Sakura Tokubetsu Junmai Unrefined Nama Shuzake (Hatsu Shibori)
Sake Brewer] A-Sakura Shuzo (Yokote City, Akita Prefecture)
Type of Sake】Special Junmai Unfiltered Nama-shu
Rice used: Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】16%.
Sake Cup】Oinokuchi
Aroma】+2.0（sweet aroma of green apple, white peach, banana, white dumpling and malted rice)
Appearance] Slightly cloudy crystal
[Taste
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0 (lactic acid type + fresh acid)
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
[Lingering].
Juicy and slightly short. The youthful sweetness and acidity typical of new sake remains and wears off quickly.
Impression: Fresh, juicy and dry.
The aroma is fruity and gorgeous, which is unique to nama-shu. The taste is fresh, but lighter and more refreshing with acidity than the aroma suggests. It is easy to pair with meals.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Bakuya Junmai Daiginjo Unfiltered Nama-shu
Hayashi Honten (Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture)
Kind of sake] Junmai Daiginjo (unfiltered, unpasteurized sake)
Rice used: Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 50% [Alcohol content] 15
Alcohol content] 15% [Yeast] M310
Yeast] M310
Sake cup】Wine glass
Aroma】+1.5（green apple, white peach, white dumpling, melon, and a cool rum-like feeling)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Light and short. The freshness of the sake.
Impression: Modern, aromatic, light and dry.
The light green apple aroma from M310 harmonizes with the juiciness of unfiltered nama sake. The taste is modest and not heavy daiginjo, a refreshing type of sake that can be drunk easily.
Pairing
White Fish Sashimi, Carpaccio, Steamed Chicken with Negi-Shio
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand name] Kirinzan Potari Potari <Gohyakumangoku>.
Sake Brewer] Kirinzan Shuzo (Aga-machi, Higashikanbara-gun, Niigata)
Type of Sake: Junmai Ginjyo Nama Genjyo (Unblended Sake)
Rice] Gohyakumangoku (Niigata Prefecture)
Rice polishing ratio] 55
Alcohol content】17%.
Sake Cup】Inoguchi
Aroma】+1.5
(Green apple, white peach, rummy)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Medium. The sweetness and acidity quickly cut through, leaving a slight bitterness.
Impression] Fresh and fruity, yet light.
This is a new sake from Kirinzan, a favorite from the jacket. It is a fresh sake contrary to its usual classical taste.
It has the freshness and fruitiness of a nama sake on top of the lightness of a so-called Niigata sake. It has a base of lightness typical of Gohyakumangoku, but it also has the thickness of a 17% sake. It is a well-balanced "light and juicy" sake.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Mutsu Otokoyama CLASSIC NOUVEAU (Nama-shu)
Hachinohe Shuzo (Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture)
Sake type: Japanese sake (Nama-shu)
Rice used: Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] Unknown
Alcohol content: 16%.
Sake Cup】Inoguchi
Aroma】+1.5
Aroma】Aroma of rice, white dumplings, banana, and rumney
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering aftertaste: Slightly short. The light umami and slight bitterness quickly fades away.
Impression: Classical light and dry.
The aroma is subdued, yet soft and rice-like. The taste is light, but with a touch of umami. It has the freshness of a nouveau (new sake), but at the same time it has the combination of "light rice umami and sharpness" typical of Otokoyama. It is not flashy, but it is very easy to drink with food.
Pairing】】White fish, squid, shellfish
White fish, squid, shellfish, tempura, soba noodles, and salty snacks.
[Repeat Score] 2.0
Ryujinmaru Junmai Ginjyo Nama Genjyo 50 (6years old)
Sake Brewer] Takagaki Shuzo (Arita-gun, Wakayama Prefecture)
Type of Sake: Junmai Ginjyo, Nama Nama Shu
Rice] 100% Yamadanishiki (2024)
Polishing ratio] 50%.
