{"title":"Sake","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"koshi-tsukano-shuzo-hirai-junmai-sake-niigata-japan","title":"Koshitsukano Hirai, Junmai Sake, Niigata, Japan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" height=\"263\" width=\"292\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Niigata_480x480.png?v=1623190255\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Sake\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eToday’s Hirai Junmai is from Niigata, the Napa of Japan. Prized for its pristine water, its immaculate reservoirs are the result of snowmelt from remote mountain ranges that transform into elegant and captivating styles of sake with pure, defined flavors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike great wines, a sake of this character is great for many occasions from pizza night to Thai food, or even spaghetti and meatballs. Its richness on the palate, and powerful flavors (thanks to the incredible quality of rice and water inside this Junmai), make this sake magical with spice and complex ingredients that otherwise overpower gentle, light-bodied wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe word Junmai literally translates to Pure Rice (Jun Mai), meaning no additives go into this bottling. Like wine, great sake begins with simple ingredients: rice defines the richness and focus; water provides the enviable silken texture; yeast is responsible for the aromas; and Koji the Japanese term for the transition from starch to sugar, which allows for alcoholic fermentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHirai Junmai utilizes Gohyakumangoku rice which provides roundness and structure and combined with the softness of the water the final product is simply memorable. The second ingredient, yeast, is a strain known as Emperor Sake—a highly awarded variety that leaves aromas of peach blossom, pineapple, and guava in its wake.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/KOSHITSUKANO_SHUZO.jpg?v=1623191607\" alt=\"\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eBrewery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/imayotsukasa.co.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKoshitsukano Shuzou\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFounded: \u003c\/strong\u003e1781\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cu data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRice\/Ingredients:\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eKake: Koshi Ibuki\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eKoji: Gohyakumangoku\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003ePolishing ratio\/Seimaibuai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e 60%\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eCategory\/Sake Type\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJunmai \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e(新潟県) \u003c\/strong\u003eNiigata Prefecture, Japan\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHIRAI Junmai Sake is clean, crisp, dry, and elegant. Named for the swans that migrate to the local lake, HIRAI is an ideal sake for those who are new to sake but appreciate a quality hand-crafted style. Local ingredients include wild yeast that the brewery propagates itself and very soft water from the on-site well. The savory aroma of freshly cooked rice with hints of tropical fruit leads to a balanced mouthfeel and a clean and crisp finish. The brewery was established in 1781 in the Niigata prefecture on the west coast of Japan. The purity of HIRAI Junmai Sake is a reflection of freshly fallen snow covering beautiful Niigata villages.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSavory finish that cleanses the pallet for the next bite. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout The Category\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Junmai category is historically the “way sake was.” These brews can have their rice milled to many different levels from 80% with 20% removal to 65% with 45% removal as long as the milling percentages are on the label.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750mL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merchant of Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39408421273642,"sku":"","price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/Koshitsukano-Hirai-Junmai-Sake-Niigata-Japan.jpg?v=1759442120"},{"product_id":"benten-gokujo-dewasansan-junmai-daiginjo-genshu-sake-yamagata-japan","title":"Benten, Gokujo Dewasansan, Junmai Daiginjo Genshu Sake, Yamagata, Japan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Sake\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBased in Okitama, Yamagata Prefecture, \u003cstrong\u003eGoto Shuzoten\u003c\/strong\u003e is a jizake brewery dedicated to the small-lot production of high-quality sake since 1788. The current president is the eighth-generation owner, and his successor works at the brewery among the kurabito (brewery workers) during the winter sake-making months.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePrimarily using rice grown by contracted producers, among them the brewery’ s own kurabito, Goto Shuzoten brews junmai-shu and junmai ginjo-shu, among others.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIts preferred rice varieties are sake rice such as Dewasansan, Tsuyahime, Kamenoo and Yamada Nishiki, especially those produced locally in Yamagata. Small-lot production and Yamagata’ s natural blessings ensure the excellent quality and great taste of Goto Shuzoten’ s sake.