon, pear, and apple tones. The point of "Fu-In" sakes is for Junmai Ginjos to drink like Ginjo sake (a little added alcohol) with bright aromas and flavors. This baby does not disappoint. It is bright, juicy and super smooth with an incredible balance and a terrific finish. Look for whisper fruit tones on a semi-thick flow that has great presence. Such an easy sake to drink which is amazing as this brew also has solid impact. WORD: Juicy WINE: Bright reds / fruit forward whites BEER: Fruity Ales FOODS: Cuisines that would take fruit forward wines - lightly grilled fare, sashimi, clean seafood, shellfish. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +1+2; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $44.00
Shirataki Jozen Jukusei Junmai Ginjo "Pink"
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Clean, Dry, & Presence. The "Upgrade" on one of the most drinkable sakes in Japan resulted in a more full-bodied version of its former self. With a nose of plums, strawberries, cherries, white raisins, straw and steamed rice this brew, which used to be matured for 6 months now gets aged for a full year to bring out more smoothness and body. Behold a wider, fatter, and more dry sake than its previous incarnation. Round and smooth dried fruit flavors are well balanced with an elevated acidity level creating another great version of a Niigata dry and clean sake that has both body and flavor in a pristine package. WORD: Smooth WINE: Pinot Noir/White Burgundy BEER: Ales FOODS: Shellfish, sushi, sashimi, grilled fish and chicken.Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $44.00
- 300ml $19.00
Shirataki Jozen Junmai GInjo "White"
Four Hot Words: Pristine, Gentle, Balanced, & Food-friendly. The nose on this clean and pristine sake is a collection of cherry, mineral water, corn, pineapple, and cotton candy elements. Is this the new old Jozen or the old new Jozen? Who cares, because this sake is light, clean, and dry with an underbelly of flavors such as melon, sweet rice, and vanilla. Talk about a juicy feel in a silky delivery this smooth operator tastes fresh with a quick finish. Lighter than its "aged" pink bottle sister sake, this brew speaks to those who like flavor and cutting finishes that are dry and gentle. Think clean and drinkable. WORD: Clean WINE: Soft reds/Dry whites BEER: Light beers FOODS: Sashimi, sushi, steamed fish, tofu, light complexity fare. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.3
- 1.8L $76.00
- 720ml $41.00
- 300ml $17.00
Taiheizan Junmai Ginjo "Chogetsu"
Prefecture: Akita; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $41.00
Taisetsu Junmai Ginjo "Garden of the Divine"
Four Hot Words: Fresh, Clean, Light, & Crisp. This Ginjo has a nose of citrus and melon. The first sip reminds one of biting into a snowball with all of that mineral and snow-melt taste, and this is underscored by a nice layer of orange citrus flavorings. The calm beginning slides into solid back of salt water and dryness, which is all balanced out by a smooth acidity. This Ginjo is a great value sake for those looking to taste a sake from "up north," and the mineral and citrus play is not to be missed. Gin and vodka fans take note. WORD: Snowball WINE: Sauvignon Blanc BEER: Crisp Pale Ales FOODS: Sushi bar fare, tempura, crisp green salads. Prefecture: Hokkaido; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $32.00
Tenryo Hidahomare Junmai Ginjo "The Pride of Hida"
Four Hot Words: Soft, Round, Clean, & Drinkable. This very soft and smooth brew has a gentle nose filled with pineapple, grape, papaya, and a hint of cocoa elements. The brewers use a "flower yeast" to make a very soft, round and clean drinking sake that is milled to Daiginjo rates (50% remaining). Look for hints of apricot, minerals, apple and vein of rock candy. A very well balanced sake that defines "drinkable" and appeals to those looking for a clean not boozy drinking experience. A larger vessel makes even rounder and softer and coming into room temp brings out a little richness. WORD: Whisper WINE: Dry Reds/Sauv Blanc BEER: Light ales FOODS: Sashimi, gentle pastas, grilled chicken, poached salmon. Prefecture: Gifu; SMV: +3; Acidity: na
- 720ml $44.00
Tensei Junmai Ginjo "Song of the Sea"
The nose on this smooth Junmai Ginjo is an array of melon, green apple, peach and floral components. Talk about one of those feel good sakes. This plump and chewy brew has round and fluffy smoothness that simply coats your mouth with a rush of juicy fruit tones. Hints of mango, pear, and apple dance on this buoyant fluid that is balanced and extremely flavorful. They use a "special yeast" that really makes for a fun sake that has many waves of flavors and is more fruity than sweet. It's a mouth carnival! WORD:Smooth WINE: Fat reds /Juicy Whites BEER: Fruity ales FOODS: Clean fare, shellfish,sashimi,fruit salads, steamed fish. Prefecture: Kanagawa; SMV: +3.5; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $39.00
Tsukasabotan Junmai Ginjo Fu-in "Brewer's Crest"
Four Hot Words: Dry, Light, Clean, & Drinkable. Fuin 2.0 is a new version of a really great brew and guess what? It's better! This is a very drinkable sake with a nose like a fruit basket but with an over all dry drinking experience. How did they do that? Very clean, round, smooth and dry look for hints of apple, dry pear, and white grape elements on a gentle fluid flow with a quick finish. A tricky sake that drinks far dryer than it's amazing nose and a mid-size glass brings out the best flavor and feeling ratio. Just so easy going down this brew is rice and water at it's best. WORD: Drinkable WINE: light reds/dry whites BEER: light ales FOODS: clean fare, sushi and sashimi, steamed fish, oysters. Prefecture: Kochi; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $44.00
Tsukiakari Junmai Ginjo "Moon Light"
Four Hot Words: Bright, Fruity, Balanced, & Drinkable. This unique Ginjo uses a brewing rice called Ginfubuki and that may account for the nice richness and cocoa flavor that courses through the smooth fluid. The nose on this sake is a dusty collection of dried rice, cocoa, and balsa wood aromas. I always like saying a sake is rich and tastes like chocolate, and this is the case here. Smooth, rich, round, and full-bodied this is not your fruity or too clean Ginjo, rather it is a good expression of sake that has nougat, cream, and chocolate flavors galore. Enjoy a full-bodied Ginjo that speaks to those who like rich wines and beers. WORD: Cocoa WINE: Rich reds/smooth whites BEER: Belgians FOODS: Rich fare, salty, savory, off the grill. Prefecture: Shiga; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.5
- 300ml $8.00
Tsukinokatsura Yanagi Junmai Ginjo "Willow Tree"
Four Hot Words: Elegant, Flavorful, Round, & Layered. The nose is a basket filled with strawberries, bananas, citrus fruits and minerals. Yanagi is a deeply elegant sake made with outstanding water and perfect brewing rice. It is a very easy to understand Ginjo that borders on beautiful complexity. Yanagi is a very light Ginjo filled with incredible flavors like dry pear, cucumber, and hides a deep sweetness that is so subtle it is more of an expression than a flavor. Close your eyes and you will pull hints of vanilla in this graceful and classy sake. WORD: Balanced WINE: Complex reds/expressive whites BEER: Ales FOODS: Steamed Edamame, veggies, cold beef, turkey, polenta. Prefecture: Kyoto; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $51.00
Umenishiki Junmai Ginjo "Fu-In"
Umenishiki Sakehitosuji "Gorgeous Plum"
Four Hot Words: Round, Robust, Fruity, & Juicy. This Ginjo is a genshu with a subtle fruity nose mixed with koji rice and vanilla. The flavor in this genshu is all forward with a nice round middle and a complete and confident finish. There is no denying the fruit-filled flavors but the clean and crisp acidity blends perfectly with the over-all mouth to make a harmonized sake full of potency and subtlety. A great example of a Ginjo that goes both ways well with food and well on its own. This is one of the best sakes to pair with cooked fish. WORD: Balanced WINE: Confident Reds/Strong Whites BEER: Pilsners/Ambers FOODS: All cooked fish dishes, will stand up to spice. Prefecture: Ehime; SMV: +1.5; Acidity: 1.9
- 1.8L $75.00
- 720ml $40.00
Urakasumi Junmai Ginjo "Zen"
Four Hot Words: Layered, Shimmering, Historical, & Complex. Zen is a giant in flavor and feeling. The nose is an eloquent blend of wood and strawberries. A very elegant forward flavor branches into a smooth ending with a mild strawberry aftertaste. A wonderful shimmering roundness plays in this well-built Ginjo that is respected all over Japan. It is lively and dynamic with a subtle hidden fruit factor and a beautiful rich viscosity. This is a connoisseur's Ginjo that speaks! WORD: Shimmering WINE: Complex reds/ deep whites BEER: Ambers/Pale Ales FOODS: Cooked veggies, baked lobster, fresh oysters, filet of sole and other lightly grilled cuisine. Prefecture: Miyagi; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $68.00
Wakatake Onikoroshi Junmai Ginjo "Demon Slayer"
Four Hot Words: Light, Rich, Bright, & Balanced. The nose on this sake that is made by a new master brewer at Wakatake is a gentle collection of blueberry, melon, sweet rice, and apple tones. This new "Demon Slayer" drinks far more controlled and drinkable than the former version, as it is slightly more reserved and dry. Gone are the fruit pops, but there is a gentle collection of fruit elements such as ripe pear, cooked grapes, fruit component with a hint of blueberry. Even and well balanced this brew has a new smoothness that does well in the mouth. Semi-fat, semi-dry and a lurking subtle rich sweetness only comes forth as the fluid warms and that is why the toji likes drinking it at room temp. WORD: Smooth WINE: Pinot Noir/Fat whites BEER: Creamy ales FOODS: Very versatile and can stand cuisines from salty and savory to spicy with big acidity. Prefecture: Shizuoka; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.5
- 1.8L $65.00
- 720ml $32.00
- 300ml $16.00
Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo "Cabin in the Snow"
Four Hot Words: Fruity, Round, Bright, & Wine-like. This Limited Release Ginjo has a brilliant nose filled with peach, strawberry, and minerals. Talk about a fruity beast! A superbly innocent sake that has baskets of ripe fruit tones including strawberries and mangos that dance in a silky and clean flow. The softness of this Ginjo and the vivid acidity are muted by a fruitiness without being sweet. A tremendous treat for those looking for a fruity experience but don't want gooey sweet. WORD: Strawberry WINE: Fruity reds/ Chardonnay BEER: Fruity ales FOODS: Shellfish, Chinese cuisine, grilled salty fare. Prefecture: Akita; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.9
- 1.8L $74.00
- 720ml $46.00
- 300ml $21.00
Junmai Daiginjo & Daiginjo
This category is the "A-list" in the sake world the best of the best and a brewery's best offering. Each grain of rice must be milled to at least 50% removal and 50% remaining, and some go as far as 23% "seimaibuai" or 77% removal of each grain of rice. Light, sometimes more fruity and more fragrant, this category is best for gift giving and light food pairings.