Alcohol percentage] 18
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+2.0
Melon, white peach, pear, banana
Appearance
Crystal
Taste
Body: 2.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Longer aftertaste. Sweetness and umami linger.
Impression: Nama sake that is both delicate and dense.
Fruity but not showy, with a thin and smooth aroma line. The center of gravity is low, but it is well put together and has a high degree of perfection.
Repeat Score] 2.0
San'in Togo 65%, extra virgin (watered)
Sake Brewer: Fukura Shuzo (Tottori Prefecture, Tottori Prefecture)
Sake type: Japanese sake (extra virgin rice, hi-iru, watered)
Rice used: 100% Tottori rice.
Rice polishing ratio] 65
Alcohol content】14%.
Sake cup】Inoguchi
Aroma】+1.0
(Steamed rice, yogurt-type lactic acid, nuts)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
[Taste
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.5
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 2.0
Lingering: Medium. The acidity and bitterness quickly fade away.
Impression: Classical deep sake yeast.
The aroma is matured and nutty. The taste has a world view similar to that of Shaoxing sake.
Pairing
Pairing] Strong flavored food such as salted mackerel and oden. It is also good with fried rice.
Repeat Score】 2.0
Brand name] TSUKINOWA YOSHINARI Junmai Namaishu
Sake Brewer] Tsuki no Wa Shuzo Brewery (Shiwa-gun, Iwate Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Junmai-shu (Namaishu, Umasharin type)
Rice used: Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 65
Alcohol content】15%.
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+1.0（steamed rice, white dumplings, a little lactic acid, mild banana)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
[Taste
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 1.5
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Medium. Slightly lingering umami, ending with a light bitterness.
Impression: A classic, intermediate type between "umakuchi" and "dry".
The aroma is quite subdued, and the richness of the rice is the main flavor. The taste is subdued and subdued, with a classical flavor. Suitable as a mid-meal drink.
Pairing】 【Pair with
Grilled fish, meat and potatoes, teriyaki chicken
Repeat Score】 1.5
Brand name] Shiwa Junmai Ginjo Autumn Leaves Label
Sake Brewer] Shiwa Shuzoten(Shiwa-gun, Iwate Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Junmai Ginjo
Rice used: 100% Miyamanishiki
Rice polishing ratio] 55
Alcohol content】15%.
Sake cup】Wine glass
Aroma】+1.5
(green apple, white peach, rumney, slightly sweet nuance of white egg dumpling type)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
[Aftertaste.
Short to medium. It finishes refreshingly.
Impression: Fruity, light and dry.
The aroma is subdued, perhaps because it was the last part of the bottle. The main aroma is a ginjo aroma of green apples and white peaches, with a subtle scent of yeast, like that of ramune. The taste is light, with each element being moderate, and a lingering sense of alcohol. Suitable as a mid-meal drink.
Pairing
White fish tempura, grilled chicken (salted), dashimaki tamago (rolled egg), soba noodles.
Repeat Score] 1.5
Brand name] Maison Aoi Untitled 02, 2025
Sake Brewer】Hakkou Shuzou K.K. (Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture)
Kind of sake】 Japanese sake
Rice] Miyamanishiki
Rice polishing ratio] Unknown
Alcohol content】13%.
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+2
（Green apple, rum, white flowers, and a hint of pear.)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.5
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Short. Light fruity acidity and a hint of bitterness quickly fade away.
Impression] Low alcohol, light and fresh.
The nose has gorgeous fruit and floral nuances.
It also has a sense of transparency. The mouthfeel is light. This is a modern sake that combines the sharpness of Miyamanishiki with the ease of drinking due to its low alcohol content.
It is not juicy, but rather light, while retaining the rice structure. It is easy to use both before and during meals.
Pairing
Carpaccio, steamed white fish, cold shabu salad, Western-style appetizers, fresh cheese
Repeat Score] 2.5
Hakkaiyama Junmai-shu Uonuma de Dokoro
Sake Brewer] Hakkaizyozo (Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture)
Type of sake】Junmai-shu
Rice】Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】15.5%.