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBenten （辯天）\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eFlagship brand Benten was named after the goddess of music and performing arts, Benzaiten (Saraswati), who is one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBenzaiten has traditionally been worshipped by musicians, dancers and other artists.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis gokujo junmai daiginjo-shu is an exclusive, premium sake made entirely from the Dewasansan variety of sake rice. Dewasansan, or “DEWA33” was developed through an almost 20-year-long research project led by Yamagata Research\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInstitute of Technology and the prefecture’s sake brewing industry for the overall enhancement of the prefecture’ s sake quality. Benten Dewasansan uses Dewasansan rice grown by Goto Shuzoten’s own toji (master brewer), milled down to just 35% of the original grain size. The resulting sake has a crisp, dry taste while retaining the signature mildness and richness of the rice. Bottled undiluted for maximum enjoyment of the sake’s intrinsic flavor, Benten Dewasansan is our most popular genshu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eRice\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Dewasansan sake rice produced in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYamagata, Japan\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eCategory\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJunmai Ginjo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Sawane astounds the senses from the glass with waves of night-blooming jasmine, freshly picked nectarine, yuzu zest, and freshwater minerality carried on a silken frame. It's a sake that will elevate any meal… or simply the conversation whenever you choose to open it. Polished to 35%, this Reserve Daiginjo has a vibrant aroma and crisp dry taste.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eTOP quality – very bright – fruit forward – small production – low yield – high labor – elevated style.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eFor sake lovers, Benten is known as a luxe producer that’s hard to find outside of Japan or France’s finest restaurants. For wine lovers, it offers a delicious foray into the highest echelon of Japanese craftsmanship…for less than most “value” Napa Cabernets or Burgundies. But Benten is even harder to find than the rarest wines—in fact, it’s only just been available to select producers in the US.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eFrom their perch in the Echigo mountains, Benten is an undisputed expert in the Junmai Gingo category. These mountains receive the highest snowfalls in Japan, and the pure snowmelt instills a highly-sought-after, absolutely silken texture to this sake.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eGoto San, the 8th-generation leader of Benten, capitalizes on this inimitable water source to craft a sake that stands alone: Combined with local Dewanosato rice, which accentuates lifted acidity and mineral undertones, their Junmai Gingo becomes is elegant and smooth, showcasing pure, floral aromatics underscored by soft minerality that has to be tasted to be understood. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e“Gokujo” Superior\/Reserve Junmai Daiginjo Genshu showcases the achievement of Yamagata Pref. and Gotoh family’s commitment to achieving the best that Yamagata has to offer.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout The Category \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe Junmai Ginjo category of sake are mandated to have a rice polishing standard of 40% removal and 60% remaining. This segment of sake are made using only the simplest ingredients of rice, water, mold, and yeast.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 720ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Merchant of Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39408427565098,"sku":"","price":124.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/Benten-Gokujo-Dewasansan-Junmai-Daiginjo-Genshu-Sake-Yamagata-Japan.jpg?v=1759442120"},{"product_id":"hamafukutsuru-bizen-omachi-daiginjo-hyogo-pref","title":"Hamafukutsuru, Bizen Omachi Daiginjo Sake, Hyogo, Japan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Sake\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Hamafukutsuru Kura of today has been operating a sake brewing business since the early Meiji era (Around 1900) and was widely known then as the “Daisekai” brand. Hamafukutsuru has been utilizing the natural underground water of Rokko Mount for Sake making and continues to brew mellow Sake, year-round.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cu data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRice\/Ingredients:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOmachi (55%) and blend of Yamada Nishiki \u0026amp; other local varieties (45%) polished to 50%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eHyogo, Japan\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAn off-dry, high-quality Sake brewed by using 55% Omachi Sake rice produced in Okayama prefecture. Highly aromatic with rich Umami.