Brand name]Ikezuki Daiginjo
Sake Brewer】Toriya Shuzo Co.
Type of Sake] Daiginjo
Rice used: 100% Yamadanishiki
Rice polishing ratio] 40
Alcohol content】16%.
Sake Cup】Glass
Aroma】+1.5（green apple, melon, white peach, white dumpling)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 1.5
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.0
Aftertaste: Short to medium. The floral and cool sensation quickly disappears. It has a good sharpness without any cloying taste.
Impression: Classical Daiginjo-China dry.
A classical daiginjo that combines the calmness typical of Hokuriku and Noto with the transparency of 40% polished rice. The style is flamboyant, but with a "neat polish" rather than a flashy fruity quality. It has an elegant and quiet impression, and shows Noto Toji's "emphasis on balance" in sake brewing.
Pairing
Kombujime white fish, grilled bluefin tuna, and lightly simmered dishes. It pairs well with the delicate flavors of Noto's seafood and Kaga cuisine.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Sake Brewer] Suehiro Noto Junmai Daiginjo
Sake Brewer] Nakajima Sake Brewery (Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture)
Sake Brewer] Azuma Shuzo Co.
Type of Sake] Junmai Daiginjo
Rice] 100% Yamadanishiki
Polishing ratio] 50% [Alcohol content] 15
Alcohol content】15%.
Sake Cup】Glass
Aroma】+1.5〜2.0 (green apple, white peach, muscat, white egg dumpling)
Appearance] Crystal
[Taste
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0 Soft and lactic acidity
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Floral and light sweetness with a short to medium lingering aftertaste that wears off nicely.
Impression: A royal Junmai Daiginjo style.
The aroma is fruity and gorgeous. The taste is clear and light, medium dry, with a fair amount of sweetness. It has a classical yet fruity flavor with a bit of modernity.
Pairing
Pairs well with white fish sashimi (sea bream, flatfish), lightly seasoned simmered dishes using Kaga vegetables, carpaccio, and sushi.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand name】Izumi
Takeuchi Sake Brewery (Goshomachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture)
Type of sake】Junmai Ginjo-shu
Rice used: Domestic rice
Polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】18%.
Sake Beverage] Glass
Aroma】+1.0（green apple, muscatel, minerality with a hint of sea breeze and seashore)
Appearance] Crystal
[Taste
- Body: 2.0
- Acidity: 2.0
- Sweetness: 1.5
- Taste: 2.0
- Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Along with the heat of the alcohol, a minerality reminiscent of iodine and ocean tides slowly lingers.
Impression] Umami dry with a unique flavor.
A junmai ginjo that brings to the forefront the "sea-feeling" nuances typical of Ishikawa sake, rather than the typical gorgeous ginjo aroma. It has a thick flavor with iodine and sea breeze-like aromas, making it unique and very drinkable.
Pairing
Pairs well with Hokuriku seafood (firefly squid, crab miso, salted squid) and dishes with a hint of soy sauce (jibe-ni (stewed fish stewed in soy sauce), fish stewed in sweet and spicy sauce). A combination that brings out the best of the sea.
Repeat Score] 1.5
Brand Name] Hyakumangoku no shiro FLOWER
Sake Brewer] Yoshida Shuzoten (Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture)
Type of Sake】Sake(No specific name given / Natural brewing)
Rice used: 100% Hyakumangoku no shiro (produced in Ishikawa Prefecture)
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】13%.
Sake Cup】 Glass
Aroma】1.5 apples, white dumplings
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0 (lactic acid type)
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Clear but with a gentle sweetness and lactic acidity lingering in the aftertaste.
Impression] Modern, light, medium-dry.
The aroma contains a mild freshness and nutty flavor. The taste is balanced with acidity and gentle sweetness. Designed to be transparent, slightly effervescent, and low in alcohol, it expresses lightness with minerality at its core. It is a style that is especially powerful when served cold.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand Name] Hakuryu Eiheiji Terroir Junmai Daiginjyo Namaisouzakashu
Sake Brewer】YOSHIDA SHUZO (Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui)
Kind of sake] Junmai Daiginjo (Namaisake)
Rice] 100% Yamadanishiki produced in Eiheiji-machi
Rice polishing ratio] 50%.
Alcohol content】14.5%.
Sake Cup】Small tumbler
Aroma】 2.0 （green apple, white peach, muscat, white egg dumpling)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Flavor
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0 (refreshing, malic acid dominant)
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Refreshing acidity and a light umami flavor that quickly dissipates.
Impression] Modern, fresh, light, medium-dry
This Junmai Daiginjo is made with local Yamada-Nishiki grapes with an awareness of the "terroir" and is suitable for eating with its beautiful fruity aroma and light acidity. The freshness of the fresh storage gives it a fruity impression.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Kamo Nishiki Junmai Daiginjo Yamadanishiki
Kamo Nishiki Shuzo (Kamo City, Niigata Prefecture)
Kind of sake】Junmai Daiginjo
Rice type】 100% Yamadanishiki
Rice polishing ratio] 40
Alcohol content】14%.