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+1.0
(cooked rice, white dumplings, hint of banana, cream)
Appearance] Crystal
[Taste
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 1.5
Sweetness: 1.0
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Short. Typical light dry taste with a light umami and slight bitterness that quickly disappears.
Impression: Niigata light and dry.
The aroma is full of rice, but the taste is light and refreshing, and the crispness is a typical Niigata light-bodied dry taste. It is a versatile type that does not interfere with meals. It can be served cold, at room temperature, or hot.
Pairing
Sashimi (especially white meat), dashimaki, grilled fish, tempura, soba noodles
Repeat Score] 2.0
Gorin Junmai-shu
Sake Brewer] Kurumada Shuzo (Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture)
Kind of sake】Junmai-shu
Rice】Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】15.5%.
Sake cup】Tumbler
Aroma】+1.0
(mild rice, ripe apple, banana, cream)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
[Taste
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Slightly short to medium.
Impression: Light and tasty, with a classical flavor.
Today, we went to Karuizawa for a short time for Izakaya Shinkansen. The chosen wine was Gorin from Ishikawa, famous for its Tengumai.
It has a mild but slightly ripe fruit aroma and a moderately acidic taste that does not tire the drinker. It has a sharpness and calmness typical of Ishikawa, and is a good type for drinking slowly on the Shinkansen, as it can be tasted even when the temperature rises a little.
Pairing] Grilled fish, simmered dishes, soup stock
Repeat Score】2.0
Brand name] 6513
Sake Brewer】Shiraito Shuzo (Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
Type of Sake】Nihonshu(Low alcohol, light)
Rice] 100% Yamadanishiki (produced in Itoshima)
Rice polishing ratio] 65
Alcohol content】13%.
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+1.5
（Green apple, citrus peel, rum, white flowers, and a hint of lactic acidity.)
Appearance] Slightly cloudy crystal
[Taste
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0 (mainly malic acid)
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.0
Lingering: Short to medium. Rummy and citrus coolness cut through quickly.
Impression] Fruity, light sweetness.
I bought this sake as a souvenir from Fukuoka, and tasted it again when I got home and was able to chill it.
A modern type of sake produced by Tanaka Rokujugo.
It is a refreshing type that combines the soft umami of Yamadanishiki produced in Itoshima with the lightness of low-alcoholic sake.
Even at 65% polished rice, it has a weak cloying taste, and the natural fruity and cool acidity are impressive.
The finish is somewhere between rustic and modern, and the softness of the rice comes out a little as the temperature rises.
[Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand Name] WAKANAMI TYPE-FY2 Yamadanishiki
Wakanami Shuzo (Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Japanese sake (low-alcohol, light-bodied)
Rice] 100% Yamadanishiki
Rice polishing ratio] 55
Alcohol content】13%.
Yeast] Fukuoka dream yeast No.2
Sake cup】Wine glass
Aroma】+1.5
（Green apple, rum, white flowers, and a hint of muscat.)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.5 (malic and citric acid)
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Short to medium. A cool, rummy feeling and light acidity quickly fades away.
Impression] Modern, light and dry.
I bought this sake as a souvenir from Fukuoka and drank about half of it on the bullet train.
The lightness typical of low-alcoholic sake and the elegant aroma of Yamadanishiki coexist, and the refreshing fruity aroma and clear but firm acidity are impressive. This may be a characteristic of Fukuoka Yume Yeast, which is famous for producing malic acid.
It is designed to be light and easy to drink rather than full of flavor. As the temperature rises, it becomes more sweet and acidic.
Repeat Score]: 2.0
Brand Name] 65｜13
Sake Brewer】Shiraito Shuzo (Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
Type of sake】Junmai-shu
Rice used: 100% Yamadanishiki (produced in Itoshima)
Polishing ratio] 65
Alcohol content】13%.
Sake cup】Tumbler(Shinkansen)
Aroma】+1.5
(green apple, ramune, white dumpling, pale banana)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.0
Bitterness: 1.0
Lingering] Short. Gentle acidity with a sense of lactic acidity remains.
