Yamazan Toji Yuki Junmai Daiginjo Unfiltered Unrefined Unrefined Sake
Sake Brewer] Yamazan Shuzo Co.
Type of sake] Junmai Daiginjo (Hi-iri, unfiltered unpasteurized sake)
Rice] Kinmon-Nishiki (produced in Yaebaru, Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture)
Rice polishing ratio] 35
Alcohol content】16度
Sake Cup】Half glass
Aroma】+2.0（green apple, pear, white peach, muscat, and Kamishinko)
Appearance] Crystal
[Taste] [Flavor
Body: 1.5
Acid: 2.5 (mainly malic acid, refreshing)
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.0
Short to medium length. Fruit-like aroma softly fades away and the finish is very clean.
Impression: Elegant, modern, lightweight daiginjo.
The nose has a gorgeous fruit-like ginjo aroma. The taste is light, sweet and acidic, which makes it hard to believe that it is unfiltered sake. The soft and elegant mouthfeel typical of Kinmon-Nishiki and the clear texture of 35% polished rice are well balanced. It has a modern taste that is not too flamboyant, but has a calm and elegant flavor design that must have been very difficult to produce.
This is a wine that can be enjoyed chilled.
Pairing] Kombujime sea bream, cold scallop carpaccio, grilled white fish, etc.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand name] Tenmei Kame-no-o 65 Twice-brewed
Sake Brewer] Akebono Shuzo Co.
Type of sake] Junmai-shu (twice-brewed)
Rice used: 100% Kame-no-o
Rice polishing ratio] 65
Alcohol content】16度
Sake Cup】Half glass
Aroma】+1.0（apple、cooked rice、nuts、cream)
Appearance] Slightly greenish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: A light bitterness finishes the moist umami and acidity.
Impression: Beautiful, umami, dry.
The aroma is modest, with nuances of green apples and cooked rice. The overall taste is very well-balanced. While making the most of Kame-no-o's character (a little wildness and graininess), a moderate thickness and soft acidity coexist. The flavor is mildly umami rather than showy. It is refreshing and can be drunk both warmed and chilled.
Pairing] Nishikyo-yaki Spanish mackerel, grilled chicken, smoked cheese, etc.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Minami Tokubetsu Junmai Hiyoroshi
Sake Brewer: Minami Shuzojo (Yasuda-cho, Aki-gun, Kochi Prefecture)
Type of Sake: Special Junmai (Hiyoroshi)
Rice used: 100% Dewa Sanzu produced in Yamagata Prefecture.
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】16.5%.
Sake Cup】Oinokuchi
Aroma】+1.5（green apple, melon, white dumpling, slightly ripe banana)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Medium. The soft acidity and umami of the rice continue, leaving a light bitterness in the aftertaste.
Impression: Mellow and umami.
The aroma is gentle, with a green apple-like ginjo aroma and a hint of rice. The taste has a calmness typical of hiyaoroshi, with a crisp acidity typical of Minami, and the smooth and elegant umami derived from Dewa Sanzu, making it difficult to decide how to drink it. Personally, I think it is fun to drink it cold and then warm it up and enjoy it dual. Anyway, that's why I drank 2 gou of sake, so that's all for today's report. Enjoyable.
Pairing: Sashimi with cold sake or by itself, then heated up and served with oden.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand name】CEL-19 x CEL-24 Junmai Daiginjo Genshu
Sake Brewer】Kameizumi Shuzo K.K. (Dema, Tosa City, Kochi Prefecture)
Kind of Sake】Junmai Daiginjo Genshu
Rice used: Domestic rice (details undisclosed)
Rice Polishing Ratio] 50%.
Alcohol content】15.5%.
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+2.5（Muscat, melon, white peach, pineapple, rummy)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.5 (malic acid and citric acid coexist)
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 1.0
Bitterness: 1.0
Lingering] Short to medium. Fruit acidity and a hint of sweetness remain, and the finish is cool and crisp.
Impression: Modern, aromatic, light-medium bodied.