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis sake’s beautiful name comes from “Hama” for beach, “Fuku” for good fortune, and “Tsuru” for Crane. Uses 55% Omachi rice, the oldest heirloom variety of sake rice. This unique blending of rice gives this Daiginjo layers and layers of flavor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"detail detail--border-right\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"detail\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 720ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Edwardo Dingler","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40228181639210,"sku":"","price":62.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/Hamafukutsuru-Bizen-Omachi-Daiginjo-Sake-Hyogo-Japan.jpg?v=1759442957"},{"product_id":"imayo-tsukasa-black-junmai-sake-niigata-japan","title":"Imayo Tsukasa Black Junmai Sake, Niigata, Japan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Niigata_480x480.png?v=1623190255\" width=\"267\" height=\"241\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Sake\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eCrystal clear, the BLACK junmai practically glows in the glass, before delicate aromas of apricot, white flowers, and white pepper unfold. \u003cstrong\u003eAcross the palate the sake is exhilarating, bouncing from vivacious citrus zest flavors to somber slate minerality notes that remind us of top Rieslings.\u003c\/strong\u003e A lengthy and soft umami finish begs for another sip. We've tasted Imayo BLACK with everything from takeout tacos to roasted chicken, grilled steaks, and lobster tails and its light- to medium-body makes it a chameleon-esque bottling that will wow on your table too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn fact, we first discovered this sake alongside a range of foods at Sake Bar Yokohama. The bartender poured a splash of this BLACK into our glasses, and we immediately starting conspiring to bring it stateside. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt took several months, but we finally arranged a meeting with Imayo’s CEO Tanaka San at their headquarters in Niigata city, \u003c\/strong\u003ewhere Tanaka San and his team are fusing ancient techniques with modernity to create sakes that don’t just win awards for their packaging, but for the glistening, fresh junmai juice within the bottles. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe brewery is a classic, Feng shui space in the heart of the city, but that’s where the similarities to other breweries end. Inside, everything at Imayo is done in micro-batches, allowing the team to fine-tune each bottling and experiment with various \u003cem\u003ekoji\u003c\/em\u003e to give each wine its indescribable edge. In this junmai, the team employs gohyakomangoku rice (the top-tier strain unique to the region) and trucks pristine spring water into the city from 30 miles away. Together, this makes for a wine that is as pure as mountain snow, yet has the complexity of a masterful mountain Cabernet. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"float: none;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Imayo_Tsukasa_Shuzo.jpg?v=1623190398\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eBrewery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/imayotsukasa.co.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eImayo Tsukasa Shuzo\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/imayotsukasa.co.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFounded: \u003c\/strong\u003e1767\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cu data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRice\/Ingredients:\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGohyakumangoku\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWater: N\/A ; Yeast: #9 ; No sulfites, no preservatives\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003ePolishing ratio\/Seimaibuai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e60%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eCategory\/Sake Type\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eJunmai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e(新潟県) \u003c\/strong\u003eNiigata Prefecture, Japan\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubtle hint of umami rich kombu dashi with slight pepperiness ending in warm aroma freshly cooked rice.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDry and bright acidity reminiscent of a Gruner Veltliner or Sancerre followed by rich savoriness with a slight hint of ripe banana in the finish.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSavory finish that cleanses the pallet for the next bite. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout The Category\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Junmai category is historically the “way sake was.” These brews can have their rice milled to many different levels from 80% with 20% removal to 65% with 45% removal as long as the milling percentages are on the label.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"detail detail--border-right\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"detail\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 720ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merchant of Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40399358984234,"sku":"","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/Imayo-Tsukasa-Black-Junmai-Sake-Niigata-Japan_5348f95a-71a7-4a35-88e7-7bd57fcd515b.jpg?v=1762529588"},{"product_id":"kumaya-shuzo-an-okayama-sake-tokubetsu-junmai-japan","title":"Kumaya Shuzo, 'An' Okayama Sake, Tokubetsu Junmai, Japan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Sake\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSituated in Southwest Japan near Kobe, the brewery was established in 1716.  