Impression] Fresh and fruity.
This is a high-end sake from Tanaka Sixty-Five. Purchased as a souvenir from Fukuoka and uncorked on the Shinkansen.
The lightness of the 13% low alcohol content stands out, making it a very easy-drinking, modern sake. The aroma is fruity, but subdued, and the taste is dominated by the acidity, with a light attack that quickly fades away.
Although it is 65% polished rice, there is hardly any cloying taste, and it is light and easy to continue drinking.
It is refreshing when served cold, and the sweetness of the rice opens up slightly when served at room temperature.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Sake Brewer】Koimari Saki Junmai Ginjyo Yamadanishiki 55
Sake Brewer】Koimari Shuzo (Imari City, Saga Prefecture)
Kind of sake】Junmai Ginjo
Rice used: 100% Yamadanishiki (domestic)
Polishing ratio] 55
Alcohol content】15%.
Sake cup】Tumbler
Aroma】+1.5
(green apple, pear, white bean dumpling, slight banana)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
[Taste
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.5
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Medium. Lactic acidity and a light bitterness round out the finish.
Impression] Modern fruity dry taste.
This is the sake we chose as a result of our agony to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hakata.
It has a clean flavor design, and as a Yamada-Nishiki 55, it is "light, fresh, and clear" type.
The aroma is fruity and not too bright, and the taste has a roundness that is typical of Yamada-Nishiki, even though it is more on the light side. The aroma opens up depending on the temperature range, and while it is fruity, it does not necessarily need to be served cold, making it a useful sake for long trips on the bullet train.
Pairing
It is well-balanced enough to be drunk on its own, and was perfect with dried seafood snacks on the Shinkansen.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Etsukaijin Junmai Ginjo Akaban Omachi Shigome 28 (R3BY Hiyoroshi Nama)
Sake Brewer] Maruo Honten (Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa)
Sake type: Junmai Ginjo (Namaishu, Hiyahoroshi)
Rice used: 100% Omachi (Okayama Prefecture).
Rice polishing ratio] 50%.
Alcohol Content】17.0°°F or more, less than 18.0°F
Acidity】1.8
Sake Cups】Wine glasses, sake cups
Aroma] 1.2
(Grain, banana, melon, slight spice, Nara-zuke (pickles) → Aroma of nuts is enhanced when the wine is heated.
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
[Taste
Body: 2.5
Acidity: 2.0 → 2.5 when heated
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 2.5 → 3.0 when warmed
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Long and gradually lingering.
Impression] Classical, mellow, umami taste.
This is a unique sake with a thick and particular character. Although it is a draft sake, it has an unshakable potential that can be kept in the refrigerator. The aroma is heavy with umami, but you can feel it well. The taste is full-bodied and full of umami. It has a chocolate-like nuance and makes the most of the strength of Akaban Omachi. A classic but high-spec sake that can evolve with warming.
Pairing
Strong flavored sake!
Repeat Score】 2.0
Brand name] Maison Aoi United 07, 2025
Sake Brewer] Aoi Shuzo Co.
Type of Sake] Japanese sake
Rice] Miyamanishiki, Yamadanishiki
Rice Polishing Ratio] Not stated.
Alcohol content】13%.
Sake cup】Wine glass
Aroma】+2.0
(green apple, muscat, white peach, rum, pear and citrus nuances)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
[Taste
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 1.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Short to medium. Fresh with citrus acidity.
Impression] Modern fruity low-alcohol.
A beautiful sake that is relatively expensive and actually feels luxurious.
The aroma is very gorgeous, elegant fruit of green apple to white peach. The taste is slightly sweet and fruity with a touch of acidity, and as a 13% low alcohol, it is a light type of sake that does not tire the drinker. It goes well with a glass of wine when chilled, and is also suitable for aperitifs.