Akitabare Suirakuten Daiginjo "Heaven of Tipsy Delight"
Four Hot Words: Nuanced, Layered, Elegant, & Etherial. This incredibly nuanced sake has a vivid nose filled with berries, mangos, white grapes, and clover honey elements. Talk about a gentle sake, this Daiginjo redefines expressive subtleties. If you blink you will miss it, but close your eyes and spelunk for layers and layers of hidden treasures such as minerals, melon, rock candy and white grape tones. Is it passive or passive aggressive? A superb sake to open the eyes of non-sake believers. WORD: Subtle WINE: Layered reds/complex whites BEER: Blond Ales FOODS: Lightly flavored cuisines. Prefecture: Akita; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.2
- 720ml $82.00
Born Junmai Daiginjo "Gold"
Four Hot Words: Layered, Light, Clean, & Drinkable. Another great Daiginjo from a brewery known for making Daiginjo sake. "Gold" has an elegant nose comprised of green apple, sweet rice, plum skin, and peach aromas. What do you call that sake that is complex enough for the pros and drinkable enough for the sake newbies? You call it Gold! Add some tremendous packaging and you get a stellar sake with layers of smooth and even fruit tones from grapes and pears to apple sauce and a hint of citrus. Behold a peek-a-boo vein of vanilla on a fluid flow that has far more personality in a smaller glass. A larger glass makes this easy drinking sake even easier. If you have a hard time with alcohol elements in a sake then this Daiginjo is for you as there is no alcohol twang. Truly Gold in a glass! WORD: Gentle WINE: Smooth Reds/ Round whites BEER: Clean Ales FOODS: Look for cuisines with gentle attitude and subtle complexities from exotic flavors to everyday fare. Prefecture: Fukui; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $40.00
Born Nihon no Tsubasa Aged Junmai Daiginjo "Wing of Japan"
Four Hot Words: Expressive, Soft, Layered, & Complex. This expressive Daiginjo has been aged for over two years and has a nose filled with cherries, red grapes, yellow peppers and iceberg lettuce. Simple complexity! This is one of those brews that everybody should try at least once. Why? Because it is without borders the flavor is so unique and the fluid itself is even more baffling. It's as if the sake expands in your mouth, almost a springing back into shape feeling after being muted by the two years of aging. It is so calm and yet so dynamic. There is layer of fruit strawberry - on a clean and "bouncy" fluid wing. The expansion of feeling and flavor factor is so impressive! WORD: Simple Complexity WINE: Pinot Noir/fat whites BEER: Pilsner FOODS: Pâtés, foie gras, avocados, shellfish. Prefecture: Fukui; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $142.00
Born Yume wa Masayuma Junmai Daiginjo "Dreams Come True"
Prefecture: Fukui; SMV: +4.0; Acidity: 1.5
- 1000ml $255.00
Chokaisan Junmai Daiginjo "Chokai Mountain"
Four Hot Words: Fruity, Elegant, Expressive, & Bright. The nose on this sake made with Miyaminishiki brewing rice and flower yeast is very floral with hints of gardenia, grape, blueberry, and pear. Round, soft and smooth this brew speaks the language of premium refined sake. Look for layers of gentle fruit elements such as strawberry, blueberry and concord grape, and take note of a layer of candy-like mild sweetness. Softer and sweeter in a smaller vessel; a larger glass brings forth more expressiveness especially in the finish. Think very soft, very smooth, and very drinkable. WORD: Floral WINE: Fruity reds and whites BEER: Fruity ales FOODS: Shellfish, oysters, cheese and fruit plates. Prefecture: Akita; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $61.00
Daishichi Minowamon Kimoto Junmai Daiginjo "The Gate"
Four Hot Words: Silky, Layered, Smooth, & Umami. This dream sake has a classic nose filled with ripe peach, cantaloupe, and raisins. The first sip of "the Gate" makes you a believer, as a chewy viscosity moves from start to finish in a velvety and creamy rush. A solid acidity play mingles with ripe and juicy flavors such as pears, bananas, and mangos. This sake spells for a very "professional" Junmai Daiginjo experience that allows a drinker to taste a bit of heaven. WORD: Ripe WINE: Chewy Reds/Chardonay BEER: Sweet Ales FOODS: Cuisine with a natural sweetness, oysters, lobster, crab. Prefecture: Fukushima; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $81.00
Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo "Otter Festival Centrifuge"
- 720ml $105.00
Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo "Otter Festival"
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Layered, Velvety, & Award- winner. Say hello to one of the most polished sakes in Japan. This sake has been milled to 23% and it is in a class by itself. With a nose of grapes, flowers, strawberries and mineral water the flavor is as luscious as the aroma. Dassai is a clean and plump Daiginjo with chapters of flavors wrapped in a deep and layered structure. Look for hints of brown sugar, fleshy plums and minerals, and the closer to room temp. the more it tastes like water. WORD: 23% WINE: Merlot/soft Chardonnay BEER: Soft ales FOODS: Best to drink as is! Prefecture: Yamaguchi; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $106.00
Dassai 39 Junmai Daiginjo "Otter Festival"
Four Hot Words: Fruity, Elegant, Smooth, & Flavorful. The 300ml size is currently not available. This Daiginjo fits in between Dassai "50" and "23" in terms of milling rates and is both similar and different to its sister brews. The nose is fruity with koji rice, apple, honeydew, and strawberry aromas. A very plush sake that is loaded with fruit basket flavors and has a very wine-like acidity presence with a long finish. Chewy, round, and soft, but bright go figure! Hints of pear, apple, blueberry and honeydew on a fleshy fluid that is lively and velvety. "39" drinks almost nama-like and beware of fruit flies who will surely find your glass within minutes. WORD: Velvet WINE: Plump Reds/Smooth Whites BEER: Soft Ales FOODS: Clean fare, elegant flavors, fruit salads, avocado salads, cheese plates. Prefecture: Yamaguchi; SMV: +3; Acidity: na
- 720ml $53.00
- 300ml $20.00
Dassai 50 Junmai Daiginjo "Otter Festival"
Four Hot Words: Creamy, Semi-dry, Bright, & Lively. This sake has an older brother Daiginjo that has an industry leading milling rate of 23. Dassai 50 has collection of sweet aromas including grape juice, cotton candy, and a hint of lemonade. Talk about a sake with body! This ubber daiginjo has a full-figured flavor that rushes chewy fruit tones to all corners of your mouth. It is wide and heavy with lots of expansive elements that talk to those who like a mouthful. Pay attention for a hint of anise and sneaky mild veggie aftertaste. The subtle sweetness including grape and berries becomes more pronounced when the fluid warms in the mouth. WORD: Chunky WINE: Pinot Noire / Chewy Whites BEER: Ales FOODS: Mushroom risotto, tempura, fried chicken, caviar, smoked salmon pate. Prefecture: Yamaguchi; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $35.00
- 300ml $13.00
- 1.8L $74.00
Dassai Junmai Daiginjo "Beyond"
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Clean, Layered & Elegant. This ultra popular brewery in Japan has a huge following and for good reason they make great sake. Their Dassai 50 and 39 and 23 are extremely well made sakes that drink velvety with layers of flavor, and so it is no surprise that their super secret "Beyond" project is even better then the others. In a word it is! Talk about a sake that is the perfect combination of feel great and taste great. Beyond is just that, it is beyond great. There are certain sakes that one should not miss in their sake drinking lifetimes and this is one of them. When great sake makers claim that they have made a "great" sake then you should take their word for it. WORD: Velvety WINE: Round Reds/Layered Whites with soft body BEER: Creamy Belgians FOODS: If you must! Shellfish and oysters. Prefecture: Yamaguchi; SMV: N/A; Acidity: N/A
- 720ml $750.00
Denshin Junmai Daiginjo "First Class"
- 720ml $130.00
Dewazakura Daiginjo "Mountain Cherry"
Four Hot Words: Elegant, Aromatic, Bright, & Expressive. The nose on this special sake from the award winning brewery is plump with plum, berry, grape, peach and floral elements. A perfect example of a wine drinker's sake good fruit tones balanced with a good acidity play. How can rice and water do this? Amazing dry and fruity qualities to this sake. Look for juicy flavors including honey, peach, pear, red apple and fruit compote. Then there are dry flavors of apricot and steamed rice that balance out the movement of this Daiginjo that drinks better in a larger vessel. WORD: Fruity WINE: Fruity Reds/Fat Whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Appetizer friendly, cheese plates, sushi/sashimi, fruit plates. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +6; Acidity: 1.2
- 720ml $76.00
Dewazakura Ichiro Junmai Daiginjo "Abbey Road"
The nose on this wonderfully drinking Junmai Daiginjo is a talented collection of strawberry, cherry, and floral aromas. Talk about a sake that drinks like a fruit basket! (But not sweet!) Look for papaya, pineapple, melon, and strawberry flavors on a super smooth flow that drinks round and plush. We call this a fleshy sake because it drinks thick and slow through the palate. Great balance and such a nice brightness to this brew, which makes this a very drinkable sake. Think fruit-forward without gooey sweetness. Think tasty! WORD: Fruity WINE: Fruity reds and whites BEER: Sweet ales FOODS: Salty and savory fare off of a grill with a little grease! Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $60.00
Dewazakura Mini-Daiginjo "Sakura Boy"
Four Hot Words: Lush, Aromatic, Cherry, & Fruity. The nose on this special Daiginjo is a wonderful collection of fruity and floral elements from green apple and honeydew to clover honey and rose pedal. Talk about a feel good sake that just rolls and shimmers in your palate. This is a fat, fruity, and floral brew with superb mouth feel and very long flavors of ripe tropical fruits that are chewy and gooey. Smooth and velvety soft look for melon, mango and white grape flavors in the fleshy and plump flow that drinks fruit forward in a small cup and round in lush in a mid-sized glass. There is a gentle acidity play that speaks to wine drinkers. WORD: Lush WINE: Fruity Reds and Whites BEER: Smooth Ales FOODS: Clean flavors, steamed fish and chicken, sushi, sashimi, fruit salads. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +6; Acidity: 1.2
- 300ml $19.00
Dewazakura Yukimanman
- 720ml $126.00
Enter: Sake Shuhari Junmai Daiginjo 2015
This sake is a clean, smooth sake with citrus peel and alpine flowers on nose followed by white grapefruit, Muscat grape, and green apple on the palate. It has a sharp finish that pairs well with fish or any savory dish. With a venerable history dating back to the Edo era, Matusmoto is one of the oldest sake breweries in Kyoto and has been designated as a National Heritage site by the Japanese Government. They have been making only junmai-shu (sake with no added alcohol) at the same location for over two hundred years.
- 720ml $45.00
- 1.8L $90.00
Enter: Sake Sookuu 2015
This weighty sake made with clear spring water. On the palette it has clean fleshy rice notes tinged with sweet Asian pear. It has an umami finish with lingering acidity. It would pair well with grilled meat or fish. Fujioka Shuzo brewery was established in 1902 and is an incredibly small brewery with the Fujioka-san personally overseeing each step of the labor and time intensive process to produce a truly handmade sake. In 2002, 5th generation Masaaki Fujioka re-opened the brewery establishing the new Sake brand "SOOKUU" aiming to brew a Sake with its taste reflecting a gentle clear blue sky. Fushimi is nationally known in Japan for its refined water that gives SOOKUU its distinctive silky taste.
- 500ml $50.00
- 1.8L $100.00
Gasanryu Gokugetsu Junmai Daiginjo "Mountain Stream"
Four Hot Words: Soothing, Easy, Presence, & Fun. This single-pasteurized sake has a very sneaky nose filled with rose pedals, purple grapes, and blueberry elements. Ahhhh smooth and bright! A very unique combination in the sake world. This is a chewy and viscous sake with a gentle tingle that drinks more like a pure nama or unpasteurized sake with a crispness that highlights all of the fruit flavors. A "one of those" sakes that makes one wonder how rice and water can taste like all of these fruity and semi-sweet elements. In a word - a very smart Daiginjo with ripe melon and berry elements that flashes across the palate in a bright fluid that zings flavor and fun! WORD: Bright WINE: Zesty reds/ Crisp whites BEER: Pilsners FOODS: Sushi/sashimi, grilled white fish, oysters, and shellfish. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $57.00
Gasanryu Kisaragi Daiginjo "February"
Four Hot Words: Elegant, Clean, Flavorful, & Balanced. The nose on this award winning sake is a subtle collection of melon, pear and peach aromas. And yet another amazing sake from a killer brewery that makes sakes with attitude. Kisaragi a nice slippery Daiginjo with slow moving flavors that show up as the fluid warms across the palate. Bright, crisp, juicy and drinkable look for hints of mango, pear, and apple flavors with a little acidic kick. Crisp white wine drinkers take note of a juicy and tight brew that is slippery from start to the finish. A larger glass brings out more bounce! WORD: Slippery WINE: Juicy reds/crisp whites BEER: Crisp Ales. FOODS: Clean fare, sushi, sashimi, shellfish, oysters. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.2
- 720ml $48.00
Ginga Shizuku Junmai Daiginjo "Divine Droplets"
Four Hot Words: Clean, Deep, Fruity,, & Elegant. This dynamite sake is made not by pressing with a machine rather the brewers separate the sake from the lees by placing it in canvas bags and use gravity to drip the sake out slowly. Thus expect an amazingly silky quality to this brew with a nose full of pear and minerals. Talk about a great first sip. A clean start is filled with persimmon and plum flavors wrapped in a chewy and slightly fruity package. Yet the finish is more clean than fruity and more balanced than dry. WORD: Plum WINE: Pinot Noir/chewy whites BEER: Sweet ales/hefferweisen FOODS: Elegant flavors with a subtle saltiness or natural sweetness. Prefecture: Hokkaido; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.2
- 720ml $76.00
Harushika Junmai Daiginjo "Spring Deer"
Four Hot Words: Like-water, Clean, Silky, & Soft. The tremendous nose on this superb Daiginjo is a vast array of watermelon, strawberry, banana, vanilla, and steamed koji (sweet) rice. This sake is simply a flavor rush with an ending of hush! Talk about a juicy and fruity brew that drinks fat and fun. I mean come on! How is this sake made of just rice and water? With layers and layers of strawberry, melon, and mild banana flavors that drink chewy and ripe you'd think it would be goopy and sweet, but it isn't and actually has a dramatically quiet and disappearing finish. Truly a sake work of art! The vein of watermelon hints is classic. WORD: Juicy WINE: Fruity reds/Chardonnay BEER: Pale and fruity ales FOODS: Sashimi, tofu, poultry, fusion, stock and soy dishes. Prefecture: Nara; SMV: +2.5; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $76.00
Hitorimusume Junmai Daiginjo Shizuku "Only One Daughter"
Four Hot Words: Velvety, Ripe, Smooth, & Professional. The aroma factor on this Daiginjo is like a basket filled with ripe dripping fruit including melon, berries, pear and a hint of cotton candy. This Shizuku-style (drip) sake is an adventure into the realms of expansive flavor meets incredible smoothness. A silky soft fluid that touches on a mineral sweetness and yet dances dry in the finish. The nose and flavor impression spell sweet but this expansive Daiginjo drinks dry and clean; and keep a look out for faint caramel and anise undertones. In street vernacular this deeply flavored sake drinks "like butter!" WORD: Elegant WINE: Soft Reds/Creamy Whites BEER: Ales/Hefferweisens FOODS: Lightly flavored hors devours, smoked salmon, gingerly prepared steamed fish. Prefecture: Ibaraki; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $101.00
Houraisen Junmai Daiginjo "Kuu"
The nose on this very special sake is a collection of sweet floral, blueberry, sweet rice, and powder sugar elements. What a great sake! This is a perfect shining example of how rice and water can be more complex than wine. (There I said it!) It is smooth, round and extremely confident with fleshy tones that have a brilliant movement through the palate. Not dry, but definitely not fruity sweet this Koo has a more rich sugar sweetness that almost tastes like cooked sugar. This is a professional sake, because it is so damn complex, but so damn drinkable. It's also very unassuming just like the peek-a-boo hint of banana as the fluid warms. Rich and wonderful this sake is a true winner. WORD: Smooth WINE: Pinot Noir/creamy whites BEER: Belgians/creamy ales FOODS: So drinkable why add food? If you must, think pinot noir fare. Prefecture: Aichi; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $95.00
Hoyo Kura No Hana Junmai Daiginjo "Fair Maiden"
Four Hot Words: Light, Fruity, Bright, & Expressive. This Daiginjo has a nose filled with Muscat grapes and earthy wood tones. It is indeed a very light sake with a beautiful soft grape beginning and a tender chewiness that blends well in a refreshingly low acidity. A rolling sweetness pushes its way throughout the mouth and no trace of alcohol is detectable, making this Junmai Daiginjo a real treat for those looking for the perfect "light" and "delicate" sake. WORD: Light WINE: Soft Chardonnay BEER: Light Ales FOODS: Fresh oysters in a vinaigrette, cold seafood dishes. Prefecture: Miyagi; SMV: +/-0; Acidity: 1.1
- 500ml $35.00
Ichinokura Junmai Daiginjo "Kura no Hana"
This sake made with a special brewing rice has a rich nose filled with strawberry, honeydew melon, and floral elements. This is a super smooth brew that is fat, lush, and juicy and is a simple pleasure in the palate. Talk about a sake with personality. This one has it! It's sort of beefy, but very feminine in the same breath with hints of honeydew melon, berries and honey. So smooth but also so even. Nothing about this great tasting sake rocks the boat, as it drinks like pure comfort. WORD: Smooth WINE: Pinot Noir /round whites BEER: fruity ales FOODS: Gentle fare that is clean with a dash of salty qualities, sushi/sashimi. Prefecture: Miyagi; SMV: +/-0 +2; Acidity: N/A
- 720ml $71.00
Kaika Daiginjo "Tobindori Shizuku"