Sake Brewer】Small tumbler
Aroma】+1.5(green apple, white peach, pear, rummy)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Flavor
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.0
Lingering] The acidity and umami remain beautifully, and a little rice flavor comes on in the latter half.
Impression] Fruity Junmai Daiginjo
This is the second bottle from Izakaya Shinkansen.
This is a refreshing Junmai Daiginjo Yamadanishiki with a refreshing low-alcohol design typical of Kamonishiki. The aroma is fruity, mainly green apple, but not showy. The taste is also beautiful, with a good balance of acidity and sugar. When paired with dry foods, it has a strawberry-like aftertaste.
Pairing] Japanese soup stock type
Repeat Score] 2.5
Brand name] Amego Tsuki Junmai Daiginjo Aizan
Sake Brewer] Aihara Shuzo (Nigata Honmachi, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
Type of sake] Junmai Daiginjo
Rice] 100% Aiyama
Rice polishing ratio] 50% [Alcohol content] 16
Alcohol content】16%.
Sake Brewer】Small tumbler
Aroma】+1.5（White peach, green apple, pear, muscat)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Flavor
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Sweetness and umami gently linger
Impression] Aromatic, mellow, medium-dry
Izakaya Shinkansen after a long time. I bought some sake at Tokyo station and am on my way to Hokuriku.
Now, the sake I chose to accompany the train is my favorite, Ame-go-no-Tsuki.
The aroma is not flashy, but it has a gorgeous fruity aroma. The taste has the fullness and soft sweetness typical of Aizan, but with an elegant and refined balance as is typical of Amego no Tsuki.
The gorgeousness and beauty of the aftertaste stand out.
Pairing】Great with kombujime white fish, teriyaki chicken, etc.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand name] GANKI No.1
Sake Brewer] Yaokushin Shuzo Co.
Kind of sake】Junmai Unfiltered unpasteurized sake
Rice] 100% Yamadanishiki
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】17度
Sake Cup】Glass
Aroma] Green apple, white peach, white dumpling
Appearance] Slightly greenish crystal
Taste】Mouth-feel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: The umami of rice lingers for a long time.
Impression: Fresh and mellow
Because it is not fire-aged, the umami of the rice and the acidity from the yeast come through directly. The alcohol content is high and the taste is thick from the attack, but the acidity is effective, so it is not too heavy and well balanced. As a food wine, it goes well with meat dishes and dishes with strong flavors.
Repeat Score: 1.5
Mutsu Hachisen Black Label Junmai Ginjo Hi-ire
Sake Brewer: Hachinohe Shuzo Co.
Type of sake: Junmai Ginjo (Hi-ire)
Rice used: 100% Aomori rice
Rice polishing ratio: 55
Alcohol content: 16%.
Sake cup】Glass
Aroma】Muscat, green apple, pear
Appearance】Crystal
Taste】Crystal
Body
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Fruity acidity and bitterness remain well balanced and crisp.
Impression】Gorgeous fruity modern lightness.
The aroma is gorgeous and fruity.
The taste is light and refreshing with a gentle sweetness.
Pairing] White fish sashimi, tempura, light meat dishes (chicken, pork), etc.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand name] Jusui Tokubetsu Junmai
Sake Brewer] Kato Kahachiro Shuzo (Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture)
Kind of sake】Special Junmai Sake
Rice used: Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol percentage] 15
Yeast】Association yeast
Sake cup】Inoguchi
Aroma】+1.0（Mild rice aroma, steamed rice, light nutty and dairy nuances)
Appearance] Slightly greenish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 1.5 (slightly mild, lactic softness)
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Medium. The umami of rice and a light bitterness lingers gradually.
Impression: Classical umakuchi.
The characteristic of this wine seems to be the old-fashioned brewing method called "jumizu-jikomi," which uses a modest amount of water.
It has a beautiful sweetness that is typical of Yamagata, with a fruity and umami flavor. It is delicious cold, but it also has a nutty depth to it that makes it a good addition to a hot sake. It evolves into a very mellow and delicious sake. Excellent.
Pairing] Grilled fish, simmered dishes, stewed potatoes (Yamagata's local cuisine), soup stock dishes in general.
Repeat Score】2.0
Brand name] HIKKOMI super-harakuchi junmai-shu
Sake Brewer] Hirakozo Shuzo (Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Type of sake】Junmai-shu
Rice] Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content] 15% [Yeast
Yeast】Association yeast
Sake cup】Inoguchi
Aroma】+1.5（green apple, citrus, white dumpling)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Flavor
Body: 1.5
Acid: 2.0 (refreshing, slightly sharp, acidity that produces a sharp taste)
Sweetness: 1.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: It wears off quickly, but green apple-type freshness and light astringency remain slightly.
