Sake
Recommendations

Yucho Shuzo 油長酒造 · Nara Prefecture

This well-balanced sake is characterized by a silky texture, a taste reminiscent of rich fruits such as pears and white peaches, and a refreshing gaseous sensation, thanks to its hard water, which is rare in Japan. Even seasoned sake lovers approve of this sake.

Imanishi Shuzo 今西酒造 · Nara Prefecture

There are two types of sake breweries: “Mimurosugi” in kanji (Chinese characters) and “Mimurosugi Roman Series” in hiragana, but we recommend “Mimurosugi” in hiragana for beginners. I have never met anyone who dislikes “Mimurosugi” before. The moderate sweetness and lightness of this sake make it as comfortable to drink as a soft drink.

Kame-izumi Shuzo 亀泉酒造 · Kochi Prefecture

Sake made with a yeast called “CEL-24” developed in Kochi Prefecture, is a highly recommended sake that has been overwhelmingly popular among beginners for many years. It has a gorgeous pineapple-like aroma and a juice-like sweetness. It may overturn your image of sake.

Ichinokura 一ノ蔵 · Miyagi Prefecture

“Himezen” is a super-sweet sake created in 1988, ahead of its time, and “Suzune,” a sparkling sake. The alcohol content is 8%, about half that of ordinary sake.

Kame-no-i Shuzo 亀の井酒造 · Yamagata Prefecture

The average rice polishing ratio is as high as 50%, and most of the brewery's sake is made from rice polished to Ginjo standards. The “Kyokai No. 10 yeast” used produces a refreshing fruity aroma reminiscent of pears and pineapples.

Kiyasho Shuzo 木屋正酒造 · Mie Prefecture

Since its appearance in the 2000s, Jikon has gained a reputation for its flavor among sake lovers and is now a popular brand that is hard to beat. The refreshing aroma combined with layers of delicate umami leaves a happy aftertaste on the palate.

Sumikawa Shuzo 澄川酒造 · Yamaguchi Prefecture

Toyo Bijin is characterized by its fruity aroma and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is reminiscent of eating Wasanbon (fine-grained Japanese sugar). The moderate acidity and umami flavor lasts, reminding one of a white wine, which is hard to believe that it is made from rice. Once you drink it, you will never forget this well-balanced sake.

Miya-izumi Meijo 宮泉銘醸 · Fukushima Prefecture

Sharaku is one of the most famous premium sake brands. They use a variety of rice to make their sake, but every time you drink it, you can be sure that the rice is brought out to its fullest potential! It has both a fruity and full flavor, juicy yet crisp, and has an addictive taste.

Gekkeikan 月桂冠 · Kyoto Prefecture

This sake smells like freshly picked fruit. I was very surprised when I first tasted it. With the development and research capabilities of a major company, they use their own yeast to express the aroma and sweet, delicious flavor of the fruit itself, which is not a flavoring. There are three varieties: peach, grape, and melon.