Hand's down the best packaging in sake replicates the bottles used for national sake competitions. The dynamic nose on this "Shizuku gravity trickle" sake is made up of sea water, melon, magnolia, vanilla, and marshmallow elements. This is a very intense Daiginjo with a lot of "action" in a very soft and succulent delivery. Chewy and dry it has hints of fruit but overall drinks dry with a tickle of umami hidden amongst crisp flavor expressions. It is indeed soft and has a way of grabbing your attention one drop at a time. WORD: Soft WINE: Deep reds/complex whites BEER: Belgian ales FOODS: Cuisine celebrating complexity! Prefecture: Tochigi; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.2
- 720ml $161.00
Kikuhime Daiginjo Genshu "Chrysanthemum Princess"
Four Hot Words: Complex, Solid, Vast, & Wow! Some sakes are built well and some are built like this amazing Daiginjo. With a gentle collection of cherry, sweet rice, melon, lavender, and pow dered sugar aromas, this brew is a mouth-ride at its finest. Thick and chewy with a super soft texture, behold the definitive "fat" sake. There are hints of grains and steamed rice on one floor and far more savory flavors on another, and hidden amongst it all are deep rich fruit veins that one must seek or miss altogether. Plump and rewarding this Daiginjo has a structure like no other, enjoy the acidity and revel in the complexity. WORD: Complex WINE: Deep reds/Fat whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Made for grilled fare and complex cuisine. Prefecture: Ishikawa; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $161.00
Kikusui Kuramitsu Junmai Daiginjo
Four Hot Words: Limited, Sexy, Elegant, & Clean. As of June 2015, there was about only 18 bottles brought from Japan to the USA. This special sake is from the super popular Kikusui Brewery in Niigata. This sake is milled to a tiny 23% and is brewed with an ultra premium Koshihikari rice. Get your hands on this super sexy sake while you can and stay toned for Beau's full review! Prefecture: Niigata
- 720ml $215.00
Kirin Hizoshu Daiginjo
Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $90.00
Kirin Junmai Daiginjo Koshihikari
The nose on this very tasty sake is a splendid collection of raisin,vanilla, strawberry, sweet rice and bamboo aromas. What the hell is a "round" sake? This one! Round means smooth and round on the edges like amarble and in this case also lush, velevity, viscous, and plump. Talk about a Daiginjo that drinks rich and not particularly fruity. Look for hints of vanilla, honey, nougat, and a touch of banana creme brullee. This sake is extremely well balanced and you can taste the solidness on a slow slide across the palate. Super smooth and of course round! WORD: Round WINE: Pinot Noir/Chewy fat whites BEER: Belgian ales FOODS: Great with shellfish, oysters, grilled fish, and light pastas. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.2
- 720ml $38.00
Kirinzan Daiginjo "Kagayaki"
Four Hot Words: Complex, Big, Rich, & Flavorful. The nose on this wonderfully packaged sake is a unique collection of honeydew melon, green apple, nougat, and cream tones. Talk about a different Daiginjo! No this is no fruit bomb, or some silly sweet brew. It is however a rich and round sake that has a complexity that would make big red wine drinkers drool. This brew is impactful from the first sip to the very long and active tail with lots of upfront character and flavors that boarder on far richer sakes. Look for cocoa, nougat, sweet rice, and bread crust flavors that bounce on a lively acidity play. This is not a chunky rich Junmai and as such it drinks with a clean attitude that would appeal to anybody looking to try a different Daiginjo with deep complexity. WORD: Confident WINE: Compex Reds/whites BEER: Large ales and stouts FOODS: Confident cuisines that need a large wine to accompany. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.2
- 720ml $173.00
Kirinzan Junmai Daiginjo "Kirin Mountain"
Four Hot Words: Clean, Smooth, Crisp, & Elegant. Talk about packaging? This well-dressed Daiginjo has a nose filled with ripe peach, strawberry, pomegranate, and cotton elements. What a light and bright sake, with each grain of rice milled to 45% one can taste the cleanliness in this brew. There are citrus tones throughout the soft and even flow that jump out in the crispness of the finish. A nicely elegant sake that is as cool and clean as stream water. A perfect gifting sake that will please in many ways. Think smooth and divine. WORD: Citrus WINE: Light dry reds/ crisp whites BEER: Crisp ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, citrus marinated fish, salads. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: 1.3; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $71.00
Kokuryu Ryu Daiginjo "Gold Dragon"
Four Hot Words: Clean, Crisp, Elegant, & Impact. The nose is filled with pineapple, koji rice, taffy, and white flower blossoms. The prototypical Daiginjo experience with a flavor that is there and then gone. Clean and superb with layers of complexity hidden in a velvety rush. Look for flinty tones dancing with mild fruit complexities and a dry finish. With "The Most" amazing label in the sake world! WORD: Complex WINE: Reds with attitude and layered whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Naturally sweet foods such lobster, scallops, and avocados. Prefecture: Fukui; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.2
- 720ml $100.00
Konteki Daiginjo "Tears of Dawn"
The nose on this flavorful Daiginjo is a collection of cherry, mango, tropical fruit, powder sugar and Marigold elements. This is a very unique and sneaky brew that drinks so easy but is so complex. It is supremely smooth and soft in a Kyoto water kind of way, and there is a very sublime peek-a-boo sweetness of pear, apple, and powdered sugar licks that beg the questions are they there or not? Most of the flavorful impact comes at the end of the sip and is late in the swallow how cool is that? These "tears" are absolutely tears of joy and happiness in a glass! WORD: Soft WINE WINE: Soft reds/chewy whites BEER: Balanced ales FOODS: Clean fare like sashimi and shellfish, and gently cooked dishes. Prefecture: Kyoto; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.4
- 300ml $19.00
- 720ml $48.00
Koshi No Kanbai Chotokusen Daiginjo "Pinnacle of Perfection"
Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +6; Acidity: 1.3
- 500ml $90.00
Kotsuzumi Rojo Hana Ari Junmai Daiginjo "Bloom on te Path"
How can one describe perfection in a bottle? This stellar Daiginjo has a nose filled with white peach, apples, grapes and pear. If we used an "Owner's Recommendation" system this sake would carry that title. A very soft pear tonality pervades this deeply complex sake that drinks as easy as a "wet dream." A full-bodied sake wrapped in a delicate texture that drinks like poetry. Once in a lifetime sake for all fans of "rice wine." WORD: Divine WINE: Bordeaux/layered whites BEER: Ales FOODS: Think drinking experience! Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $135.00
Kubota Hekiju Junmai Daiginjo "100 Ostentatious-nesses"
Four Hot Words: Clean, Dry, Crisp, & Cutting. This Daiginjo, which we call a Ginjo in the store, is the perfect example of a Niigata style sake known as tanrei karakuchi or light and dry. Hekijyu has a nutmeg and pear nose. This Ginjo is as smooth and clean as they come, and subtle flavors of ripe pears and grapes pervade the middle mouth. The ending is anything but, as you will not remember swallowing. This is an ultra-popular sake in Japan and should be tasted by all sake connoisseurs. WORD: Stellar WINE: Dry crisp whites BEER: Light Ales FOODS: Seafood pate, ankimo, cold lobster, seared albacore, and white fish sashimi. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.3
- 1.8L $122.00
- 720ml $54.00
Kubota Manju Junmai Daiginjo "10,000 Ostentatious-nesses"
Four Hot Words: Clean, Round, Velvety, & Divine. This is one of if not the most sought after Daiginjo in Japan. This Daiginjo is sophisticated and yet very drinkable, perhaps too drinkable as the phantom finish leaves you wondering if you swallowed or not. The nose is a clever balance of honeysuckle and tuberose. The first sip spells the strength in clarity of this sake. Subtle flavors of fuji apple and tart pear dance through the cleanest mouth in the sake world. WORD: Divine WINE: Light Sauvignon Blancs BEER: Light Ales FOODS: Shellfish, light seafood salad, sushi/sashimi. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.2
- 1.8L $192.00
- 720ml $87.00
Kuro Kabuto Muroka Junmai Daiginjo "Samurai Armor Helmet"
Four Hot Words: Fat, Robust, Flavorful, & Impact. This sake is unique in that they produce it using a black koji mold, which is used more for shochu production. The nose on this vividly floral sake is made-up of sweet rice, clover honey, apple, and peach skin aromas. Talk about a "smooth" operator! This un-charcoal filtered brew is round, fat, and juicy and each sip is like a velvet ride of gentle flavors on a viscous fluid. Behold sweet rice, honey, rich berries, and a tingle of citrus flavors that go with the smooth and full-feeling flow. There is a solid acidity play that ebbs the fruitiness factor and the result is a firm flavor-forward sake with a whisper departure. Warmed in the glass brings forth more acidity. WORD: Smooth WINE: Bordeaux/Chardonnay BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Complex cuisines, salty and savory dishes, clean sushi/sashimi, cheese plates. Prefecture: Fukuoka; SMV: +2; Acidity: 2.0
- 720ml $35.00
Masumi Nanago Yamahai Daiginjo "Seventh Heaven"
Four Hot Words: Layered, Bright, Crisp, & Impact. This unique sake has a brilliant nose filled with citrus, blossoms, minerals, and hot wood. Nanago is fascinatingly delicious on so many levels. Firstly it is a Daiginjo made using the Yamahai technique, which should make it deep and rich, but it is quite the opposite. Bright and crisp elements push this sake to the pinnacle of flavor and the higher acidity level balances out like a dream. How do they do this? Nanago is a must for those wine lovers who think that they have had it all, and serious must for all sake aficionados. WORD: Bright WINE: Tannin reds/crisp whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Dances with citrus based dishes, salty grilled meats/fish, and great with salads. Prefecture: Nagano; SMV: -1; Acidity: 2.0
- 720ml $66.00
Masumi Sanka Junmai Daiginjo "Mountain Flowers"
Four Hot Words: Crisp, Deep, Elegant, & Wine-like. Currently out of stock until next shipment from Japan. Get your nose into this bouquet of complexity with hints of ripe fruit, rose pedals, and a hint of oregano. Sanka is a wine-lover's Daiginjo with mountains of flavor wrapped in a luscious flow. Pick a fruit and you'll find it! Pick an earthy element and you'll find it! Dig deep enough and you'll find a layer of cranberry. Perfect for you largest red-wine glass. WORD: Layered WINE: Big reds/white burgundy BEER: Belgian ales FOODS: Oysters and more oysters, grilled chicken, pasta in oils. Prefecture: Nagano; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.4
Masumi Yumedono Daiginjo "Mansion of Dreams"
Four Hot Words: Complex, Smooth, Elegant, & Dry. This gold medal winning Daiginjo is a lion in a glass. With a complex nose of melon, koji rice, and floral elements this Yumedono impresses quickly. A fruit-filled start of melons, grapes, cherries, and dried apricots meets a subtle acidity play that creates a multi-layered sake that should be sweet, but really is quite dry. A smooth watery finish reminds the drinker that this sake excels at the crowning achievement in the sake universe of having a finish that vanishes effortlessly. WORD: Sublime WINE: Dry Chardonay/Soft Reds BEER: Ales FOODS: Fresh Oysters in a Vinaigrette. Prefecture: Nagano; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $107.00
Miyosakae Tenmi Junmai Daiginjo "Taste of Heaven"
Four Hot Words: Rich, Elegant, Fruity, & Fun. The nose on this extremely well-packaged sake is a tapestry of blueberry, pear, mango, and honeydew wafts. This very bright and fruit forward Daiginjo has an acidity act that speaks to wine drinkers. There is quite a collection of flavors that match the nose of this brew; white grape, pear, and honeydew melon abound. The strength of the sake however is the feeling of the fluid in the pallet smooth, round and buoyed by a gentle acidity. A very expressive fruit first experience that drinks like a parade of flavors on a bright day. WORD: Fruit Basket WINE: Bright reds/Chardonnay BEER: Crisp Ales. Prefecture: Ehime; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.4
- 750ml $127.00
Myoka Rangyoku Junmai Daiginjo Kimoto Shizuku Genshu "Heavenly Flower"
Four Hot Words: Complex, Divine, Bright, & Rare. This brewery is famous for making Kimoto or pole-rammed sake in the traditional method and they received the first Gold Medal for a Kimoto Daiginjo in the history of the Japanese National Competition. Heavenly Flower is a supremely hand-crafted sake that celebrates this historic achievement. From the painstakingly effort to select perfect grains of Yamadanishiki brewing rice grain by grain literally! to aging this sake for the perfect matured flavor it is as much a work of art as the amazing pewter embossed bottle with a glass cap that was made in Germany. And talk about a complex sake with a profound deep richness and chewy characteristics. A red wine drinkers ultra Daiginjo for certain. WORD: Complex WINE: Complex reds and deep whites BEER: Fat Belgians FOODS: Complex and rich fare. Prefecture: Fukushima; SMV: N/A; Acidity: N/A
- 720ml $525.00
Nanbu Bijin Shinpaku Junmai Daiginjo "Southern Beauty"
Four Hot Words: Aromatic, Fruity, Crisp & Bright. The nose on this very affordable premium sake is a collection of strawberry, floral, peach, pear and apricot aromas. This is an extremely drinkable fruit forward brew that has layers of smooth and juicy flavors with a surprisingly dry finish. Look for peach, apricot, and deep berry flavors on a gentle and inviting fluid that would speak to crisp white wine fans. It is a bright sake that is not brisk, but rather a soft and round in the glass. WORD: Flavorful WINE: Crisp reds/juicy whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Shellfish, sushi, sashimi, grilled fish. Prefecture: Iwate; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $32.00
Ohyama Junmai Daiginjo "Zuisho"
- 720ml $95.00
Otokoyama Junmai Daiginjo "Man's Mountain"
Four Hot Words: Velvety, Balanced, Elegant, & Supreme. Talk about an elegant nose filled sweet rice, white chocolate and juicy pineapple. Welcome to one of the preeminent Daiginjos in the history of premium sakes. Otokoyama is a silky walk of plum skin and straw flavors that fills the mouth with a velvety push that ends so quickly that it makes you wonder if you have already swallowed. There are many levels to this brew and at each floor you will discover delicate flavors such as pomegranate, minerals, and sweet potatoes. Balance is the theme of each sip as all the elements work in harmony to create more than just a sip of sake you taste history itself. A special sake for those special occasions. WORD: Elegant WINE: Dry reds / Sauvignon blanc BEER: Fresh Ales FOODS: Fish mousse, salty seafood ensembles, fresh oysters, sashimi, mild pastas. Prefecture: Hokkaido; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $145.00
Ozeki One Cup Junmai Daiginjo "Premium"
- 180ml $5.00
Ozeki Osakaya Chobei Daiginjo "First Boss"
Four Hot Words: Round, Fruity, Smooth, & Balanced. This is a terrific value Junmai Daiginjo as it gives a drinker the chance to taste a real player in the history of Japanese sake. The nose on Chobei is pure strawberry and candy goodness. This Junmai has a relaxed and smooth honeydew melon start with a thin and round finish. The middle-mouth is filled with ripe melon flavors and a sweetness that isn't sweet. Go figure! The viscosity is thin and round and the mouth speed is velvety and quick, and the ending is a waterfall of flavor. WORD: Honeydew Melon WINE: Chewy Reds/Ripe Whites BEER: Sweet ales FOODS: Fruit salads, white fish sashimi, sake-steamed clams, and Cuban cigar. Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $35.00
- 300ml $15.00
Senshin Junmai Daiginjo "Sophisticated Mind"
Four Hot Words: Prestine, Light, Dry, & Etherail. This Daiginjo has been milled to 28%. It takes 3 days and nights to gently polish the rice grains to reach the incredibly small (2mm) pearly beads. Senshin is then aged "quietly" for over a year. Thus, we are talking about one of if not the most pampered sakes in Japan. The nose is laced with young cantaloupe and honey. This supreme sake borders more on a traditional flavor profile that is not afraid to use acidity to balance out the cantaloupe and citrus flavors. There are definite peppery flavors at work and the over-all mouth is multi-layered and delightful. WORD: Supreme WINE: Zins/Zesty Whites BEER: Peppery Pilsners FOODS: Light fare with attitude! Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $111.00
Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Daiginjo Shizuku "The Seven Spearsmen"
This extremely limited sake is made using the highest form of sake manufacturing gravity drip technique or "Shizuku." Talk about an aroma field day! The nose on this brew is filled with berry, mango, grape, and bubble gum elements. What a weighty sake. The mouth feel on this Daiginjo is plump and viscous and yet it is so smooth. There is an elegance to the fluid that can only come from the "shizuku" technique, and the overall drinking experience is purely luxurious. The gentle flavor profile is highlighted by grape and ripe fruit tones that are layered from here (the moon) to here (bottom of the Pacific). Look for the hidden flavor of "umami" and celebrate the silkiness of this sake. WORD: Elegance WINE: Pinot Noir/Fat Whites BEER: Creamy ales FOODS: Fare with a natural sweetness, sashimi, foie gras, lobster. Prefecture: Shiga; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.6
- 500ml $98.00
Shimizu no Mai Junmai Daiginjo "Pure Dusk"
The nose on this prototypical Akita sake is a soft collection of pear, melon, banana, and tropical fruit aromas. Talk about a great mouth feeling brew, this Pure Dusk is pure flavor on a lush velvety flow with currents of amazing flavors such as pear, sweet rice, cooked apple and a touch of banana. Such a solid Daiginjo that is juicy but not sweet and fat Pinot Noir drinkers should take note. And for those on the learning curve this sake has many of the Akita Prefecture sake fundamentals in it which are focused on solid feeling with a richness but very drinkable. WORD: Expansive WINE: Pinot Noir /French Chardonnay BEER: Belgians ales FOODS:Salty and savory fare, grilled foods, things on a stick. Prefecture: Akita; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.3
- 300ml $18.00
- 720ml $47.00
Shinsei Junmai Daiginjo
Indulge in our July 2015's Secret Word Sake for just $19 if you enter the secret word as a promo code during checkout! Need the secret word? Only our newsletter subscribers are told the secret - subscribe now to know next month's secret word.