The 14th generation owner, Mr. Ihoriya, specializes in brewing rich, full flavored sake using Omachi rice, the oldest heirloom variety only grown in Okayama.  Layers of flavor and rich mouthfeel is further enhanced by the pure artesian water from its own well at the brewery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBrewer\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eHaruo Ihoriya\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eRice\/Ingredients\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eOmachi\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eCategory\/Sake Type\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eJunmai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTokubetsu, Japan\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAN is brewed with Omachi rice, the oldest heirloom sake rice variety and ancestor to the renowned Yamada Nishiki rice. Some brewers compare Omachi to Pinot Noir, difficult to cultivate but offer potential for an elegant and age-worthy finished product. AN takes one of the character from the owner’s last name Mr. Ihoriya, the 14th generation owner guiding the brewery now in its 300+ years. Label design pays homage to the local high-end denim industry that is world famous for raw denim. Polish: 60% SMV: +3 Acidity:1.6\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - CT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 720ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merchant of Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48748298240305,"sku":null,"price":46.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Kumaya_Shuzo_An_Okayama_Sake_Tokubetsu_Junmai_Japan.jpg?v=1741631353"},{"product_id":"kinmon-akita-amairo-x3-junmai-genshu-sake-japan","title":"Kinmon Akita, 'Amairo X3', Junmai Genshu Sake, Akita, Japan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Sake\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA relatively young brewery, Kinmon Akita Sake Brewing Co. was founded in its current form in 1973 when a local brewery (Akita Fuji Sake Brewery, est 1936) received an investment from a wholesaler to rebrand and reopen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/kinmon-kosyu.jp\/english\/products\/yamabuki.html\" aria-describedby=\"a11y-new-window-external-message\" rel=\"null noopener\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe more interesting story\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003etakes place roughly 30 years ago however, when Kinmon Akita became uniquely committed to aged sake (koshu) as well as high koji content styles, believing that this is the height of sake's craft.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInnovation and the spirit of pioneering are the hallmark of this boutique brewery in Akita, which has innovated new manufacturing methods for sake, drawing on ancient tradition as well as techniques from winemaking. After a long period of experimentation in a market with very, very little koshu, Kinmon Akita finally broke onto the International stage when the 10-year aged Yamabuki (10 year old sake base, blended with others up to 20 years old) won the prestigious IWC Trophy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cu data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRice\/Ingredients:\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMenkoina\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eCategory\/Sake Type\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eJunmai Genshu\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAkita, Japan\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eX3 is a testament to the power of koji, as well as the skill of the brewers and blenders at Kinmon Akita-- a tiny, specialist brewery in far NW Japan. The \"X3\" is so named because it's brewed with 3x the amount of koji ordinarily used in sake: likely between 60-75%. I have a few high koji brews on my shelves, but this has to be one of the most elegant: texturally refined, syrupy umami,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e aged at the\u003c\/span\u003e brewery for complexity, subtle sweetness, and moderate alcohol (15%) despite being genshu (undiluted).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCompared to Kinmon Akita Shiroyamabuki Assemblage, X3 has more\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eintensity overall: sweeter, richer texture, higher acidity, fuller flavor and more pronounced aged notes. It's worth noting that this sake is suited to further aging\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e and will continue to improve for several decades if stored properly. B\u003c\/span\u003eut the 8 years already spent at the brewery offer\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ea fabulous\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ehead start-- it's certainly ready to enjoy now.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"detail detail--border-right\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"detail\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 720ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merchant of Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48748380029233,"sku":null,"price":56.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/KinmonAkita_AmairoX3_JunmaiGenshuSake_Akita_Japan.jpg?v=1712516903"}],"url":"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/collections\/sake.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}