{"title":"Chubu","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"tedorigawa-silver-mountain","title":"Tedorigawa Junmai Yamahai \"Silver Mountain\"","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eElegant, precise, and earthy. Fantastic at a\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eny temperature. Absolutely one of my favorite yamahais and the door into yamahai for daiginjo fans. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMineral, very mild, vaguely earthy at first with a fresh hit of creamy banana whip-- but gets rounder and earthier as it ages.  Straw, molasses, honey whole wheat bread, banana chip, untoasted oak and mesquite chips, acorns, buckwheat, brown rice, flint, earth. Extremely well integrated acidity, a truly subtle and profound balance. A drawn-out ricey savoriness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935791526044,"sku":"","price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":41283054829724,"sku":"","price":58.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/silver_mtn.png?v=1721883826"},{"product_id":"masumi-junmai-mirror-of-truth","title":"Masumi Junmai Okuden Mirror of Truth","description":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMasumi's ideal Junmai. Mellow and mild-mannered in all aspects, with subtle, organic flavors and a hint of rice sweetness. It is aimed to keep a hint of the original rice flavors, and the soft water used in the Suwa kura was perfect for this. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLongtime sake-drinkers find this sake comfortingly familiar. It is smooth at first sip, and displays a range of subtle, organic flavours as well as a pleasant natural sweetness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"300ml","offer_id":40935792181404,"sku":"","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935792148636,"sku":"","price":41.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":41212132360348,"sku":"","price":70.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/masumi_junmai.png?v=1721883827"},{"product_id":"kanbara-bride-of-the-fox","title":"Kanbara Junmai Ginjo \"Bride of the Fox\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAromas of grilled nuts, pistachio, and a hint of white chocolate. Ripe honeydew notes finish crisp, with contrasting notes of rock sugar and fresh, dry spearmint.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis savory sake is inspired by local legends of Niigata's annual fox-bride festival. Local lore tells of mysterious lights on nearby Mt. Kirin,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eclaimed to be the lanterns carried in a\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003efox-bride procession. With a 50% polishing rate this sake could technically qualify as a Junmai Daiginjo, but the savory notes and food pairing versatility identify more with the style expected from Junmai Ginjo.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935793393820,"sku":"","price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/BotF.png?v=1721883828"},{"product_id":"yuho-eternal-embers","title":"Yuho Junmai \"Eternal Embers\"","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDeep notes of w\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ehite miso, cocoa powder, banana bread, cashew butter, fresh dates and white pepper resonate in this lightly aged junmai, and make it a bit more interesting than other junmai at the $30 price point. Rich, satisfying, and velvety texture in the mouth, with a nice dry finish. Stays beautiful open for months.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStats\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935794016412,"sku":"","price":31.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1.8l","offer_id":42994255003804,"sku":"","price":31.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/products\/yuho_eternal-embers_web.png?v=1680291814"},{"product_id":"yuho-rhythm","title":"Yuho Junmai Kimoto Rhythm of the Centuries","description":"\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eNotes of salted dulce de leche, rice pudding, mushroom, white miso, toasted rice, chocolate, nuts, and and white pepper, make Yuho a really classic example of a dry, lightly aged sake. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe mouthfeel starts silky and viscous, rich with deep umami, finishing with a grippy, salty, crisp edge that cries out for food!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYuho \"Rhythm\" is in my top 5: a strong contender for \"desert island sake,\" especially in Winter. An all-around overachiever that tastes better the longer it's open!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935794049180,"sku":"","price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Yuho_rhythm_of_the_centuries.png?v=1756177667"},{"product_id":"hakkaisan-yukimuro","title":"Hakkaisan \"Yukimuro\" 3 Year Aged Junmai Daiginjo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePlayful, delicate aromatics on the nose: dried flowers, jujube, quince, poached pear, balanced by a creamy tropical lift: soursop, avocado, dragonfruit. On the palate, Yukimuro opens up joyously, expanding in soft round waves, powerful flavor ending in a long trail of late Summer aromas. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis Junmai Daiginjo Genshu sake was matured in a near-freezing room, naturally chilled by a massive pile of snow! A snow-chilled storage room is known as a “Yukimuro,\" and this method of preservation has been used traditionally in Uonuma for centuries. From the cold of the snow alone, temperature is naturally kept stable at 3 degrees Celsius without the use of electricity. After three years, the sake becomes round and very smooth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" height=\"289\" width=\"418\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hakkaisan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/201909yukimurio00.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":41098518855836,"sku":"","price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/yukimuro.