- 720ml $30.00
Shirataki Jozen Junmai Daiginjo "Blue"
Four Hot Words: Silky, Balanced, Elegant, & Pristne. The aroma field on this extremely elegant and tasty Daiginjo is an array of grapefruit, melon, cooked pear, banana, and oatmeal elements. This sake is an elevator ride of flavors on a smooth and rich flow that is both elegant and complex. First floor find ripe pear tones, second floor look for blueberry hints, third floor behold applesauce, and the fourth floor will take you to the wonders of sweet rice flavors that combine to make a brew that drinks like royalty. There are peek-a-boo tingles of sweetness, but on the whole this velvety beast drinks smooth with a breath of richness that appeals to wine drinkers who admire complexity. WORD: Elegant WINE: Pinot Noir/Complex whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Clean and naturally sweet fare, shellfish, sushi, sashimi, grilled white meat. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $78.00
Sho Chiku Bai Junmai Daiginjo
- 720ml $39.00
Suehiro Gensai Daiginjo
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Clean, Ricey & Soft. The very mild nose on this Daignjo is a subtle collection of cherry, pear and floral tones. Talk about a smooth operator! This super silky and soft sake is smoothness personified and does rice and water proud. It's almost like heavy water and drinks clean with body! There are very gentle rice tones that start out like sweet rice and finish with a steamed rice element. This is not your typical fruity Daigino, rather it is a slippery statement sake that says I am rice and water. A very interesting sake for those who enjoy exploring subtle sakes that have so much that is unsaid. WORD: Clean WINE: Soft reds/clean whites BEER: Crisp ales FOODS: Very gentle flavors, sashimi, oysters, tofu. Prefecture: Fukushima; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $137.00
Suehiro Ken Daiginjo "The Sword"
Four Hot Words: Dry, Expansive, Balanced, & Elegant. The nose is filled with strawberry, banana, cantaloupe, and watermelon. A clean and bold Daiginjo with a snap that says, "I am a sword." A perfect example of a sake that becomes you each and every sip with hints of minerals, ginger, and a dryness that speaks to all. There is an abundance of twangy flavors that makes this sake a favorite of those who like a clean and balanced Daiginjo with attitude. WORD: Clean Wine: Cabs/crisp whites BEER: Pilsners/spicy ales FOODS: Grilled salty fare, pizza with anchovies, peppered beef. Prefecture: Fukushima; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $72.00
Taiheizan Tenko Kimoto Junmai Daiginjo "Heavenly Grace"
Four Hot Words: Rich-sweet, Velvety, Complex, & Layered. This Gold Medal winner has a graceful nose filled with green apple, honeydew melon and unripe strawberries. What a wonderful first sip-sake. Your pallet will enjoy a rush of silky flavors that roll on a viscous fluid that has fruit forward goodness and ends in a watery goodbye. Very elegant with slippery layers of depth and a gentle Daiginjo sweetness. A must for those looking for an exceptionally flavored sake made the old fashioned way that slides and shimmies. WORD: Silky WINE: Merlot/plump Rieslings BEER: Sweet ales FOODS: Grilled white meat fish, salted squid, sole in butter, avocado salads. Prefecture: Akita; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $72.00
Takenotsuyu Hakurosuishu Junmai Daiginjo "Winter Water"
Four Hot Words: Expressive, Soft, Clean, & Balanced. Bingo! One of the best noses in the sake world filled with grape, sweet rice, ash, mineral, balsa wood, and cotton candy aromas. Welcome to liquid style! This tremendous Ginjo is silky, plump and luscious. How can something be so watery-clean and luscious? Who knows, and who cares because you will be amazed at how soft and elegant this semi-sweet brew drinks. There are mild fruit tones including pear and apple and these are enhanced in a larger glass. So clean and no aftertaste, must be the awesome water! WORD: Juicy WINE: Plump Pinot Noir/Chardonnay BEER: Honey Ales FOODS: Think cuisines that have natural sweetness, shellfish, avocados, and pastas that are clean and savory. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.2
- 720ml $49.00
- 1.8L $94.00
Tamagawa Kinsho Daiginjo "Gold Medal"
Four Hot Words: Deep, Crisp, Layered, & Impact. The nose on this competition-style Daiginjo is plump with strawberry, melon, Concord grape, peach, sweet rice, and powder sugar aromas. This is a wonderful "wine drinkers" Daiginjo with fruit and acidity pushed by a gentle flintiness that melds minerality with apple and white peach hues. Round and soft with layers of flavors that are extremely well balanced on a solid body that becomes slightly crisper as the temperature warms in the glass. Look for honeydew licks and a very unique mineral personality that emerges in a larger glass, which sets this brew apart. The best part this tremendous sake is made by my friend Philip Harper the first gaijin head brewer! WORD: Deep WINE: Flinty reds/ crisp whites BEER: Ales FOODS: Shellfish, sushi/sashimi, lightly seared white fish, cold chicken. Prefecture: Kyoto; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $53.00
Tamanohikari "Brilliant Jade"
Four Hot Words: Rich, Round, Fruity, & Bright. This is May's Secret Word sake. We usually sell this brew for $45, but for you great readers we will part with this Daiginjo for $24 if you enter the Secret Word during check out! This is a very important Daiginjo to explore as this brewery uses the famous Omachi rice strain, the father of the majority of today's brewing rices. The nose, like its name, is indeed brilliant, filled with all sorts of peach, apple and pear scents. Omachi rice yields deep and rich flavors and this does not disappoint; you'll taste nuts and bananas to pears and cooked coconut meat. The viscous mouth-feel is chewy and plump. Despite an unmistakable fruitiness, the fluid actually ends with dryness in the back of the throat. WORD: Pear WINE: Cabernets/White Burgundy BEER: Pilsners/Mild stouts FOODS: Roasted fowl, dim sum, game, soups and patés. Prefecture: Kyoto; SMV: +3.5; Acidity: 1.7
- 720ml $45.00
- 300ml $17.00
Ten to Chi Junmai Daiginjo "Heaven and Earth"
Four Hot Words: Dry, Clean, Midium-bodied, & Food-friendly. The nose on this very unique Daiginjo is a cool collection of rice, soil, toast and wheat aromas. This brew tastes like "Heaven and Earth" rich and gamey, soily and smooth, minerally and clean, but it doesn't taste like a typical fruity Daiginjo. There are very wonderful earthy and veggie flavors that reduce down into a stunning raisin and molasses sweetness that delivers like brown sugar and cocoa when the fluid warms. Definitely a "different" premium brew that should call out to all those sake explorers who want to rock the Daiginjo boat. A very solid food pairing brew. WORD: Brown Sugar WINE: Dirty reds/minerally whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: "prosciutto, duck, chicken, sashimi." Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $44.00
Tengumai Junmai Daiginjo "50"
The nose on this very flavorful Daiginjo is a splendid collection of steamed rice, oatmeal and banana tones. What a fine and solid sake this "50" is, so full of feeling and flavor. Look for hints of mint, steamed rice, and apple licks that drink thick and chewy. A very full bodied brew that is rich and long in flavor and feels great in the palate. WORD: Velvety WINE: Large reds/fat whites BEER:creamy Belgians FOODS: shellfish, sushi, creamy dishes, grilled fare. Prefecture: Ishikawa; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $32.00
Tenryo Koshu Junmai Daiginjo "Imperial Landing"
Four Hot Words: Gentle, Complex, Smooth, & Chewy. This aged sake uses a flower yeast for fermentation and has a nose filled with banana, smoke, potato, sesame, vanilla, and anise elements. This is a perfect "daytime" Koshu sake as it is not heavy and musky, rather it is silky soft and very aromatic. The aging muffles the acidity and brings forth a smoother and layered drinking experience. Look for hints of ripe apricot, and plum flavors highlighted by a touch of raisins. So soft and so fast to the bottom of the glass. WORD: Silky WINE: Soft reds/round whites BEER: Gentle ales FOODS: Complex flavors, grilled fish, thinly sliced meats, asparagus. Prefecture: Gifu; SMV: +3.5; Acidity: NA
- 300ml $18.00
- 720ml $42.00
Tokugetsu Junmai Daiginjo "Harvest Moon"
Four Hot Words: Prestine, Dry, Light, & Special. This sake is the "step above" from the makers of Manju and Hekiju (Kubota). Each grain of rice has been milled to 28% and the nose is filled with hints of apricot, flower blossoms, salt water and koji rice. Perhaps one of the "cleanest" like water sakes on the planet. A phantom sake where you do not remember swallowing. The watery feeling and taste is amazing, and deep within there is a layer of fruit tones. It is a seasonal sake in that they only release this sake in the Fall, when it's gone you will kick yourself for another year. WORD: Crystal Clean WINE: Soft reds/most whites BEER: Ales FOODS: Oysters, sashimi, shellfish. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.2
- 720ml $103.00
Tsukasabotan Junmai Daiginjo Shizuku Genshu "King of Peony"
Four Hot Words: Crisp, Complex, Fruity, & Bright. A masterpiece of a nose is made up of Mandarin orange, Clementine, white blossoms, peach and tree leaves. This "shizuku" (gravity drip sake) is a tiger in a bottle that speaks volumes of flavor. Pure connoisseur pleasure for a genshu (undiluted) sake that touches on secret flavors such as lemons, tropical fruit, and a hidden layer that is beyond description. There is a subtle earthiness and robust ballsiness that begs for food pairings. WORD: Dynamic WINE: Full-bodied reds/dry whites BEER: Stouts FOODS: Cuisine with a natural sweetness, pates, sea urchin, sweet shrimp. Prefecture: Kouchi; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $88.00
Tsukinokatsura Heiankyo Junmai Daiginjo "Ancient Kyoto"
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Rich, Elegant, & Soft. Made with the most expensive brewing rice in Japan this sake has a nose filled with strawberry, vanilla, cream, and honeydew elements. Round and creamy behold a sake that redefines smooth with a world-class finish. This super soft Daiginjo has hints of strawberry and cream flavors that are balanced very well and drink more rich than sweet. Velvety, plump, and succulent there is so much going on but the overall feeling is smooth as silk. The calmness of the brew does far better chilled. A very good gift giving sake. WORD: Smooth WINE: Pinot Noir/ Expansive whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, creamy dishes, fruit salads, cheese plates. Prefecture: Kyoto; SMV: +0.5; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $70.00
Umenishiki Junmai Daiginjo "Gorgeous Plum"
Four Hot Words: Fruity, Full-bodied, Bright, & Impact. This Daiginjo embodies the definition of "Flavorful Type" sakes, as it has a supremely elegant nose of rose pedals and lichis, and pop with a flavor forward rush of melons and white peach. The flavor components are quite complex, but a shimmery soft viscosity blends perfectly with a muted acidity to give this Daiginjo a well-balanced mouthful. Pound for pound this Daiginjo represents the "closeness to wine" that many beginners must taste to explore tue similarities to wine. It is mostly for sipping and is quite difficult to pair food with. WORD: Structured WINE: Soft Chardonays BEER: Honey Wheat Beers FOOD: Very specific food matches such as oysters, scallops in wine, boiled white asparagus, egg rolls. Prefecture: Ehime; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $117.00
Wakatake Onikoroshi Junmai Daiginjo "Demon Slayer"
Four Hot Words: Fruity, Bright, Fresh, & Top-seller. Talk about a nice aroma package on this ultra-popular Daiginjo that is now single pasteurized! Look for plum, melon, peach scents in a sake that drinks with far more pop in a wine glass. This new version of Demon Slayer is semi-fruity brew with a unique dryness that speaks to wine drinkers as there is a flashy tail and an alertness that pings the 17% alcohol content. Good acidity meets good flavor hints of peach and tangerine elements in a fluid that has presence in the palate. As the fluid warms look for rich semi-sweets licks of honey and citrus. The new head brewer likes this sake coming into room temp, as there are great temperate flavors and a fatter feeling. WORD: Popular WINE: Elegant reds/Complex whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Cuisines that like big white wines. Prefecture: Shizuoka; SMV: +/-0; Acidity: 1.4
- 1.8L $90.00
- 720ml $49.00
- 300ml $21.00
Wakatake Onna Nakase Junmai Daiginjo "Makes Women Cry"
Four Hot Words: Complex, Full-bodied, Solid, & Rich. The nose on this "Exclusive" and sold out sake in Japan is a collection of oatmeal, cooked grains, steamed rice, cantaloupe and chestnut elements. The name of this sake translates to "Makes women cry" and for good reason as the complexity and drinkability of this sake is second to none. Far more masculine than the Wakatake Daiginjo this brew drinks rich, and round with a long tail. So many flavors on so many levels behold raisin, dry figs, vanilla, noughet, brown sugar, overly ripe fruit, and touch of breakfast bar. A true red wine drinker's Daiginjo with a full-bodied personality and a long finish, which does better in a larger glass. More rich and creamy characteristics come forth as it warms, and actually warming this sake makes a nice rich and bright drinking experience. WORD: Complex WINE: Bordeaux BEER: Large ales FOODS: Savory dishes, grilled fish and chicken, exotic sushi rolls, rich sauces. Prefecture: Shizuoka; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $57.00
Yaegaki Mu Junmai Daiginjo "Nothingness"
Four Hot Words: Clean, Smooth, Round, & Balanced. "Mu" has a ripe fruit aroma with elements of melon and grapes. Talk about a soft and clean sake, this Daiginjo lives up to its name "nothingness," as full flavors such as white grapes and strawberries vanish in a whisper finish. It is surprisingly light for such a generous mouth speed. The acidity play is enveloped in fruit overtones that are well balanced, and unlike most Daiginjos this one gets smoother the more it warms up. WORD: Grapes WINE: Soft reds/light whites BEER: Pale Ales FOODS: Oysters, shell fish, sashimi, oily pasta. Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $28.00
- 300ml $16.00
Seasonal Nama & Seasonal
This category represents limited released sakes that fit each season in Japan for food pairings and drinking experiences. Typically seasonally released Nama sakes are unpasteurized, which means that they are raw, more flavorful, and more impactful. In the Fall single pasteurized sakes "hiyaoroshi" are released for rich food pairings.