This is an interesting bottle that is a cross between CEL-19 and CEL-24, and is very Kameizumi. The tropical aroma of CEL-24 is immediately apparent upon smelling it. The sweet and sourness of the sake is in perfect harmony with the tropical aroma.
It is a very modern and fruity sake that will appeal to different tastes.
Pairing] Caprese, sea bream carpaccio, salted lemon fried fish, Japanese marinated fish
Repeat Score] 1.5
Mr. Kisuki. Thanks for your comment. Today we have a lot of sake from Kochi, including South, but Kochi sake is very good. I hope you can tell me a lot about it.
Brand name] Manten Karakuchi
Sake Brewer] Manten Shuzo Co.
Kind of sake】Sake(Normal sake)
Rice] Domestic rice
Rice Polishing Ratio] Undisclosed
Alcohol content】15度
Sake Cup】Inoguchi
Aroma】+1.0（Mild rice aroma, slightly ripe banana-like)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Medium acidity and umami, ending with a crisp bitterness
Impression] Classical umami dry taste.
The aroma is umami, like steamed rice. On the palate, a firm umami of rice and moderate acidity coexist. The balance is very good, and although it is an ordinary sake, you can sense the careful craftsmanship. It can be enjoyed cold or warmed, especially at room temperature to lukewarm.
Pairing] Grilled fish, simmered dishes, soba noodles, soup stock dishes
Repeat Score】1.5
Isoboast Tokubetsu Honjozo Nama-Nihonjozo Shiboritate Limited Edition
Sake Brewer: Isoban Shuzo K.K. (Yaizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)
Special Honjozo Nama-Nagarazake (limited distribution)
Rice used: 100% Yamadanishiki (new rice) from Tojo, Hyogo Prefecture.
Polishing ratio] Koji rice: 55%, Kake rice: 60
Alcohol content】18度以上未満19度
Yeast] New-5 (Shizuoka yeast)
Sake meter] +6
Acidity】1.3
Sake Cup】Inoguchi
Aroma】+1.5（Aroma of melon, white peach and rice)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.5
Acidity: 1.5
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.0
Lingering: Medium. Slightly alcoholic warmth, while the umami of rice and soft acidity quietly fades away.
Impression] Classical, mellow, and slightly light.
This was my first saké after passing the sake diploma.
The aroma was expected to be banana, but it was not so much, but rather a gentle melon feeling. The taste is full of the solid body of high alcohol and the sense of a pure sake.
The fusion of the fullness from the Hyogo Tokushu A district Yamadanishiki and the sharpness from the alkaloids is really funky.
Pairing】Pairs well with light-flavored dishes such as white-meat sashimi, grilled sea bream, and boiled tofu.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Suminoe Special Junmai
Sake Brewer] Suminoe Shuzo Co.
Type of Sake】Special Junmai Sake
Rice] Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】15%.
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+1.5（White dumpling, green apple, pear)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Short to medium. Dry and crisp finish. Light but with an acidic profile, leaving a cool, refreshing feeling.
Impression】Modern light and dry.
The aroma is subdued, but has an elegant fruity ginjo aroma, with a hint of rice. The taste is light, refreshing, and dry. However, it has a fruity and astringent taste like Kyoho grapes. It is an excellent match with seafood. A well-balanced bottle that can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Pairing] White fish sashimi, tempura, chilled tofu
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand name] Hirotogawa Special Junmai
Sake Brewer] Matsuzaki Shuzo Co.
Kind of sake】Special Junmai Sake
Rice used: Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 55
Alcohol content】15%.
Sake Cup】Inoguchi
Aroma】+1.5（Aroma of green apple, white peach and rice)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Medium. The acidity and umami of the rice remain mildly lingering, and it wears off quickly.
Impression: Neat, light, medium-dry.
The aroma is gentle but fruity with a hint of ginjo.
The soft acidity and moderate sweetness typical of Fukushima Prefecture are in perfect harmony, and the drinking experience is very smooth.
It is not flashy, but has a high degree of perfection and is stable both cold and at room temperature.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand Name] Sawaya Matsumoto, Moriboshi Gohyakumangoku
Sake Brewer] Matsumoto Shuzo Co.