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"shirakawago-sasanigori-junmai-ginjo","title":"Shirakawago \"Snowy Village\" Sasanigori Junmai Ginjo","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eLightly cloudy with a clean white hue. Aromas are delicate, hinting at newly blossomed flowers, fresh rice, cucumbers and spring water. The flavor is almost sweet in the mouth, made crisp with a deep minerality and flowers on the finish. Easy to enjoy and super versatile with food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":41482979180700,"sku":"","price":43.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300ml","offer_id":41482979213468,"sku":"","price":17.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":42772995047580,"sku":"","price":66.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Shirakawago.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"copy-of-denshin-hiyaoroshi-junmai-aki","title":"Denshin Honjozo Shiboritate Namazake \"Fuyu\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis sake has very refreshing aroma and juicy character, with notes of white pepper, ripe persimmon, meringue, \u003c\/span\u003ebrazil nut, dates, pear, cream of wheat, bitter apple, and soft forest floor. It makes my mouth water-- delivering a crisp, smooth, bright and slightly effervescent taste. The overall impression is of brightness, clarity and gentle astringency.\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41484369887388,"sku":"","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Denshinfuyu.png?v=1744690453"},{"product_id":"kamoshibito-kuheiji-eau-du-desir-2021","title":"Kamoshibito Kuheiji \"Eau du Desir\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAn elegant, harmonious sake made with brewing techniques designed to impart flavors faithful to the rice that they so painstakingly grow. Eau du Desir is created for the palates of sake drinkers veteran and novice alike. Made with Yamadanishiki grown in the mountains of Hyogo, this brew features the deep and profound flavors indicative of the variety, particularly when it is grown in such an optimal climate. Yamdanishiki is also well suited for long-term aging, while gifting the sake brewed from them a velvety and pleasant mouthfeel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42176486178972,"sku":"","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kuheiji.png?v=1721883825"},{"product_id":"shibata-junmai-ginjo-black-flask","title":"Shibata Junmai Ginjo \"Black\" Flask","description":"Shibata “Black” Junmai Ginjo uses a rare rice from Hokkaido known as Ginpu, which produces clean and crisp sake due to its relative hardness, being grown in a cold prefecture with a short growing season. Given the softness of the water at the brewery, they are able to produce a well-rounded sake that leaves you with a mild finish. Brought to you in a unique 200ml flask which we like to call “Pocket Sake.”\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42180216586396,"sku":"","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/shibata_jg.png?v=1721883828"},{"product_id":"shibata-junmai-yuzushu-yuzu-flask","title":"Shibata Junmai Yuzushu \"Black Yuzu\" Flask","description":"The yuzu fruit used is from Shibata’s local farm and is all organic. Shibata Black Yuzu is made with a junmai sake base using Ginpu rice from Hokkaido, which is clear and crisp thanks to the short growing season. The yuzu is squeezed with the skin left on so that the powerful aromatic oils in the skin are integrated into the sake and the light bitterness of the pith helps balance out the sake's light sweetness. Each individual yuzu fruit yields only about 20ml of juice. Brought to you in a unique 200ml flask which we like to call “Pocket Sake”.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42180217536668,"sku":"","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/shibata_yuzu.png?v=1721883828"},{"product_id":"shibata-junmai-nigori-pink-flask","title":"Shibata Junmai Nigori \"Pink\" Flask","description":"Shibata Pink Junmai Ginjo Nigori is velvety and smooth with delicate orange and cherry blossom notes followed by a sharp dry finish. This Nigori uses a Junmai Ginjo base, using Ginpu rice from Hokkaido, an amazing sake rice which gives this sake its mellow and rich depth.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42180225466524,"sku":"","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/shibata_cloudy.png?v=1721883824"},{"product_id":"matsunoi-tokubetsu-honjozo-lone-pine","title":"Matsunoi Tokubetsu Honjozo \"Lone Pine\"","description":"\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eFormerly known as \"Wishing Well,\" Lone Pine is an alternate telling of the Matsunoi kanji and speaks to the pines that dot the countryside in this remote Niigata village.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eFamiliar, earthy notes of toasted sugar, pine cones, hazelnuts, \u0026amp; crisp spring water. Classic old Niigata: a cleansing, tanrei karakuchi finish paired with a nutty, clean body.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eThere's not a lot to say about Matsunoi, but only because it brings you to a nostalgic place of peace and silence, pine trees and deep wells of fresh snowmelt.  \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42202161578140,"sku":"","price":21.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Matsunoi_TH.png?v=1719595462"},{"product_id":"yuki-otoko-junmai-yeti-cup","title":"Yuki Otoko Junmai \"Yeti\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAoki Shuzo, also known for their ginjo brand Kakurei, designed Yuki Otoko to be their super-dry brand of sake. For a while it was so popular in Japan that the annual production sold out too quickly to export. They’ve since scaled up so it comes to the US in limited amounts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eThe palate is super fresh and clean, like snowmelt on a mountain. A touch floral, a bit of soft spice (nutmeg,  allspice) and a nutty almond-hazelnut-sobacha umami. Super dry finish with cleansing astringency. It's a real everyday brew, perfect for folks who like their sake dry and clean.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42218933387420,"sku":"","price":31.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":42567462060188,"sku":"","price":66.