Chiyomusubi Goriki "Special Rice"
"Goriki" is a very hearty sake brewing rice varietal and the nose on this very hearty unpasteurized and undiluted (Nama Genshu) sake is unique blend of steamed rice, cocoa, dust and musky aromas. This is a loaded nama with lots of rice and umami characteristics that taste a lot like the powerful goriki rice itself. At 18% alc content look for hints of nougat, dark chocolate, and steamed rice flavors on a rich, round and dry fluid. This is a sake drinkers nama that celebrates fat brews with hints of cocoa loveliness and a supreme lively richness. Fat, full-bodied and chewy Goriki will do the job! WORD: Rich WINE: Big reds/Fat whites BEER: Stouts FOODS: Grilled salty and savory fare. Prefecture: Tottori; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.7
- 720ml $38.00
Denshin Aki "Autumn"
This is a seasonal released sake. Call True Sake at 415-355-9555 for availability, size, and pricing. This Fall draft sake has an explosive nose filled with fruity, berry, yeasty and candy bar tones. Wow! Talk about fat, chewy, viscous and mouthful of fluid, this "genshu" (undiluted) sake has a plump 19% alcohol content that really presents itself in a larger glass. A smaller glass yields super flavorful brew that has hints of honeydew and cantaloupe (both!), dried fruits, and honey covered nuts. It is bright and chewy which is fun, but doesn't fit the prototypical Hiyaoroshi savory profile. Who cares? Look for a vein of peach tones and if you ever wanted to put a sake "on the rocks" this is your brew! WORD: Fat n' Fruity WINE: Chewy reds and plump whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: International spice, frisky fare, fruit salads, soft cheeses. (2014) Prefecture: Fukui; SMV: -4.5; Acidity: 1.9
- 1.8L $65.00
- 720ml $33.00
Denshin Fuyu "Winter"
720ml size is no longer available for this year. We still have 1.8L sizing available. The nose on this fresh-pressed unpasteurized sake is a collection of rice, cherry, honey, and mint elements. A feel good nama that has a smooth and balanced personality, not zesty, not brash. Semi-sweet and round with a rich finish this brew drinks smooth and bright with hints of pear, peach, and fuji apple flavors. There is a gentle creaminess that is kept balanced by the 18% alcohol content. Smooth, soft, and very well balanced this sake is a very good food companion. There is more action in a smaller cup. WORD: Smooth WINE: Beaujolais BEER: Creamy Belgians FOODS: Grilled salty and savory fare, complex spicy dishes, salads. (2011)
- 720ml $30.00
- 1.8L $61.00
Denshin Haru "Spring"
Four Hot Words: Fresh, Semi-sweet, Lively, & Summery. This is a seasonal released sake. Call True Sake at 415-355-9555 for availability, size, and pricing. Haru 2014 is drinking very well this season and is a bright and clever unpasteurized Junmai Ginjo. The nose on this brew is a nice collection of rose water, floral, fruity, and citrusy elements, which extend into the flavor of this seasonally released sake. Super smooth for a frisky big nama and loaded with grapefruit, pomegranate, and hint of salty flavors. Some pull a little anise as the sake warms in the glass, and this Haru drinks bright and very "ginjo"-like. Clean and bright and perfect for warm days and hot night. This brew is a party in the glass and is a food pairing monster. WORD: Bright WINE: Snappy Reds/Big Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: All sorts of fare from international spice to off the grill anything, picnic fare. Prefecture: Fukui; SMV: -0.5; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $24.00
- 1.8L $38.00
Denshin Natsu "Summer"
- 720ml $35.00
- 1.8L $70.00
Dewanoyuki Tokubetsu Junmai Nama Genshu
Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: -1; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $29.00
Gokyo Arabashiri Junmai Nama Genshu
What a great nose on this unpasteurized seasonally released sake with lemongrass, strawberry and powdered sugar elements. Why drink nama sake? This brew is the reason, because it drinks raw, bright, frisky, brash and absolutely fresh! It is living and it drinks that way. Look for waves of strawberry, kiwi, powdered sugar, and persimmon flavors that dance on a jumpy fluid that zings through the palate. It's fruity but the flavors dry up by the long and splendid tail. A mid-size glass brings out more flavors and a wine glass sports a longer finish. This is free-run sake at its best! WORD: Fresh WINE: zesty reds/bright whites BEER: crisp ales FOODS: International spice, fried foods, bright fresh cuisines. Prefecture: Yamaguchi; SMV: +4.5; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $42.00
Harushika Shiboribana "Spring Deer"
Four Hot Words: Bright, Fruity, Clean, & Drinkable. This seasonally released super fresh sake has a glorious nose filled with blueberry, yeast, sweet rice and fruity aromas. A fun fresh slippery raw sake that is thick and full-bodied in a rich way. Talk about a lush sake this brew drinks like liquid velvet with hints of melon, blueberry, and mint. It has more body then last year's version and plump is the word. As the fluid warms more honey tones emerge and a larger glass thins the brew out. Go midsized glass and go for an amazing feeling sake. WORD: Velvety WINE: Thick reds/fat whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Salty and savory cuisine, international spice dishes, grilled fare. (2015) Prefecture: Nara; SMV: +0.5; Acidity: 1.7
- 720ml $37.00
Kamikokoro Toukagen "Heart of God"
Four Hot Words: Velvety, Complex, Sweet, & Rich. The nose on this very special unpasteurized seasonal sake that is made using a peach yeast instead of a regular brewing yeast is a mild collection of melon, fruity, honey, and peach tones. This year's Toukagen is lighter in body then in year's past, but the fun flavors and impact are still very present. Talk about a slippery sake that has a little spritz to it this peachy beast is still extremely unique in a very tasty way. There is a generous flavor that at times tastes like peach and other times sips like apple. Is this year's version cleaner? In a sense yes, but more body comes as the fluid comes to room temperature. WORD: Flavorful WINE: Complex reds/Frisky whites BEER: Unique ales FOODS: International spice, shellfish, grilled fish. (2015) Prefecture: Okayama; SMV: -8; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $35.00
Kamoizumi Aged Nama "Red Maple"
Four Hot Words: Rich, Layered, Fat, & Unique. This is straight up a "different sort of sake." A two year-aged "fresh" sake doesn't make sense, but the result is really a uniquely flavored brew that is extremely tasty and is an all-together different sake experience. The nose is a great collection of dried fruit, honey, citrus and musky elements. Fat and gooey this brew has a rich honey characteristic that speaks to after dinner drink fans. Is it complex or quaffable? Or is it both? Look for sweet honey, tangerine, and raisin flavors on a smokey fluid that is sort of a condensed nama flow. Port and Sherry fans rejoice! WORD: Rich WINE: Port/Sherry BEER: Sweet Ales FOODS: Meat and Game, hugely flavored fare, cheese plates and cigars! (2012) Prefecture: Hiroshima; SMV: N/A; Acidity: 1.9
- 720ml $37.00
Kamotsuru Arabashiri
Four Hot Words: Bright, Fruity, Flesh, & Fun. Prefecture: Hiroshima; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $33.00
Kikusui " Hiyaoroshi"
This is a seasonal released sake. Call True Sake at 415-355-9555 for availability, size, and pricing. The nose on this fall released draft sake is a collection of steamed rice, mineral water, and sugar aromas. This year's single pasteurized offering is drinking great! Very well balanced sake that drinks more like a solid Junmai rather than a fruity bouncy Ginjo. Smooth, round, gentle, and very drinkable look for subtle roasted rice tones with a hint of nougat. This brew represents a good example of how "Hiyaoroshi" sake should drink and it highlights the flavors of the season. WORD: Balanced WINE: Pinot Noir/Solid whites BEER: Gentle Ales FOODS: Salty and savory fare, pub cuisine, grilled fare. (2014)
- 720ml $33.00
Koshinohomare Shiboritate "Pride of Niigata"
Four Hot Words: Full-Bodied, Dry, Smooth, & Food-friendly. This unpasteurized seasonal sake is a "Genshu" which means it has not been diluted and has an alcohol content of 17%, and has a nose filled with vanilla, melon, bread, and plum aromas. This is a tale of two sakes! Chilled it is a frisky and zesty beast that has a semi-thick punch with melon and strawberry tones. As the sake warms more yeasty elements come forth. It is an expressive sake that drinks quite uniquely. Very food friendly but also a meal in a glass. WORD: Expressive WINE: Zesty reds/ Zingy whites BEER: Zippy Ales FOODS: This sake was made for all food go for it! (2015) Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +3.5; Acidity: 1.7
- 720ml $32.00
Ohyama Tokubetsu Junmai Nama
- 720ml $36.00
Otokoyama " Hiyaoroshi"
This is a seasonal released sake. Call True Sake at 415-355-9555 for availability, size, and pricing. The nose on this traditionally made pole-rammed draft sake is a filled with wood, steamed rice, marshmallow, and maple syrup elements. This year's Otokoyama offering is a very user friendly sake that drinks dry, clean, and gentle and the actual flavor of the brewing water is quite noticeable. More flavors emerge in a larger glass and more body shows as the fluid warms. Look for hints of wood tones and there is a gentle vein of candy bar flavors. If you like your wines tight, dry and compact then this brew is for you! A very food friendly sake that does well with a gentle warming. WORD: Dry WINE: Dry reds/Crisp whites BEER: Crisp ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, soups and seasonal stews, grilled salty fare. (2014) Prefecture: Hokkaido; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $32.00
Otokoyama Yukishibare "Man's Mountain"
Four Hot Words: Light, Bright, Clean, & Melon. The nose on this super seasonal sake is a fresh collection melon, pear, powder sugar and green apple elements. Talk about a lively unpasteurized sake that is fit for the spring to sprung. Crisp in the glass look for flavors galore including young pear, peach, melon, and crisp apple tones. Fresh and brash with a minty tingle that almost turns into a tasty minerality as the fluid warms. This is a great flavored sake that looks misty in the bottle like a distant snow storm in the middle of Spring. WORD: Crisp WINE: Zesty reds / Frisky whites BEER: Crisp ales FOODS: International spice, grilled large flavors, frisky cuisines with attitude (2015) Prefecture: Hokkaido; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $40.00
Seikyo Omachi Junmai Ginjo Nama "Mirror of Truth"
Four Hot Words: Bight, Lively,Ricey/Fruity, & Food-friendly. This is a seasonal released sake. Call True Sake at 415-355-9555 for availability, size, and pricing. The nose on this seasonally released unpasteurized sake is one of the great reminders to smell your sakes people what a nose filled with grassy, grainy, green grape, melon and fruit tones. If the color green were to have an aroma this sake would be it. This brew is one of those truly amazing sakes that is both fruity and grainy, but neither drinks sweet nor too dry. A big and tasty sake that is fat and fun and loaded with attitude and wonderful flavors such as kiwi, blueberry, melon, grape, and breakfast cereal. Omachi is a vintage rice varietal and you can taste its unique flavor in this sake, which is flavor forward with a hint of a tail. If you like sakes with personality plus then this nama is your cup of tea, but I recommend a larger glass to bring out more acidity and far more flavors. WORD: Tasty WINE: Big reds with tingle/Zesty Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Very food friendly with spicy fare, veggies, seafood, and off the grill savories. Prefecture: Okayama; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $42.00
Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Nama Genshu "The Seven Spearsmen"
This is a seasonal released sake. Call True Sake at 415-355-9555 for availability, size, and pricing. This very drinkable but complex limited released unpasteurized sake has the prototypical sake brewery aroma that is like a wet collection of steamed rice, green grasses, yeast, and green apples. This brew tastes like a nama-zake fresh and brash that is semi-sweet, semi-thick, semi-hot, and semi-smooth. Behold seven sips that all taste different, one for each spearsmen, from citrusy to yeasty all on a crisp and layered flow. A nama that actually tastes like rice, which is a rarity these days. WORD: Complex WINE: Beaujolais BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Salty and savory fare, international spicy. (2014)
- 720ml $40.00
Tsukasabotan " Nama"
Four Hot Words: Dry, Clean, Smooth, & Lively. Prefecture: Kouchi; SMV: +8; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $40.00
Urakasumi " Hiyaoroshi"
This is a seasonal released sake. Call True Sake at 415-355-9555 for availability, size, and pricing. The nose on this perennial fall fan favorite brew is a collection of raisin, cocoa, saw dust, leather, and nougat aromas. Not as rich as in year's past this season's version is still rich, layered, complex and full-bodied. Look for layers of flavors such as burnt sugar, sweet rice, cocoa, with a hint of banana. Smooth and plump, this thick brew has peek-a-boo notes of nougat and take note all of you "umami" fans. A mid-sized glass makes this brew work the best and definatley do not be afraid to warm this sake. WORD: Rich WINE: Complex reds and savory whites BEER: stouts and Belgian ales FOODS: Works well with complex dishes, savory fare, and cigars! (2014) Prefecture: Miyagi; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $33.00
Wakatake Onikoroshi "Akino Ki-Ippon Hiyaoroshi"
This is a seasonal released sake. Call True Sake at 415-355-9555 for availability, size, and pricing. The nose on this seasonally released brew is a collection of grains, steamed rice, wood, and a hint of kiwi and green onion aromas. This brew is for all of you dry sake lovers as it is dry, tight and a tad yeasty. (Beer drinkers take note). Look for gentle tones of grains and dark chocolate in fluid that does best in a larger glass that helps distribute the touch of alcohol tingle. A little dryer then last year's version but still extremely popular with the fall foodies. WORD: Dry WINE: Zesty Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Grilled fare, soups and stews of the season. (2014) Prefecture: Shizuoka; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $30.00
Wataribune Junmai Ginjo Nama "Ferry Boat"
Four Hot Words: Expressive, Expansive, Flavorful, & Impact. This is a seasonal released sake. Call True Sake at 415-355-9555 for availability, size, and pricing. Beau promises he'll review this as soon as possible and we guarantee that it's a great sake. If you're here to order it because you've had it before and really liked it, you can beat Beau to the punch and review it first! Prefecture: Ibaraki; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $45.00
Nama
This fresh and flavorful category of sakes represents sake in its "rawest" and most pure form. Typically sake is pasteurized twice as the preservative (no sulfites in sake) to keep the sake stable for shelving at the market. Nama sake has not been pasteurized and the result is a larger and brasher sake that speaks to people who like impactful sakes that are both drinkable and food friendly. Please Note: Because Namas are not pasteurized all orders must be made for in-store pick-up or local delivery only.