Type of Sake] Japanese sake
Rice] 100% Gohyakumangoku
Rice polishing ratio] Undisclosed
Alcohol content] 15
Sake Cup】Inoguchi
Aroma】+1.5（green apple, pear, rummy)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
[Taste] [Flavor
Body: 1.5
Acid: 2.0 (lactic and malic acid)
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Short but clean acidity remains, and it is refreshingly sharp.
Impression: Modern, light and dry.
The aroma is fresh and fruity, with green apples.
The taste is clean and refreshing, with beautiful acidity and a moderate sweetness. It has a cool, slightly effervescent taste, and its clearness with little cloying taste is combined with umami and bitterness. It goes well with meals.
Repeat Score] 2.5
Brand name】Instrument Masamune Junjo
Sake Brewer] Oki Daikichi Honten (Yabuki-cho, Nishi-Shirakawa-gun, Fukushima Prefecture)
Junmai-shu (unfiltered and unpasteurized)
Rice] Koji rice: Domestic rice (Polishing ratio 60%), Kake rice: Domestic rice (Polishing ratio 66%)
Alcohol content】13度
Sake cup】Wine glass
Aroma】+2.0（green apple, muscatel, pear, rumney)
Appearance] Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.5 (malic acid + citric acid type, light)
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.0
Bitterness: 1.0
Lingering] Clean and short. Fruit acidity lightly fades away, leaving a slight minerality.
Impression] Sleek, gorgeous, fruity, medium sweet.
This is a Hall of Fame instrumental Masamune. This time, it is a low-alcohol design at 13 degrees. The aroma of Muscat, pear, and green apple, typical of Musical Instruments, dances gorgeously. The taste is fruity with a medium sweetness that does not contradict the aroma. The balance between acidity and dryness is exquisite and refreshing. It is a devilish sake that is light but has low alcohol + moderate sweetness, and can be enjoyed forever on its own.
Pairing] Caprese with fruit is a perfect match, but it can be paired with a wide range of other refreshing dishes.
Repeat Score] 2.5
Brand name] ABE AKADA 2024
Sake Brewer] ABE SHUZOH CO.
Kind of sake] Junmai-shu (hi-iru)
Rice] 100% rice grown in Akada, Kariwa Village, Niigata Prefecture (grown by contract farmer Mr. Mizuhina)
Polishing ratio] 80
Yeast] Undisclosed
Alcohol content】13°.
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+1.5（green apple, rumney, cooked rice, nuts)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0 (lactic acidity mainly)
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Medium. A slight sourness like plum wine lingers.
Impression】Modern low-alcohol dry taste.
Abeno Terroir series. We corked the bottle at the same time to compare it with Noda. The aroma is green apple and rummy, but the 80% polished rice aroma is present. The taste is light, but the rounded acidity of lactic acid tightens the taste and gives it a plum-like world view. As the temperature rises, the harmony of sweetness and bitterness stands out.
Pairing] Grilled fish, grilled chicken with salted malt, simmered root vegetables, maitake mushroom tempura, etc.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand name] ABE Noda 2024
Sake Brewer] ABE SHUZOH CO.
Kind of sake】 Japanese sake
Rice used: 100% Koshitanrei (produced in Noda, Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture)
Rice Polishing Ratio] Undisclosed
Alcohol content】13度
Birth date] May, 2025
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma] +2.0 (Ramune, green apple, yogurt, melon)
Appearance] Slightly greenish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acid: 2.5 (lactic acid + citric acid type, fresh and sharp)
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.0
Lingering: Light and short. The freshness of the acidity remains, and the finish is cool and refreshing.
Impression: Natural modern low-alcohol Junmai.
Abeno Terroir Series.
Reflecting the cool basin climate of the Noda district in Kashiwazaki, it is characterized by mild sweetness and supple acidity. The aroma is between fruity and lactic acid, with an impressive transparency like green apple and ramune. The mouthfeel is soft and lightly carbonated, and even at a low alcohol of 13%, the wine is very drinkable.
Pairing] Caprese, shio koji chicken, sasamimi with ume plum paste, cold pasta, etc.