Impression] Aromatic, light and dry.
The clean and transparent base is typical of Miyagi sake, with a refreshing ginjo aroma of green apples.
In the mouth, the sugar content is low, but the acidity is light and sharp, and the wine is sharply integrated.
It is a classic bottle to accompany sushi and sashimi, and is an excellent match for wasabi, ginger, myoga, and other condiments. It is too versatile.
Pairing] Sushi (especially white fish, squid, and shiny fish), sashimi, grilled fish, Japanese cuisine with dashi broth.
Repeat Score] 2.5
Sake Brewer] Shibotan Shuzo (Sagawa-cho, Takaoka-gun, Kochi)
Sake Brewer】Shibotan Shuzo (Sagawa Town, Takaoka-gun, Kochi Prefecture)
Type of Sake】 Japanese sake
Rice】Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】15〜16%.
Yeast】Association yeast
Sake cup】Inoguchi
Aroma】+1.0（Mild rice aroma, steamed rice, slight green apple)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0 (mainly sharp malic acid, slight lactic acidity on the back palate)
Sweetness: 1.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Short. It wears off quickly, leaving a light astringency and a dry structure on the back of the palate.
Impression: Classical dry sake.
Kochi is often divided into two types of sake: classic light and dry and CEL yeast fruity sake, but this is overwhelmingly the former.
This is a stoic, light, dry sake, with almost no sweetness, and the acidity and sharpness of the alcohol make the drinker enjoy it. It is less flamboyant and shows its true value during meals. It is a perfect match for bonito tataki and dishes served on plates.
Pairing] Bonito tataki, sashimi (especially blue fish), grilled chicken (with salt), tempura and other dishes with strong oil and flavor.
Repeat Score] 1.5
Brand Name] Snow Kayasha Junmai Ginjo
Sake Brewer] SAIYA SHUZOHEN (Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Junmai Ginjo
Rice] Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 55
Alcohol percentage] 16
Yeast] In-house yeast
Sake cup】Inoguchi
Aroma】+1.5（green apple, white peach, white dumpling)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Flavor
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0 (mainly soft malic acid, with some lactic acid roundness)
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Sleek. Fruity acidity and a light bitterness round out the refreshing finish.
Impression: Aromatic, light and dry, with a modern edge.
The aroma is gentle, with a full-bodied fruity aroma of white peaches and other fruits. In the mouth, the sugar content is not that high, but a sweetness like chestnuts spreads. The mild acidity and bitterness gently offset the sweetness.
The balance is calm and not too flamboyant. It is a gentle and elegant food wine.
Pairing】Pairs well with light Japanese dishes such as white fish sashimi, tempura, chilled tofu, and soba noodles.
Repeat Score] 1.5
Ichinoya Junmai Daiginjo Kei
Sake Brewer】Ichinoya Corporation (Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Junmai Daiginjo
Rice] 100% domestic rice (brand unknown)
Rice Polishing Ratio] 49
Alcohol percentage] 15
Sake Beverage] Glass
Aroma】+1.5】White peach, green apple, sake lees
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0 (slightly soft malic acid, with some lactic acid roundness)
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Clean. Acid and light bitterness remain to tighten the aftertaste.
Impression: Elegant, aromatic, light and dry.
The aroma is gorgeous and fruity, but not too flashy, and the tone is calm. The taste is dry, but somehow gentle and sweet.
Although the rice is polished to 49%, the flavor has a hint of sakekasu (sake lees). It is expected that Miyamanishiki is used, but it is a Nagano-like sake.
Pairing
It pairs well with white fish sashimi, chilled tofu, and tempura (especially when eaten with salt).
Repeat Score] 1.5
Eiko-Fuji CRIMSON GLORY Pink Sapphire Junmai Daiginjo Unfiltered Genshu
Sake Brewer】TOMASHI SHUZOH (Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture)
Type of sake】Junmai Daiginjo (Special Limited Edition)
Rice used: Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 50%.
Alcohol percentage] 10.4% [Sake alcohol percentage] -64
Sake meter] -64
Acidity] 7.9% [Yeast] Red yeast
Yeast】Red yeast
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma] +2.0 (strawberry, raspberry, cherry, candy-like sweet and sour aroma)
Appearance] Pale pinkish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.0
Acidity: 3.0 Versatile acidity
Sweetness: 3.0
Umami: 1.0
Bitterness: 1.0
Lingering] Sweet and sour fruitiness lingers for a long time, dessert wine-like.
Impression] A different dimension of "sweet x sour" design.
A different kind of sake from Eiko Fuji, who likes to experiment.