Amabuki "Strawberry"
Four Hot Words: Sweet, Smooth, Round, & Strawberry. The nose on this unpasteurized or raw sake is a collection of strawberry, pear, honey, floral and of course strawberry aromas. Why "of course strawberry"? -because this brewery is known for making outstanding sakes using flower and fruit yeasts. And in this case the yeast comes from strawberries, which creates a very fruit forward sake that drinks soft, juicy and fun! But don't be mistaken as this smooth brew does not drink sweet, rather it has layers of fruit tones and "of course" ends with a very nice long strawberry tail. A larger glass brings forth more of a wine-drinking experience and this strawberry does better chilled. WORD: Strawberry WINE: Fruity Reds and Sweet Whites BEER: Fruity Ales FOODS: Salads, fruit dishes, international spicy fare. Prefecture: Saga; SMV: +/-0; Acidity: 1.8
- 720ml $38.00
Amabuki "Sunflower"
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Fat, Velvety, & Unique. This "nama" or "unpasteurized" sake (Typically sake is heated pasteurized twice as the preservative mechanism) has an interesting nose filled with base aromas such as brown grass, corn, honey and of course sunflower! Why "Of course" sunflower? Amabuki is a brewery known for using fun and new yeasts made from flowers and fruits, and this particular brew is made from sunflower yeast. Yes indeed! The result is a very intruiging sake that has layers and layers of flavors not typically found in the sake world. Look for starchy corn tones with hints of sweet potato and "of course" sunflower seed elements. Sake is a starch of course! There is also a unique sweet vein that gets lost in a larger vessel, but the soft, smooth and lush fluid does best with a nice chill. WORD: Sunflower WINE: Big reds/Dry whites BEER: Pilsners FOODS: Salty, savory, grilled fare with oils and saltiness. Prefecture: Saga; SMV: +10; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $38.00
Born Muroka Nama Genshu
Four Hot Words: Unique, Expressive, Rich, & Umami. The nose on this unpasteurized Daiginjo (not many of these) is made up of rose pedals, cooked banana, leather, tropical fruit, and steamy night elements. This is a really plump and viscous Nama that is both smooth and soft. There are a ton of ripe flavors to choose from honeydew melon wrapped in proscuitto, to a sweet fruit compote, to honeycomb. Juicy and fruity and so darn lively - so much flavor and so little back! The overall celebration of this sake is the every allusive "umami" quality, which is so present that they put a sticker on the bottle that says "umami." Rolling, fruity and soft like a sweet avocado! WORD: Umami WINE: Nouveau Beaujolais BEER: Sweet ales FOODS: White fish in a rich soy sauce, avocado salad, grilled oily fish, tofu. Prefecture: Fukui; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $45.00
Dewazakura Dewasansan "Primal Strength"
Four Hot Words: Fruity, Bright, Round, & Wine-like. Unpasteurized and undiluted this Ginjo has a full nose of ripe berries and Sweet Tarts. Primal Strength starts brilliantly with a rush of fruit flavors that sticks to the front teeth, a soft middle mouth and a hush for an ending. It is very well balanced despite being quite a complex brew with a sneaky acidity and possessing of a super fresh viscosity. This is a nama best acknowledged by sake drinkers with a lust for big flavors tied up neatly into pristine a packages that comes fresh pressed from the vat. WORD: Brisk WINE: Pinot Griggio/Zins/Big Cabs BEER: Spicy Pilsners FOODS: Spicy foods, grilled eel, chili shrimp. Prefecture: Yamagata; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.4
- 500ml $30.00
Hakkaisan Shiboritate Nama Genshu
Four Hot Words: Clean, Smooth, Full, & Fresh. The nose on this "nama" or unpasteurized sake is a gentle collection of strawberry, melon, and floral tones. In the sake world it is a pretty amazing trick to get a 19% alc brew to drink smooth, balanced and even but the makers from Hakkaisan did a great job. This juicy and plump sake is loaded with velvety fruit flavors that do not drink sweet, rather they drink lush and solid. It is a great feeling sake that does wonders in the palate. If you want a glass full of fun then open this bottle and enjoy a fresh and controlled nama sake. WORD: Juicy WINE: Beaujolais BEER: Big ales FOODS: Anything from the ocean and fields! Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $24.00
- 300ml $13.00
Harushika Genshu "Spring Deer"
Four Hot Words: Fruity, Bright, Rich, & Expressive. The aroma profile on this "aged unpasteurized" sake that is EXCLUSIVE to True Sake is flush with ripe fruit tones such as strawberry, mango, grape, and floral elements. Okay folks! This is the round, soft, super smooth fruit bomb sake that you have been looking for. A truly unique brew that is so velvety and ripe with explosive fruity flavors such as strawberry and honeydew that you would think it needs a huge acidity push but none exists. Soft ripe fruit on a honey flavored gooey fluid. Fat, smooth and friendly so drinkable with so much personality perhaps it is the 210 days of aging for this raw sake. Crazy! And 17% alc to boot! WORD: Juicy WINE: Ripe reds/ bright whites BEER: Sweet Belgian Ales FOODS: Spicy and savory fare, American sushi, cheese and fruit dishes. Prefecture: Nara; SMV: -5; Acidity: 2
- 720ml $50.00
Hatsumomiji Harada "Brew Master"
Four Hot Words: Expressive, Impact, Rich, & Flavorful. Prefecture: Yamaguchi; SMV: -2; Acidity: 1.8
- 720ml $54.00
Kikusui Funaguchi "Black"
Four Hot Words: Ricey, Smokey, Full, & Round. All four of these sakes are pretty similar, but each has unique qualities. The nose on Black is a clean rice and mineral mix. This is the least "premium" of the cans, but it tastes cleaner and more compact elegant than the others. The balance is the first thing that hits the palate. It is not as huge and impactful as the Gold, Red, and Green cans, and it drinks even from first sip to the tail. There is a gentle sweetness but that plays second fiddle to the clean feeling and there is no kick. There are no mood swings with Black just a gentle nama "unpasteurized" drinking experience that is far more balanced than the other cans. WORD: Balanced WINE: Cabs/Sauvignon Blanc BEER: Clean ales FOODS: Salty and savory fare that has a gentle greasiness. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: N/A; Acidity: N/A
- 200ml $10.00
Kikusui Funaguchi "Gold"
Four Hot Words: Sweet, Fat, Full, & Powerful. All four of these sakes are pretty similar, but each has unique qualities. The nose on Gold is a mix of banana bread and honey. This guy is fat, chewy, viscous and packs an uppercut that feels good on the train ride home from work. (They are coin dispensed in Japan) There is a lot of impact from the 18% alc content and the flavor is rich sweet with honey and yeasty tones. It goes well with lots of spicy foods because it is such a blanket of flavor and feeling. It's pretty huge! WORD: Big WINE: Huge reds and sweet whites. BEER: High alc ales FOODS: All spice dishes from anywhere in the world, salty fare, pub snacks. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: -2; Acidity: 1.6
- 200ml $5.00
Kikusui Funaguchi " Monster Can"
Four Hot Words: Sweet, Fat, Full, & Powerful. All four of these sakes are pretty similar, but each has unique qualities. The nose on Gold is a mix of banana bread and honey. This guy is fat, chewy, viscous and packs an uppercut that feels good on the train ride home from work. (They are coin dispensed in Japan) There is a lot of impact from the 18% alc content and the flavor is rich sweet with honey and yeasty tones. It goes well with lots of spicy foods because it is such a blanket of flavor and feeling. It's pretty huge! WORD: Big WINE: Huge reds and sweet whites. BEER: High alc ales FOODS: All spice dishes from anywhere in the world, salty fare, pub snacks. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: -2; Acidity: 1.6
- 1L $27.00
Kikusui Funaguchi "Green"
Four Hot Words: Bright, Fresh, Crisp, & Fun. All four of these sakes are pretty similar, but each has unique qualities. The nose on the Green is far more nama-like with floral and lemon grass aromas, which is appropriate because this can is a seasonal released sake that uses freshly harvested rice. This can has so much presence and drinks as impactful as the Gold can. Big, bright, boozy and fun this is a party in a can. It has layers of flavors from fruity to honey-like. Green drinks more like an unpasteurized fresh raw sake than the other cans and it is brashness personified. WORD: Bright WINE: Beaujolais/Bright Whites BEER: Crisp ales FOODS: All spice dishes from anywhere in the world, salty fare, pub snacks. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: -3; Acidity: N/A
- 200ml $7.00
Kikusui Funaguchi "Red"
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Round, Rich, & Sweet. All four of these sakes are pretty similar, but each has unique qualities. The nose on Red is ricy, tangy and yeasty. This "can" has been aged for one year and that mellows the brew done a bit. It's not as brash as Gold and Green, and has a more pronounced sweetness that is softer and less rich. It drinks more easy than the others and has a nectar, honey, and fruit juice sweetness on a very soft and semi-fat flow. There is a roundness to Red not found in the other four cans and that is the aging! WORD: Smooth WINE: Soft Reds/Fat whites BEER: Creamy ales FOODS: All spice dishes from anywhere in the world, salty fare, pub snacks. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: -5; Acidity: 1.7
- 200ml $6.00
Masumi Arabashiri "First Run"
Four Hot Words: Fresh, Fruity, Robust, & Citrus. The nose on one of the most famous nama-zakes that comes to the US is a mild collection of grapefruit, citrus, lemongrass, and grape aromas. First Run '14 is a milder and gentler nama that has a very controlled and Ginjo-like presence. Not as brash as in year's past, this version drinks very gently and smooth with all of the citrus flavor that this brew is famous for. An old reliable friend in the unpasteurized sake segment that has a freshness that seasonally released sake should have. First Run is always in first place! WORD: Clean WINE: Beaujolais BEER: Beefy Ales FOODS: International spicy fare, sushi, sashimi, fruit salads. (2014) Prefecture: Nagano; SMV: -1.0; Acidity: 1.9
- 720ml $40.00
Minato Tsuchizaki "Harbor"
Four Hot Words: Bold, Expressive, Huge, & Different. This raw and high-alcohol (21%) brew has ricey, yeasty, minerally and kiwi elements in its aroma make-up. In a word, this sake is a smack in the chops, which is velvety, fat, juicy, extremely expressive and drinks with lots of tingle. Full-bodied and crisp! Not as fruity as the "other can" this beefy Yamahai is on the dryer side for all that is going on. Dig deep and find cinimon and persimmon hints amongst the zesty and yeasty layers. A larger vessel distributes all of the big alcohol and acidity play better than a smaller cup. WORD: Bold WINE: Massive Reds/Thick whites (Cocktails) BEER: Stouts FOODS: Spicy cuisine, cocktail scene snacks, pizza, ribs. Prefecture: Akita; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $45.00
Miyasaka Yamahai 50 "Last Ride Home"
Four Hot Words: Complex, Rich, Lively, & Uniqe. This unpasteurized sake from the famous Masumi brewery is a fan favorite and has a clever nose filled with yeasty, cherry, citrus, blueberry and cantaloupe elements. Raw and chewy this zesty brew has its own unique style that has shades of semi-sour and tangy qualities. In a word it is brash with an attitude that appeals to those who like different sake adventures. Look for popping hints of lemon cello, green apple, grapefruit, and sweet rice flavors that bob up and down on a slick, brisk, and crisp flow that speaks to bright wine drinkers. A party in a glass this sake is one of a kind. WORD: Bright WINE: Strong Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Zesty Ales FOODS: Everything including the kitchen sink, especially spicy cuisine and foods with attitude. Prefecture: Nagano; SMV: -1; Acidity: 2
- 720ml $40.00
Narutotai Ginjo Nama Genshu "Red Snapper"
Four Hot Words: Vivacious, Fruity, Bright, & Top-seller. Vivid, voluptuous and vibrant sake in a can? You bet! This exclusive unpasteurized brew is Beau Timken's prized sake offering for True Sake customers. With a nose of strawberry, watermelon, sweet rice and cinnamon this undiluted sake (18.5%) is fat, happy, bright and chewy. Fruity, but not overly sweet, think big thoughts when tasting this velvety Nama that is pure pleasure in a can. (Yes cans keep sake colder longer!) This abundantly flavored sake is available only at True Sake! WORD: Jolly WINE: Cabernet/non-oaky chardonnay BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: If it's on a plate or in a bowl it works! Prefecture: Tokushima; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.7
- 720ml $38.00
Tedorigawa Arabashiri Kinka "Gold Blossom"
Four Hot Words: Fresh, Lively, Fruity, & Expansive. The nose on this "arabashiri" or "Not pressed" sake is a tantalizing collection of floral, lemon, green apple and lemon custard tones. Talk about a "feel fun sake"! Kinka always is a treat to taste as each year the sake gets better and more confident in its structure and delivery. Always very flavorful with hints of grapes, blueberries, pears and a dash of cucumber that come front and center with a peek-a-boo showing of honey tea. This is a very well balanced sake that gets more fruity in a small glass and more zesty in a large one. WORD: Flavorful WINE: Zesty reds/crisp whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Think seasonally fresh fare, sushi, sashimi, clean and bright cuisines that lean towards international spicy fare. (2013) Prefecture: Ishikawa; SMV: +6; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $40.00
Futsushu
This everyday drinking category makes up over 80% of the entire sake market, and there are no rules for production. The point of futsushu is "value sake" so the brewers use regular rice and distilled alcohol to lower costs, and automation is used in most large breweries. These sakes are made to be very drinkable void of complexity, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Kiku Masamune Dry Sake One Cup
Four Hot Words: Dry, Clean, Smooth, & Drinkable. The nose on this very smooth one cup is a balance of rice and mineral tones. Talk about an easy sake to quaff! This brew is very smooth, very clean, and very gone! There is a velvety nature to the fluid with hints of nougat and sweet rice but has an over all dry appearance. This cup has an incredibly quick finish with no tail whatsoever, which means it is gone faster then you think! WORD: Smooth WINE: Merlot BEER: Creamy ales FOODS: Snack foods! Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: +10; Acidity: 1.3
- 180ml $3.00
Kirinzan "Classic"
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Versatile, Drinkable, & Solid. The nose on this very smooth futsushu is a mild collection of snowmelt, cherry and balsa wood. This is a very talented sake that is light and dry but so velvety smooth and not crisp. Round and clean this brew is extremely quaffable. Can water be dry? Well this sake drinks like dry water with hints of rice and powder sugar elements. As the fluid warms look for some vanilla tones to surface, but balance is the key to this "Classic's" success. An everyday drinking sake that tastes like royalty in a glass. WORD: Smooth WINE: easy reds/dry whites BEER: soft ales FOODS: Clean and pristine fare from the ocean, air and ground. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: +6; Acidity: 1.3
- 1.8L $53.00
- 720ml $22.00
Sparkling
Sparkling sake is the hottest category in the sake world, and appeals to those who like fresh, bright and complex flavors and feelings similar to a sparkling wine. Some sparkling sakes are carbonated and some have a secondary bottle fermentation, and all do well served chilled in a sparking wine flute.