Repeat Score] 2.5
Brand Name] KOEIKU Gekkaburai
Sake Brewer] Koeikiku Shuzo Co.
Kome-no-o 100% (domestic)
Rice used: 100% Kame-no-o (domestic)
Rice Polishing Ratio] Undisclosed (estimated to be around 60%)
Alcohol content】17度
Production Date] February, 2023
Sake Cup】Wine glass
Aroma】+2.0（Muscat, pear, green apple, yogurt, slight white flower)
Appearance] Pale greenish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.5 (lactic acid + citric acid-like, fresh)
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Medium
Impression: Modern, mellow, fresh
The aroma is a powerful fruit aroma typical of nama-shu, and the fragrance also suggests the richness of the sake. The taste has a natural lactic acidity typical of Koei Kiku, and although it is sweet, the slightly fizzy and fruity aroma is exquisite.
It is delicious chilled, but also quite interesting when heated. The rich acidity and umami spread out, and the gentle sweetness soothes the body after a long day.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand Name] KURAKURAKU Junmai-shu
Sake Brewer] MIYAZUMI MEIJO K.K. (Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Junmai-shu
Rice] Domestic rice (details undisclosed)
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】16度
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+2.0（green apple, pear, muscat, white peach, ethyl acetate)
Appearance] Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0 (soft and elegant)
Sweetness: 2.0 (fruity sweetness)
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Medium. A pleasant sweetness remains.
Impression] Gorgeous, mellow, modern, medium-bodied.
I have already had this many times, but I keep asking for more.
The aroma is a fruit aroma with no hint of artificiality, and even though it is sake, the fragrance alone is enchanting. The taste is beautifully Fukushima-like, but with a slightly full sweetness, and the acidity is not sharp, but rather accompanies the taste. It is not heavy, but well-balanced and loved by everyone.
Repeat Score] 3.0
Brand name] Houken Junmai Super Dry, Spring-fed
Sake Brewer】Hoken Shuzo K.K. (Nigata Honmachi, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
Type of sake ] Junmai-shu
Rice】100% Hachitan-Nishiki produced in Hiroshima Prefecture
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】16度
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+1.0（Shirotama dumpling, mild rice aroma, citrus peel)
Appearance] Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 2.0
Aftertaste: Sharply dry and sharp, with a hint of bitterness and umami that quickly fades away.
Impression: Classical, light and ultra-dry.
The aroma is reminiscent of rice and citrus fruits with a hint of bitterness.
As the name suggests, the taste is designed to be super dry, with beautiful acidity and a refreshing freshness. It has a sharp and light sake quality typical of Hachitan-Nishiki. The taste is subdued when served cold, but the umami will increase as the temperature rises. It has a classical taste and is useful as a food sake.
Pairing: Salt grilled white fish, fried oysters, tempura, chilled tofu. It has the power to easily wash away oily food.
Repeat Score] 2.0
KID Junmai Ginjo Hiyahoroshi
KID Junmai Ginjyo Hiyoroshi (Hiyoroshi)
Type of Sake: Junmai Ginjo
Rice used: 100% Gohyakumangoku
Rice polishing ratio: 50% for koji rice, 55% for kake rice
Alcohol content】15度
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+1.5（green apple, pear, white dumpling)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Medium.
Impression: Modern, light and dry with mellowness.
The aroma is fresh with a green apple flavor. The taste is fruity and dry with a sugar content, and the lingering aftertaste is alcoholic.
It has a calmness that is typical of autumn hiyaoroshi, with both lightness and depth. It is a bottle that goes well with moist autumn dishes.
Pairing】Pairs well with dishes with autumnal flavors, such as grilled swordfish and cooked rice with mushrooms.
Repeat Score] 2.0
OCEAN99 "toumi" Arrival
Sake Brewer] KANGIKU MEIJO (Yamatake City, Chiba Prefecture)
Type of Sake】Junmai Ginjyo (Unfiltered, once-brewed sake)
Rice used: Rice suited for sake brewing
Rice polishing ratio] 55
Alcohol content】15%.
