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If you’re into delicious, precious, premium junmai daiginjo, we’ve got one, and if you’re looking for dry and delicious, we’ve got two! There is a must repeat for anyone who’s already tried the crowd-pleasing Niigata style. And did you know: The umami drawn from the rice is representative of what they call Noto style? We are excited to share these, and we hope you’re excited to try them!
For this Sake Box video, we’ve focused on the regional styles and words from the brewery — because you can’t get more authentic than the source. Take a look and let us know how you’re enjoying these sake at home. They’d love to hear from you, and we would, too.
This special brew uses 25% Yamadanishiki rice from Hyogo and 75% local Dewasansan rice. “Bingakoi” refers to the maturation of “genshu” (undiluted sake). This sake is stored in glass bottles called “isshobin” and matured at below freezing temperatures to bring out the softness in texture and depth in flavor. The oversized writing on the label expresses the isshobin, the traditional magnum size bottle it’s matured in.
Before the time when sake grades were based on rice polishing ratio, Ichinokura created the “Mukansa” series as the epitome of quality sake for a great price. The Japanese writings on the label express their strong, unwavering commitment to this principle since 1977. Now with a friendly QR code and a pink label for their sweet “amakuchi” version, their signature clean finish and incredible versatility continues to shine through.
Utilizing Miyagi’s own umami-rich prefectural rice Manamusume, Urakasumi has crafted an award-winning “karakuchi” (dry) honjozo sake. While this brew won the Kan Sake Award 2021 champion trophy in the hot sake category, it’s enjoyable at any temperature. Delicate aromas of banana and white flowers fill each sip before ending in a clean dry finish — a perfect companion for everyday fare and elevated, elegant dinners alike.
The series name “Jozen” comes from Chinese philosopher Laozi’s saying about how water benefits all things and doesn’t compete, yet has the ultimate power for steady change and strength. Jozen “White” perfectly expresses this philosophy using extremely pristine, untreated snowmelt water for brewing that has been naturally filtered in the soil over 50 years. Soft and gentle yet light and dry, this sake is true to the Niigata style.
From the far ends of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture, Sogen Brewing Company pours its heart into crafting this iconic junmai. A perfect embodiment of the Noto style and region, this rich and umami-driven junmai packs a food-friendly punch. Flavors of steamed rice, ripe honeydew and leafy greens are sure to bring a smile to you and your friends at the dinner table no matter what is on the menu.
The founder of Yoneda Brewing Company, Kingoro Yoneda is the namesake of this delightfully dry sake. “Karakuchi,” meaning dry, expresses the dryness of the sake as well as Kingoro’s stern, strict character with a passion for brewing he was known for. Enjoy refined sweet grain and star anise on the nose, and a rather old-school, sharp, dry peppermint finish. And be sure to raise a glass to your new friend, Kingoro.
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