Chikurin Hou Hou Shu "Bubble Bubble Sake"
Four Hot Words: Fruity, Sweet, Fresh, & Fun. With an elegant nose filled with cherry, straw, balsa wood and vanilla tones this sparkling sake has a richness that is far different than most bubbly brews. There are layers of raisin, mango, and yogurt elements that dance in a deep and viscous fluid that is semi-dry and fully plump. Use a champagne flute and enjoy a rich and rewarding brew that yells celebration! WORD: Raisin WINE: Sparkling BEER: Fat ales FOODS: Champagne fare. Prefecture: Okayama; SMV: -40; Acidity: 6.0
- 300ml $16.00
Chikurin Hou Hou Shu Hana "Bubble Bubble Flower Sake"
Four Hot Words: Bright, Fruity, Tangy, & Fun. This carbonated sparkling sake has rose hips and other added herbs and has a nose filled with fruity, vanilla, and creamy elements. Tangy and bubbly this brew drinks more crisp than the blue Hou Hou Shu and is not as sweet. Tight and tart there are hints of tangerine and fruit cocktail tones. There is an abundance of bubbles and this is made even bubblier in a champagne flute. Chewy, tart and tight! WORD: Crisp WINE: Sparkling BEER: Tangy ales FOODS: Champagne fare. Prefecture: Okayama; SMV: -40; Acidity: 6.0
- 300ml $17.00
Choryo Sawa Sawa "Gentle Winds"
Four Hot Words: Bright, Crisp, Sweet, & Balanced. The nose on this sparkling sake (9% alc) that was bottle-fermented has a vast array of aromas from tangerine, grapefruit, and Muscat grapes to cream and sweet rice. Sweet, bright and crisp this tingly sake has layers of snappy flavors including grapefruit, honey, and granny smith apple. A champagne flute brings out more sweetness to this light, tight, bright and fun sake that dances across the palate and leaves with a quick a dry finish. Hints of citrus keeps this sparkling sake light in the mouth crisp on the tongue. WORD: Bright WINE: Sparkling BEERS: Crisp Ales FOODS: Champagne fare and cheeses. Prefecture: Nara; SMV: -55; Acidity: 2.3
- 250ml $7.00
Dassai 50 Sparkling "(Unpasteurized)"
Four Hot Words: Crisp, Bubbly, Elegant, & bright. Prefecture: Yamaguchi; SMV: +/-0; Acidity: 1.6
- 360ml $22.00
Gokyo Ne Ne "Five Bridges"
Four Hot Words: Chewy, Gooey, Rich, & Expressive. This luscious sparkling sake has a nose filled with sweet rice, minerals, mint and melon aromas. Use a Champagne flute to catch the most impressive fruitiness of this semi-thick brew. The sweetness is pronounced but the high acidity really breaks the wild bronco of fruit, and the fizz is full and fun. It is both chewy and fat and look for flavor elements including white grapes and raisins. The finish is fast and quick for so much wonderful flavor, and don't forget to lick your teeth for a grapefruit farewell. WORD: Grapes WINE: Sparkling BEER: Sweet ales FOODS: Champagne fare. Prefecture: Yamaguchi; SMV: -96; Acidity: 1.5
- 300ml $22.00
Hakkaisan "Sparkling Nigori"
There aren't many 720ml bottles of sparkling out there so it's nice to know for a bigger group or folks who really like sparkling sake that there is a bigger bottle then the 300mls out there. This sparking brew literally jumps out of the bottle so beware, and enjoy a very tight and compact almost "Brute"-like sake with tons of crisp and bright bubbles. Look for hints of cream, cherries, strawberries, and other dried fruit flavors that drink dry with a backdoor sweetness. A very bright and expressive sparkling sake that is very food friendly and works extremely well in a Champagne flute. WORD: Crisp WINE: Sparkling wines BEER: Tight crisp ales FOODS: Champagne fare! Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: -25; Acidity: 1.7
- 720ml $40.00
Ichinokura Suzune "Chiming Bells"
Four Hot Words: Elegant, Full, Sweet, & Pefection. This sake is a 'Store Pick-up' or 'Local Delivery' Only. We are sorry for any inconvenience. This is the most celebrated sparkling sake in Japan and for good reason. The nose on this very limited released brew is a rich collection of yeast, melon, grape, and sweet rice elements. Behold a sparkling sake that drinks rich, bright, fat, and complex on a fluid that excels in a sparkling wine glass. There are so many flavors going on during this tingly ride over the palate but keep an eye out for honeydew melon, white grape and a hint of powdered sugar. The key to this sake's success is its balance and the reward is one of the best ways that you can ever enjoy rice and water. WORD: Balanced WINE: Sparkling wines BEER: rich ales FOODS: Champagne fare. Prefecture: Miyagi; SMV: -70 -90; Acidity: 3.0 - 4.0
- 300ml $25.00
Ninki Ichi Sparkling Junmai Ginjo "Natural"
- 300ml $15.00
Ozeki Hana-Awaka "Sparkling Flower"
Four Hot Words: Light, Fruity, Bright, & Smile. This very light sparkling sake has a nose filled with rose pedal, powder sugar, and ripe fruit elements. Round and soft this clean drinking sparkling brew is not dry per se, rather it is more tart with a hint of sweetness. Talk about a very easy drinking experience, grab a Champagne flute and find hints of powdered sugar, dried fruit and apple tones. Think clean and light and go easy into the night! WORD: Light WINE: Sparkling BEER: Light beers FOODS: Champagne fare. Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: -60; Acidity: 2.9
- 250ml $8.00
Ozeki Hana-Fuga "Flower Harmony"
Four Hot Words: Peachy, Sweet, Bright, & Fun. This carbonated sparkling sake has a splendid nose filled with peach, peach and more peach tones. Why? Because it is a sparkling peach sake that is loaded with bright peach flavors on a very nice bubble ride. At 7% alcohol it is refreshing and has a gentle sweetness that pops with each bubble on the palate. Definitely try this sake out of a champagne flute to maximize the fun bubble explosion and always serve this peachy brew chilled. WORD: Peach WINE: Sparkling wines BEER: Fruity ales FOODS: Champagne cuisine. Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: -70; Acidity: N/A
- 250ml $8.00
Suehiro Poochi Poochi "Sound of Bubbles Popping"
Four Hot Words: Ricey,, Semi-dry, Balanced, & Top-seller. A deep and rich aroma is filled with hints of lemons and candy. This Sparkling sake is a refreshing dance of small bubbles with a gentle sweetness. There are lots of subtle flavors such as steamed rice, hay, citrus and absolutely no aftertaste. Extremely well balanced for an "odd" sake. Great for those who want that new sake experience with a lower alcohol content 7.5%. WORD: Effervescent WINE: Sparkling wines BEER: Hefferweizen FOODS: Champagne fare. Prefecture: Fukushima; SMV: -20; Acidity: 1.5
- 330ml $13.00
Nigori
This ever-popular category of sake represents the famous "cloudy" or "milky" sakes. Unfiltered "Nigori" sake is a brew that has been coarsely filtered to allow the unfermented rice particles to remain in the sake to increase feeling and flavor. Always served chilled Nigori sake is a popular bar sake that pairs well with international spicy fare and appeals to those looking for direct flavors.
Dassai 50 Nigori "Otter Festival"
Four Hot Words: Creamy, Semi-dry, Bright, & Lively. Wow! What a tasty nigori that is so flavorful and feels so good in the palate. The nose is made up of rose water, cream, apple, and melon aromas. Fruity, light, buoyant, bouncy, and soft this unfiltered sake drinks like it is floating. This is no sweet bum rush of flavor like other nigoris, rather it is soft, airy, and feels like it swooshes through the palate. Look for hints of fruit tones like cherries, pears, apples, grapes, and a touch of light whipping cream. This is what a Daiginjo nigori should taste like elegant, special, high-end and delicious. WORD: Juicy WINE: Fruity reds/light whites BEER: Fruity ales FOODS: Sparkling wine fare. Prefecture: Yamaguchi; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $35.00
Hakutsuru Sayuri "Little Lilly"
Four Hot Words: Soft, Fluffy, Fruity, & Fun. This unfiltered sake has a very light nose filled with cream, cherry blossom, and white grape elements. "Sayuri" is a very special Nigori it is not flashy and not simple just clean and easy with a semi-sweet appearance and very smooth finish. There is a watery softness that is hard to explain amongst all of the Nigori qualities, but it is not watery! Light and creamy with subtle fruit tones and an overall "milkiness." If you like it light and easy this brew is for you! WORD: Light WINE: Soft reds/round whites BEER: Sweet ales FOODS: Spicey fare, grilled meats, desserts. Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: -11; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $16.00
- 300ml $7.00
Hitorimusume "Only One Daughter"
Four Hot Words: Balanced, Soft, Dry, & Even. This very dry nigori has a milky nose filled with cinnamon and tangerine essences. The first sip tells one that this is a dry nigori with a thin almost like coconut milk straight from the coconut texture and a Japanese Apple-Pear finish. It is smooth and round with a subtle cinnamon cookie feeling and refreshing non-sweet personality. A must try for nigori fans looking for a dry nigori. WORD: Asian Apple-Pear WINE: Sauvignon Blanc BEER: Light Beer FOODS: Bar Snacks. Prefecture: Ibaraki; SMV: +4; Acidity: 1.4
- 720ml $35.00
- 300ml $14.00
Homare Strawberry Nigori
Prefecture: Fukushima; SMV: -100; Acidity: 5.3
- 300ml $8.00
Kamoizumi "(Unpasteurized)"
Four Hot Words: Creamy, Fruity, Solid, & impact. This unfiltered sake is a nigori fan's dream come true. It is bottled, undiluted and without pasteurization for a true "fresh-from-the vat" taste experience. With a nose of fresh cut hay and grapes the first sip tells you that this sake is a luscious carnival of goodness. A gentle viscosity meets a full melon and cotton candy flavor rush that settles into a dry and subtle ending. This nigori looks like egg-drop soup or a snow-globe and the taste is equally as dramatic with a rich and creamy walk from start to finish. WORD: Voluptuous WINE: None BEER: None FOODS: Cheese, pasta, spicy fare. Prefecture: Hiroshima; SMV: +2.0; Acidity: 1.6
- 500ml $30.00
Kizakura "Yellow Cherry Blossom"
Four Hot Words: Bright, Crisp, Ricey, & Dry. This unfiltered or "Nigori" sake has gentle nose filled with cherry, citrus and cream components. Wow! Looks can be deceiving as this fluffy looking brew actually drinks quite clean and watery with a nice dry finish. There is a muted sweetness which is highlighted by gently tangy citrus tones. A gentle Nigori for those who like crisp cocktails and were fans of lemon Creamsicles when they were young! WORD: Creamsicle WINE: Crisp reds/Tangy whites BEER: Crisp ales FOODS: Bar snacks, sushi, spicy fare, citrus salads. Prefecture: Kyoto; SMV: -35; Acidity: 2.2
- 300ml $12.00
Kurosawa Nigori
Four Hot Words: Light, Fruity, Clean, & Easy. This is not your prototypical nigori as it is more misty than a white rush, and that is what makes this sake so elegant. The nose on the semi-cloudy Ginjo nigori that is milled to 50% is a light collection of creamcycle, star fruit, citrus, and cream aromas. Talk about a suave and very elegant slightly misty sake, this brew is a gateway sake to get nigori drinkers to gravitate to filtered sakes. It is very easy on the palate with layers of gentle flavors such as melon, star fruit, cream, and hint of citrus. And as nigoris go this delicate brew is semi-dry and that is a rarity in the unfiltered category. The importer says that she likes to slightly warm it too! WORD: Elegant WINE: Soft reds/dry whites BEER: Gentle ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, very clean cuisines. Prefecture: Nagano; SMV: -50; Acidity: N/A
- 720ml $15.00
- 300ml $9.00
Murai Family Genshu "Peach River"
Four Hot Words: Bold, Creamy, Smooth, & Impact. This unfiltered or "Nigori" sake has a plump nose filled with sweet cream, grape, honey and yogurt elements. At 19.9% alcohol one would expect a massive punch of a sake, but this creamy and fruity brew is smooth a round for such a robust dance partner. Look for hints of berry, grape, and vanilla tones that are carried on a velvety and expansive fluid. Not overtly sweet and a tremendous finish for a 20% milky madman! Think milky and silky. WORD: Smooth WINE: Fruity reds/Chewy whites BEER: Hefeweizen FOODS: Big flavored and spicy dishes, creamy and cheesy pasta, desserts. Prefecture: Aomori; SMV: -22; Acidity: 2.0
- 720ml $28.00
- 300ml $11.00
Musashino Daku
Four Hot Words: Creamy, Dry, Layered, & Different. Ahhhh Who said that there is no complexity in Nigori? The nose on this spritzy unfiltered sake is a collection of yogurt and cream tones on a fluid that drinks very bright and crisp in the palate. Look for layers of complex flavors such strawberry, melon, honey and a tingle of citrus tones that are zesty and sweet. Red wine drinkers take note of a tannin-like astringency that expands in the glass. This is a fun nigori that is not like all of the others and that is saying something! WORD: Complex WINE: Zins/Zesty Whites BEER: Hefferweisen FOODS: Spicy international fare, cheese plates, bar snacks. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: -12; Acidity: 1.7
- 500ml $23.00
Ozeki One Cup Junmai Nigori
- 180ml $5.00
Rihaku "Dreamy Clouds"
Four Hot Words: Chewy, Semi-Dry, Complex, & Balanced. A complex aroma profile touching on steamed rice, cream, slight toffee and a hint of plum skin. This nigori is the complete package for those looking for a subtle chewy and creamy sake that has flavor waves of nuts, ripe fruits, toffee, earth tones, and a tinge of banana. It is a multi-layered nigori with a pronounced acidity that has a subtle sweetness but leaves a dry mouth. Soft and supple Dreamy Clouds is that "partially sunny or partially cloudy" in between nigori that appeals to both the dry and sweet camp. WORD: Milky WINE: Chardonay BEER: Ales FOODS: Smoked and salty fish, salty bar snacks, mac and cheese, coconut rice. Prefecture: Shimane; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $36.00
- 300ml $16.00
Shirakawago Sasanigori "Bamboo Leaf"
Four Hot Words: Silky, Semi-Sweet, Creamy, & Layered. Rice: Hida Homare milled to 55% This simple Ginjo nigori is a creamy coconut slide wrapped in a milky mouth with a great finish, fairly non-descript and clean. With a nose of rose pedals and raisins, this nigori has a smooth texture and a silky finish of vanilla, coconut and cream. The viscosity is a bit thin, but the abundance of rice flavorings makes for a clean finish. This nigori is semi-sweet, thin and slippery. WORD: Coconut. WINE: Semi-dry whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Bar snacks. Prefecture: Gifu; SMV: +1; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $35.00
- 300ml $13.00
Wakatake Onikoroshi "Demon Slayer"
Four Hot Words: Creamy, Crisp, Dry, & Light-fruit. The nose on "The Demon Slayers" first nigori available in the US is a creamy collection of yogurt, rice, honeydew, peach and plum aromas. This is a very balanced "nigori" that drinks more on the dry side for an "unfiltered sake." A very good example of a brew that has a solid ricey body with hints of fruit tones on several levels, and a tingle acidity that makes the flavors pop. Look for honeydew, Asian apple pear, and peach yogurt licks amongst the dry and silky flow. Not a super thick nigori, but rather a lean and dry sake that appeals to those who want character and not a bum rush of feeling. WORD: Balanced WINE: Nope! BEER: Creamy ales FOODS: Spicy fare, cheese plates, creamy pastas. Prefecture: Shizuoka; SMV: +/-0; Acidity: 1.2
- 500ml $27.00
Yaegaki "Many Fences"
Four Hot Words: Creamy, Sweet, Fruity, & Smooth. This "cloudy" sake has a nose filled with koji-rice, pear, clover-honey, and cinnamon aromas. The very fist sip spells a creamy and soft nigori with a subtle sweetness that is balanced by a refreshing acidity that makes for a dryer finish. There are soft strawberry and pear flavors that make up the creamy and milky middle, and the silky texture sticks to the teeth as tannin does. A very refreshing soft pear-toned nigori that screams of creaminess. WORD: Creamy WINE: Tannin-laced reds / expressive whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Would accompany cream-based Fish and pasta dishes, dry salty snacks, and soft cheese/fruit desserts. Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: -12; Acidity: 1.3
- 720ml $21.00
- 300ml $11.00
Unique
This category of sake is for the explorers in the sake world. From aged sakes "Koshu" to cedar aged sakes "Taru" to aged sweet sakes "Kijoshu" to flavor infused sakes this category has so many different variations of fermented rice and water.