(PS) It is a delicate sake, and its beautiful aroma almost disappears after a few days from the time it is uncorked, so it is best to drink it as soon as possible.
Pairing
White fish carpaccio, cured ham, cheese (fresh type), cold vegetables, citrus salad.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Houyo Junmai Ginjo Shunka Shujuyu Hiyoroshi (Hiyoroshi)
Sake Brewer] Uchigasaki Shuzoten (Tomiya City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Sake type: Junmai Ginjo
Rice used: Domestic rice (details undisclosed)
Rice polishing ratio] 50% [Alcohol content] 14
Alcohol content] 14% [Sake alcohol content] -16
Sake Beverage Degree] -16
Sake Cup】Oinokuchi
Aroma】+1.5（Melon、White peach、Green apple、Sweet aroma from mild malted rice)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.0
[Lingering].
Short to medium length.
The sweet umami flavor spreads and disappears quickly, and the beautiful acidity lightly accompanies and finishes it off.
Impression: Fruity, sweet and delicious.
The aroma is of slightly ripe fruit, with a hint of rice flavor. The taste is exquisitely designed with a sweet umami at -16 to complement the lightness of the 14° alcohol, and the acidity makes it moist and soft without being heavy.
It has a "clear sweet/tart flavor" that is typical of Miyagi, and the acidity nicely adjusts the aftertaste, making it an easy-drinking sake.
It is easy to drink cold.
Pairing
Kombujime (white meat fish), dashimaki (rolled fish ball), squid sashimi, tempura (salted), etc.
The sweet flavor and acidity go well with the light umami.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand name] Sasa Masamune Junmai Sake
Sake Brewer] Sasamasamune Shuzo (Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture)
Type of sake】Junmai-shu
Rice】Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 70% [Alcohol content] 15
Alcohol content】15%.
Sake Cup】Inoguchi(Hanzake)
Aroma】+1.0
(rice, white dumplings, mild banana, light nuts, koji sweetness)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
Taste] Cold sake → Warmed
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 1.5 → 2.0 (acidity has become round and soft)
Sweetness: 1.5 → 2.0 (sweetness that expands with umami)
Umami: 2.0 → 2.5 (the most extended when heated)
Bitterness: 1.5
[Aftertaste.
Medium. When heated, the umami and natural sweetness of the rice spreads, gently tightened by mild acidity and bitterness.
Impression: A classic umakuchi that looks great warmed up.
First, a sip of cold sake. A pure rice with a gentle sweetness and simple umami that is typical of Fukushima.
When heated to 45-50℃, the umami opens up and the sweetness becomes more pronounced, giving it a "dashi-like roundness" that is typical of Aizu junmai.
It is a serious sake that is not overly aromatic and has a harmony of umami and acidity, and it really comes into its own when heated.
Pairing
Great with oden (Japanese stew). (The flavor of the dashi broth and the fullness of the heated sake synergize to make the best pairing.)
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand Name] The Seven - Shiro
Sake Brewer] Yagami Seishu Gomei Kaisha (Okuizumo Town, Nita County, Shimane Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Junmai Ginjo (the birthplace of Awamashi Yeast)
Rice] Shimane-grown modified Omachi
Rice polishing ratio] 57
Alcohol content】16%.
Sake Cup】Inoguchi
Aroma】+1.5
(green apple, muscat, white peach, joshin powder)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.5
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Short to medium. Refreshing acidity and mild bitterness disappear softly.
Impression: Junmai Ginjo with a modern, light flavor.
The aroma is a fresh, fruity ginjo aroma.
The taste is sharp, light and dry, with a pronounced citric acidity from the white malted rice. The palate is light and cool, with a subdued Omachi-like fullness. The sharpness may be supported by the Omachi.
The ginjo aroma is soft and elegant, well balanced with the acidity, and does not tire the drinker.
Pairing
Pairs well with light Japanese dishes such as white fish, dashimaki, wild vegetable tempura, chilled tofu, soba noodles, etc.
Repeat Score] 2.0