The sake has a sake strength of -67 and an acidity of 7.9, a combination never seen before. The extreme sweetness and super high acidity are so perfectly balanced and balanced that the moment you drink it, you will think it is "crazy.
It tastes like strawberry sparkling or berry liqueur. It is beyond the framework of sake, and is positioned as an after-dinner drink or dessert wine.
Repeat Score] 2.0
One vote for interesting science.
Brand Name] Shichida Junmai Unfiltered Nama Omachi 75% Polishing
Sake Brewer] Tenzan Shuzo (Ogi City, Saga Prefecture)
Type of sake] Junmai-shu (unfiltered unpasteurized sake)
Rice] 100% Omachi
Polishing ratio] 75
Alcohol content】16%.
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+1.5（Ripe banana, steamed rice, nuts, green apple, sake lees)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 2.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Medium to long. The thick, fruity sweetness of the rice lingers and slowly fades away with the acidity and bitterness.
Impression: A classic mellow, umami spicy Omachi.
The aroma is full of sake-kasu type rice, which gives the impression of umami, but the aroma of ripe fruit comes out later. In the mouth, the attack of the rice is strong, but the fruitiness of the sake is also present later on.
The 75% rice polishing leaves the strength and umami of Omachi in full force, with a classical, wild flavor, and a pronounced thickness and fullness.
Pairing] Rich and hearty dishes such as grilled meat, broiled eel, stewed pork, aged cheese, etc.
[Repeat Score] 2.0
Shizenigo Sawayaka Honjozo Super Dry
Sake Brewer] Oki Daikichi Honten (Yabuki-cho, Nishi-Shirakawa-gun, Fukushima Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Honjozo
Rice] Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] Koji rice: 60%, Kake rice: 66
Alcohol content】15%.
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma] +1.0 (steamed rice, mild ginjo aroma, faint green apple)
Appearance] Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 1.5
Sweetness: 1.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Short and easy to cut. The sharpness stands out as if it were dry.
Impression: Classical, light, and ultra-dry.
The aroma is subdued, with a hint of rice followed by green apple. The taste is also restrained, light and stoic. While retaining the transparency typical of a natural hometown, the lightness due to the addition of alcohol makes it stand out. It is very versatile as a food sake, especially with "simple, salty dishes" such as sashimi and salted grilled fish.
Pairing] White fish sashimi, grilled chicken (salted), tempura (salted), cold tofu, etc.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand Name] 寫樂 Junmai Ginjo Akaban Omachi
Miyazumi Meijo (Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Junmai Ginjo
Rice] 100% Omachi produced in the Akaban area of Okayama Prefecture.
Polishing ratio] 50% [Alcohol content] 16
Alcohol percentage] 16
Year of production] 2023BY (single heating)
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+2.0（Ripe white peach, melon, muscat, slightly herbal)
Appearance] Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Slightly long. The fruity sweetness and umami of rice spread out and are cut off by bitterness and acidity at the end.
Impression: Fruity, mellow junmai ginjo.
The aroma is very full, with a hint of white peach. The taste has a medium level of sugar and acidity. While making full use of the fullness and fruitiness typical of Omachi, it has a clear, transparent quality that is typical of 寫樂 that keeps you from getting tired of drinking it.
It is well-balanced and modern, but still retains the thickness of the rice.
Pairing】Tataki beef, grilled bonito, creamy cheese, roast duck, and other darker dishes go well with this wine.
Repeat Score] 2.5
A word of advice: It may be perfect.
Suminoe Special Honjozo Dry
Sake Brewer] Suminoe Shuzo (Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Kind of Sake】Special Honjozo
Rice] Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】15%.
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+1.5(green apple, white dumpling)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 1.5
Sweetness: 1.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Short. Sharp and dry.
Impression: Classical light and dry.
The aroma is restrained, with green apple, rice, and a hint of fruitiness.
The taste is very light and refreshing, with a refreshing aroma. This is a typical Miyagi sake that can be used as a food sake.
Pairing】Pairs well with a wide range of dishes such as grilled fish, sashimi, tempura, and dashimaki tamago (rolled egg).
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand Name] Sawaya Matsumoto Moricho Omachi
Sake Brewer] Matsumoto Shuzo (Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Japanese sake
Rice used: 100% Omachi
Rice polishing ratio] Undisclosed
Alcohol content] 15
Sake cup】Wine glass
Aroma] +1.5 (banana, white peach, steamed rice, cream)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Full umami and slightly soft acidity, ending with a light bitterness.
Impression] A mellow, umami type.
It has a rich, round taste typical of Omachi. The acidity is soft, the fruity aroma is mild, and the sweetness and umami derived from the rice is the main flavor. While it is made in a minimalistic and modern style that is typical of Moriboshi, it expresses the foundation of Omachi, which is different from that of Gohyakumangoku and others. It is also a strong choice as a mid-meal sake.
Repeat Score] 2.0