Choya Umeshu "Pure Plum"
Four Hot Words: Sweet, Fat, Chewy, & Plums. This is the number one selling Umeshu (plum sake) in Japan and has a sweet nose with lots of plum essences. It is extremely popular on account that it tastes like Umeshu "like mom used to make," which is code for rich, fat, gooey, sweet and bright. Umeshu is basically meant to be refreshing and Choya has that combination of sweetness and acidity that allows all of that plum flavor to roll on the tongue and dance in the palate. And don't forget those fermented plums left in the fluid, sort of like the worm in the tequila! Choya should be served chilled or on the rocks, and is considered a dessert-like brew. WORD: Gooey WINE: Dessert Wines BEER: Sweet honey ales FOODS: Dessert fare. Prefecture: Osaka; SMV: N/A; Acidity: N/A
- 500ml $14.00
- 50ml $12.50
Daruma Masamune Koshu "Old Daruma"
Four Hot Words: Velvety, Complex, Smooth, Layered. The nose on this outstanding aged sake is filled with caramel, deep chocolate, honey, citrus, black tea, and leather elements. The Tiger Woods of Koshu sake! Talk about a round and soft drinking experience with so much flavor. This blended brew has a book full of flavors find raisin, find plum, find cinnamon, find chocolate and find the essence of why they age rice and water. The soft and easy texture excels at room temp. and lightly warming brings out a roundness. The smoothness is legendary! WORD: Godly WINE: Complex Pinot Noirs/Fruit whites BEER: Soft Stouts FOODS: Too good to pair! Prefecture: Gifu; SMV: -14; Acidity: N/A
- 720ml $161.00
Hanahato Kijoushu "Gorgeous Bird"
Four Hot Words: Deep, Sweet, Rich, & Dessert. This kijoshu has been aged for eight years and has a similar nose to a sherry or port with a honey/nutty aroma. This very rich kijoshu is a balanced blend of dried fruits and earthy mushroom elements that has a malty aftertaste coupled with a full-bodied start and middle mouth. The flavor perfectly compliments chocolates of all kinds, especially dark chocolate mousses and other thicker desserts. It does go well with nutty and earthy cigars as well. The red rose color is amazing for a sake, and this brew begs to be served instead of your normal dessert wine. WORD: Chocolate WINE: Sherry/Port BEER: Thick dessert beers FOODS: Chocolate and sweet desserts of all kinds. Prefecture: Hiroshima; SMV: -44; Acidity: 3.5
- 500ml $50.00
Ichinokura "Himezen Ume"
- 720ml $37.00
Ichinokura Himezen "Princess Food"
Four Hot Words: Silky, Semi-Sweet, Bright, & Light. The nose on this "new-style" sake is deep and complex with a mixture of citrus elements and hint of umami. Princess food is a wonder to behold as rice and water combine to taste like grapefruit juice and lemonaide. A beautifully refreshing beginning meets a chewy middle-mouth filled with citrus gooeyness. It is light for being so thick, and remember to lick the front of your teeth when the sip is gone. The higher acidity and lower alcohol combine to make a brightly flavored sake that is the quintessential palate cleanser between courses. WORD: Lemonaide WINE: Dessert Wines BEER: Shandy (beer/lemonade mix) FOODS: Seafood salad with citrus dressing, seared Foie Gras, grilled crab with salt. Prefecture: Miyagi; SMV: -65; Acidity: 5.0
- 720ml $28.00
Ichinokura Taru "Ace Brewery"
Four Hot Words: Woody, Layered, Semi-rich, & Smooth. This Junmai Taru, which is cedar-kept sake from "Ace Brewery" is a terrific example of how sake used to taste way back in the day of all cedar casks. The nose is a blend of Japanese cedar and apple blossoms with a feint hint of tropical citrus. It has a very subtle start despite the robust nose and is filled with a savory middle-mouth of dried apples and overripe pears. There is a hint of thickness that makes the viscosity dance in a salty aftertaste. It is slightly chewy and syrupy, and changes flavors as the fluid warms in the mouth. WORD: Apple WINE: Cedar-aged whites BEER: Smoky Ambers FOODS: Stews, dumplings, cooked veggies, pates. Prefecture: Miyagi; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.4
- 500ml $30.00
Ichishima Karen "Coy"
Four Hot Words: Light, Clean, Fruity, & Fun. This "New World" sake is actually called "Karen" in Japan, and it is a low-alcohol brew (10%) with a nose filled with peach, lychee and apple aromas. Talk about complexity and questions! How can rice and water taste like such an array of fruit tones? There is nothing "Coy" about this sake as large Fuji apple elements dance in a clean and viscous flow. Behold a layer of sweetness that is brilliantly balanced by a very heady acidity level. Bright and chewy, this fruity brew drinks with an elegance not found in a typical Junmai. WORD: Fruity WINE: Rieslings/ Sauternes BEER: Sweet Belgian Ales FOODS: Dim sum, fried fish, tempura, fruit plates, creamy cheese. Prefecture: Niigata; SMV: -23; Acidity: 2.9
- 500ml $24.00
Ippongi Ginkobai Umeshu "Scent of Plum"
Prefecture: Fukui; SMV: -72; Acidity: 7.1
- 750ml $34.00
Ippongi Hannyatou Spicy Umeshu "Hot Devil"
Four Hot Words: Spicy, Fruity, Impact, & Unique. Prefecture: Fukui; SMV: N/A; Acidity: N/A
- 150ml $11.00
- 720ml $24.00
Kamoizumi Kome Kome "Happy Bride"
Four Hot Words: Crisp, Fruity, Semi-sweet, & Different. Beau promises he'll review this as soon as possible and we guarantee that it's a great sake. If you're here to order it because you've had it before and really liked it, you can beat Beau to the punch and review it first! Prefecture: Hiroshima; SMV: -60; Acidity: 6
- 500ml $30.00
Kamotsuru Tokusei Kinpaku "Gold Flake"
Four Hot Words: Clean, Light, Semi-Sweet, & Fun. This "Gold Flake" sake has two pieces of gold that represent the fact that cranes mate for life. It is a soft and ripe sake with a nose filled with strawberry, banana, and tropical fruit tones. A very elegant Daiginjo that displays smooth and clean layers of light fruit elements in a clean and crisp delivery. Although airy and fruity the overall feeling is dry and brisk. A great example of an easy drinking sake with style! WORD: Strawberry WINE: Fruity reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Ales/Ambers FOODS: Party fare! We do not normally carry the 720ml in stock. Please call out store at 415-355-9555 to place a special order. Prefecture: Hiroshima; SMV: +2; Acidity: 1.4
- 180ml $18.00
- 720ml $43.00
Kiku Masamune Taru "Sake Barrel"
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Creamy, Cedary, & Easy. This is a solid example of a traditional tasting sake in the sense that it is barrel aged. Kikumasumune is known for its dry sakes, and this Taru does not disappoint. True to tradition and aged in cedar casks, Taru is bottled when the natural cedar fragrance strikes the perfect balance with the flavor of the sake. The nose is of course cedar and there is a rich golden color. The sake is thinner than one would think, and the mouth speed is quite fast. The texture is clear and the taste is cedar focused. WORD: Cedar WINE: Very Cedary Whites BEER: Special Seasonal Brews FOODS: Works well with smoked foods such as fish, chicken and duck. Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.5
- 720ml $18.00
- 300ml $7.00
- 180ml $4.00
- 720ml Tokkuri $21.00
Ooki Daikichi Hoten Konnichiwa Cooking Sake
Four Hot Words: Umami, Earthy, Hazelnut, and Round. Calling all chefs and foodies. Finally there is a premium cooking sake available in the US and this one is as good as it gets. The writing on the label basically says, "We red snapper fish cannot wait to be cooked in this sake." Not joking! This cooking sake is basically like liquid umami, so flavorful and so meaningful. Yes you can drink the sake as you cook with it, but it's pretty rich and full-bodied and totally dry compared to mirin - the other cheap and super sweet cooking sake. This is connoisseur sake at its best and if you like to cook there is no other sake out there that can touch the amazing flavors of this cooking brew. WORD: Liquid Umami WINE: Nope BEER: Nope FOODS: Cook your heart out with this! Prefecture: Fukushima; SMV: -25; Acidity: N/A
- 720ml $25.00
Ozeki Taru Komatsu Tatewaki "Famous Samurai"
Four Hot Words: Cedary, Round, Gentle, & Smooth. This cedar-aged (less than two weeks) brew has a smoky, grainy, vanilla, charcoal, and cedar nose. A well-balanced taru sake that has several degrees of flavors that are best expressed in different sized glasses. A small cup brings forth more cedar tones on a dry fluid with a quick finish. A larger cup displays a more open cedar flavor with a deep layer of sweetness similar to caramel or noughet with more pronounced acidity and a slightly tangy finish. The brew gets more vast at room temperature highlighting the cedar and acidity play. If you like drinking sake from a masu (cedar box) this brew will speak to you. WORD: Cedar WINE: Zesty reds/Crisp whites BEER: Crisp smoky ales FOODS: Smoked meat, fowl, fish, and cheeses. Prefecture: Hyogo; SMV: +5; Acidity: 1.6
- 720ml $25.00
Tamanohikari Reishu Sake Slush "Brilliant Jade"
Four Hot Words: Semi-fruity, Refreshing, Clean, & Icey. Yes, the packaging looks like juice boxes for adults! But amazingly this is a very good Junmai Ginjo. This freezer-proof package is said by the brewers to be excellent for making a sake slush by placing both the package and a decanter in the freezer for 10 hours. Open package and pour into frozen decanter for a "magical transformation" into a sake slush. For the less inspired this packaging lends itself to smuggling into sporting events and concerts, but you didn't just read this! WORD: Juice Box WINE: Dry Whites/Merlots BEER: Pilsners/Ambers FOODS: Grilled eggplant, smoked fish, stir-friend shrimp. Prefecture: Kyoto; SMV: +3; Acidity: 1.8
- 300ml $7.00
Tsukasabotan Yamayuzu Shibori "King of the Peony"
Four Hot Words: Refreshing, Citrusy, Bright, & Semi-sweet. Prefecture: Kochi; SMV: N/A; Acidity: N/A
- 720ml $30.00
Wakatakeya A Zen Ai Koshu "Love"
Four Hot Words: Smooth, Rich, Round, & Full. This "brown rice" (milled only to 85%) aged sake has an exciting nose filled with herbs, cooked citrus, wet wool, dried cherry and pepper elements. Talk about juicy but not being super sweet, this old brew has layers and layers of flavors from dried fruits to candied apricots all dancing with earthy elements such as crushed damp leaves and cooked chestnuts. Soft, rich, fat and gooey all balanced perfectly on a solid fluid that has a long gentle tail. So smooth for such a low polished Koshu. A perfect Koshu for warming, and look for more fruit at room temp. WORD: Soft WINE: Red and White Burgundy BEER: Big Belgians FOODS: Smoked meats and cheeses, large pasta dishes, cigars. Prefecture: Fukuoka; SMV: -14; Acidity: 2.2
- 720ml $100.00
Yamamoto Yuzu Omoi "Citrus Dream"
Four Hot Words: Sweet, Fat, Citrusy, & Fun. Okay folks! Every once in a while it's fun to try a different type of sake and this is it. Basically this is a Tokubetsu Junmai sake with all-natural Yuzu (a Japanese citrus that is sort of lemony-orange) juice added to it. It is low in alcohol 7% and is considered to be sweet. The nose is obviously very citrusy and the first sip after you smile says that this is not a silly sake but a very flavorful drinking experience. There is an abundance of fat and chewy (but not goopy) citrus flavors that are balanced by a firm acidity all on a smooth and expansive flow. It is sweet, but not overtly so. This is not a cheap infused sake that you see out on the market with apple and lychee fake flavors, rather this a quality sake with quality Yuzu added for an amazingly bright and fun mouth party. WORD: Yuzu WINE: Sweet wines BEER: Citrus pale ales FOODS: Desert foods, fruit salads. Okay folks! Every once in a while it's fun to try a different type of sake and this is it. Basically this is a Tokubetsu Junmai sake with all-natural Yuzu (a Japanese citrus that is sort of lemony-orange) juice added to it. It is low in alcohol 7% and is considered to be sweet. The nose is obviously very citrusy and the first sip after you smile says that this is not a silly sake but a very flavorful drinking experience. There is an abundance of fat and chewy (but not goopy) citrus flavors that are balanced by a firm acidity all on a smooth and expansive flow. It is sweet, but not overtly so. This is not a cheap infused sake that you see out on the market with apple and lychee fake flavors, rather this a quality sake with quality Yuzu added for an amazingly bright and fun mouth party. WORD: Yuzu WINE: Sweet wines BEER: Citrus pale ales FOODS: Desert foods, fruit salads. Okay folks! Every once in a while it's fun to try a different type of sake and this is it. Basically this is a Tokubetsu Junmai sake with all-natural Yuzu (a Japanese citrus that is sort of lemony-orange) juice added to it. It is low in alcohol 7% and is considered to be sweet. The nose is obviously very citrusy and the first sip after you smile says that this is not a silly sake but a very flavorful drinking experience. There is an abundance of fat and chewy (but not goopy) citrus flavors that are balanced by a firm acidity all on a smooth and expansive flow. It is sweet, but not overtly so. This is not a cheap infused sake that you see out on the market with apple and lychee fake flavors, rather this a quality sake with quality Yuzu added for an amazingly bright and fun mouth party. WORD: Yuzu WINE: Sweet wines BEER: Citrus pale ales FOODS: Desert foods, fruit salads. Okay folks! Every once in a while it's fun to try a different type of sake and this is it. Basically this is a Tokubetsu Junmai sake with all-natural Yuzu (a Japanese citrus that is sort of lemony-orange) juice added to it. It is low in alcohol 7% and is considered to be sweet. The nose is obviously very citrusy and the first sip after you smile says that this is not a silly sake but a very flavorful drinking experience. There is an abundance of fat and chewy (but not goopy) citrus flavors that are balanced by a firm acidity all on a smooth and expansive flow. It is sweet, but not overtly so. This is not a cheap infused sake that you see out on the market with apple and lychee fake flavors, rather this a quality sake with quality Yuzu added for an amazingly bright and fun mouth party. WORD: Yuzu WINE: Sweet wines BEER: Citrus pale ales FOODS: Desert foods, fruit salads. Prefecture: Kyoto; SMV: N/A; Acidity: N/A
- 500ml $29.00
Yoshinosugi Futsushu Taru "Cedar Country"
Four Hot Words: Spicy, Cedary, Confident, & Food-friendly. Some makers throw chunks of cedar into tanks for the flavor, but this brewery makes specific cedar barrels to age their "taru" sake in for full flavor and aroma. The nose on this brew is indeed woody, cedary and peppery! This is a very gentle but flavorful cedar sake that drinks very smooth with cedar whispers in each sip. Thick and balanced with a gentle sweetness that does not distract from mild cedar elements. Hints of sweet rice, honey, and a touch of pepper balance out the gentle flow of this sake that gets more cedary as it warms. A mid-sized glass works best! WORD: Smooth Cedar WINE: Oaky Chardonnay BEER: Woody Belgians FOODS: A very amazing food pairing sake that takes on smoky fare, salty and savory - think the grill! Prefecture: Nara; SMV: +/-0; Acidity: 1.2
- 720ml $25.00