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+2.0（Nuance of green apple, muscat, white peach)
Appearance] Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0 (refreshing and citric)
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Clean. Gentle sweetness and bitterness remain.
Impression: Fresh and fruity, modern, light and dry.
The aroma is discreet but has a yeasty, gorgeous fruity aroma. The taste is crisp and clear with just the right amount of sweetness. Modern but not overdone, it can be easily drunk on its own.
Pairing] Caprese with tomatoes and fruits goes very well with this wine.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand Name] Kirinzan Yukinoshita Junmai Ginjo
Sake Brewer] Kirinzan Shuzo Co.
Type of Sake] Junmai Ginjo
Rice used: 100% Koshitanrei produced in Oku-Aga, Niigata Prefecture.
Rice Polishing Ratio] 50% [Alcohol Content] 15
Alcohol content】15%.
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+2.0（steamed rice, cream, white chocolate, green apple)
Appearance] Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acid: 2.0 lactic acid and other swellings
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Medium. The acidity and umami gently fade away, leaving a mild finish.
Impression: Elegant, light and umami.
The aroma is of steamed rice and dairy products, which gives the impression of Niigata's light and dry taste. The ginjo aroma is mild. In the mouth, it has a surprisingly strong body that one would not expect from the alcohol content. There are some spreading sweetness and chocolate nuances, which may be the difference between this and Ihyakumangoku.
In conclusion, this is a food sake type that combines the clarity typical of Niigata with the fullness derived from Koshitanrei, and has a classical sense of security and a modern sense of transparency.
Pairing] Japanese cuisine with dashi broth in general, grilled white fish with salt, tempura, cold tofu, lightly seasoned simmered dishes, etc.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Suminoe Shuzo, a special junmai
Sake Brewer] Suminoe Shuzo Co.
Type of Sake】Special Junmai Sake
Type of rice used: Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】16%.
Sake Cups】Wine Glass and Inokuchi (cup)
Aroma】+2.0（green apple, grape, white dumpling)
Appearance] Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Short to medium. It is sharp and leaves a dry, dry-like sharpness.
Impression】Modern light and ultra-dry with a fruity aroma.
I'm really into Suminoe recently. This one is designed to be super dry.
The aroma is of fresh green apples, and the flavor is more like grape than muscat, which is what you get when you drink Suminoe. I think there are not many breweries that have this aroma. The taste is light, with restrained parameters. It is a sharp sake with a fruity flavor that goes well with light-flavored foods as a mid-meal drink. It is a bottle that I would like to keep on hand at home with Hakurakusei.
Pairing] Sashimi, sushi, soba noodles, grilled white fish, tempura, etc.
Repeat Score] 2.5
Brand Name] Yonesuru Daiginjo Gyosho
Sake Brewer ] YONEZURU SHUZO CO.
Type of Sake] Daiginjo
Rice] 100% Yamadanishiki from Hyogo Prefecture
Polishing ratio] 35
Alcohol content] 16% [Sake alcohol content] +1 to +2 [Sake alcohol content] +1 to +2
Sake meter] +1 to +3
Acidity] 1.1 - 1.3
Yeast] Yamagata yeast, Association 1801
Sake Cup】Wine glass
Aroma] +1.5 (apple, white peach, muscat, gorgeous ginjo aroma)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Short to medium. It cuts off cleanly and smoothly.
Impression] A mellow dry daiginjo.
A master brewer who won a gold medal at the National New Sake Competition in 2024. I bought this bottle as a souvenir when I participated in Yonezuru's rice planting, but you would never think it would be bottled as a countermeasure against alosoaking for the examination. Before the alkaloids, the nose has a complex aroma including white peaches from a cerulenin-resistant strain. However, it is quite mild and elegant. The taste is beautiful and elegant with moderate sweetness and acidity. The sake has a clean and elegant taste with just the right amount of sweetness and acidity, and the alkaloids are not at all deliberate, which makes the aftertaste refreshing.
Pairing】Pairs well with white fish sashimi, seafood hot pot, crab cream croquettes, marinated scallops, shrimp dumplings, etc. (Internet information)
Repeat Score] 2.0