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Yeti_J.png?v=1719595462"},{"product_id":"kakurei-junmai-ginjo","title":"Kakurei Junmai Ginjo","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eKakurei is a bit heavier, with a voluptuousness and fuller body-- notes juicy pear, salty Marcona almonds, roasted and fresh herbaceous fennel, and a round, Chardonnay-like mouthfeel. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStats:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNiigata (Uonuma)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKoshi-tanrei (kakemai-local), Yamadanishiki (kojimai)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e55%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYeast : 1401\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSMV: 0.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAcidity: 1.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater: on-site well water from an underground mountainous current\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42202181599388,"sku":"","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"300ml","offer_id":42202181632156,"sku":"","price":21.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/products\/6261a96a25e54246597cc25f_Kakurei-JunmaiGinjo-bottle-image-2.png?v=1670572823"},{"product_id":"onda-88-junmai","title":"Onda \"88\" Junmai","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor this brew, the house-grown local ippon-jime \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003erice is milled down to only 88% of its original size before fermentation— far less milling than most sake, in order to preserve the full and wild flavor profile of the rice itself.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe sake pours nearly clear, but is chock-full of rich, intense rice-laden flavors and funky aromas. Moody notes of nag champa incense, sandalwood and campfire, puerh, soy sauce, rum raisin and fresh plum. If you recognize it, there's a bunch of nukazuke on the nose too. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"product-content-heading\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42202189070492,"sku":"","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/onda_88.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"senjo-junmai-daiginjo","title":"Senjo Junmai Daiginjo","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAt room temperature or gently chilled, fresh and spiced autumnal notes of hachiya persimmon, apricot, noyaux, almond butter, spice, and apple characterize the rich palate, whose soft sweetness lends full body to this \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003every\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e flavorful, yet elegant, junmai daiginjo. The texture is soft, slippery, creamy with only the slightest bit of mineral astringency. I find it difficult to put down, even without food– but the full body and sweetness make it a natural pairing for the classic entrees of the American holiday table. Thanks to its richness, this is one of the few Junmai Daiginjo that heats nicely as well: at a very gentle 110F, the sweetness and umami are emphasized, the spice notes become more evident, and the generous aromatics are preserved. No surprise: as a sake from snowy, mountainous Nagano, it is most welcome to brew something that can be served warm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eIn short: a daiginjo to get cozy with. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStats:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrewery: Kuromatsu Senjo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLocation: Ina City, Southern Nagano prefecture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWater: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSpring water pulled from 60 meter deep wells, fed by snow melt from the locally famous Mt. Senjo.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eRice: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHitogokochi grown locally in Nagano\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePolishing: 40%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGrade: Junmai Daiginjo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYeast: 1801\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eStarter: Sokujo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFor intentional food pairing, think winter food and mountain food, particularly pickles, preserved items, and dishes with significant sweetness. Pork chops with a dried fruit and mustard sauce, duck with mango chutney, roasted acorn squash with dried cherry chutney and roasted hazelnuts. Regional specialties in Ina City and Nagano include sansai: mountain vegetables, often pickled, cooked with mirin, soy and dashi, or fried as tempura; oyaki: wheat pancakes stuffed with leafy greens or anko , anything and everything miso (Nagano produces half of the nation’s miso), yakiniku (grilled meat), soba, sweet-salty crickets and other crunchy bugs as drinking snacks, and a dish more or less exclusive to Ina City: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ramenadventures.com\/listing\/%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%B3-romen-style-in-nagano\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eromen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, which is like a soupy yakisoba made with mutton. A bit powerful and gamey, but great with sake. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42218950066332,"sku":"","price":43.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/products\/large.jpg?v=1670571962"},{"product_id":"kirinzan-classic-futsuushu","title":"Kirinzan Futsushu \"Classic\"","description":"\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClean like snowmelt, crisp like the sky after rain, nutty like freshly roasted chestnuts and sweet like freshly steamed rice. Classic Niigata with every sip.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eKirinzan takes futsuushu-- \"ordinary\" sake-- to decidedly not ordinary levels.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMade with a 65% polish blend of gohyakumangoku and koshi ibuki that aren't within the top 3 grades of rice required for premium sake, plus a very small amount of brewers alcohol-- technically, making this futsuushu. still, the rice is sourced from within 10 miles of the brewery and its quality is evident in its popularity: Kirinzan Futsuushu is the #1 local sake in Niigata. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDelicious both cool and warm. An incredible value.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42218966220956,"sku":"","price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":42971445887132,"sku":"","price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kzan_classic.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"kusudama-tokubetsu-junmai-sarubobo-cup","title":"Kusudama Tokubetsu Junmai \"Sarubobo\" Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eA dry but soft little sake, with a hidden umami richness typical of Gifu and the local hidahomare rice. The sarubobo-- little monkey charms made from cloth and gifted to expecting mothers and children in Hida Takayama-- decorate the cup. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SG","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42236908896412,"sku":"","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Sarubobo.png?v=1714357126"},{"product_id":"copy-of-tenmei-bear-junmai-cup","title":"Miyozakura Junmai \"Panda\" Cup","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePanda cup is, like so many of my favorite sake, classically Gifu style: rich, broad, ricey, even custardy, but what stands apart about Panda is that it has a nice dry finish at the end. Can we say that it's Panda-like in nature? Fuzzy, soft, big in the center, but with a little sharpness at the end?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCompared to my other favorite Gifu cup, Kusudama Sarubobo cup, this has that same lovely ricey richness, but with a drier inflection. Both are fantastic examples of Gifu's ricey, creamy style.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42304375750812,"sku":"","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/miyozakura.png?v=1721883826"},{"product_id":"nishide-shuzo-junmai-daiginjo-100-year-sake","title":"Nishide Shuzo Junmai Daiginjo \"100 Year Sake\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eGorgeous, memorable, elegant...this kutani-ware ceramic bottle in a Paulownia box is almost enough to justify the price on its own. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt's with a sigh of relief that the elegance isn't just surface level. As I write this, I've been sipping slowly on \"100 Years\" over the course of 6 weeks, watching it evolve. In this period, I've also had the great honor to visit Nishide Shuzo and meet Nishide-san in person. He's incredibly talented, experimental, smart and kind. One of my great inspirations: Yusuke Shimoki of Engawa bar in Yamanaka-onsen, when pressed, said this of Nishide-san:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"He's unpredictable, always changing. Always coming up with something new. Always pushing boundaries. He follows intuition. That's what I appreciate.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe nose is flinty, mineral, salty, with watermelon rind, chervil and spicy daikon notes. On the palate, the sake is at once minutely textural (mineral water? velvet?) and intriguing, with an astringency that reminds me of just-underripe banana. Flavors of lemon, white grapefruit, fresh corn and corn husk, cape gooseberry, seaweed, hay and cucumber seem to waft by. The finish brings back that velvety quality...laden with white chocolate and good hazlenut oil.\u003cbr\u003eLike Chiyomidori MS3, another favorite daiginjo of mine brewed with ambient brewery yeast, \"100 Year\" won't fit in a neat little box. This isn't a textbook \"peach, banana, melon\" daiginjo--  It's entirely one of a kind.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom the time of opening to finishing the bottle 6 weeks later, 100 Years is still expressive and evolving. At first the acidity (and citrus quality) was more prominent...now at 6 weeks, the cucumber-melon angle is at its peak and the texture is even more indulgent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42403056779420,"sku":"","price":157.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/products\/tps221104ym_124--nishide-100-year.webp?v=1679018897"},{"product_id":"yuki-otoko-honjozo-yeti","title":"Yuki Otoko Honjozo \"Yeti\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAoki Shuzo, makers of Kakurei, designed \"Yuki Otoko\" to be their super-dry brand of sake. For a while, it was so popular in Japan that the annual production sold out too quickly to export! They’ve since scaled up, so it comes to the US in limited amounts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eYuki Otoko Honjozo is the lighter cousin of Y.O. junma: iboth in terms of $$ ($5 less!), and style. If Junmai is the one submerging its giant yeti-feet into the crunching snow, Honjozo is the one dancing on the snow so lightly that it doesn't fall through. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eThe palate is super fresh and clean, with a crisp edge like sparkling mineral water. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eUnlike some honjozo that unwrap into layers on the palate, here we stay clean and forward: delicate notes of white rice, poached pear, chestnut, but it really feels like the aruten aspect brings the crystal-clear water into focus. Lovely balance.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eIn an interview, I once read something to the effect of: subtlety in sake is more difficult to achieve than loud expression. Turning the volume down while maintaining beauty and balance is the hard part. This is a testament to that concept.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42421839233180,"sku":"","price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Yeti_H.png?v=1719595463"},{"product_id":"kirinzan-futsushu-cup-classic","title":"Kirinzan Futsushu Cup \"Classic\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClean like snowmelt, crisp like the sky after rain, nutty like freshly roasted chestnuts and sweet like freshly steamed rice. Classic Niigata with every sip.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eKirinzan takes futsuushu-- \"ordinary\" sake-- to decidedly not ordinary levels.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMade with a 65% polish blend of gohyakumangoku and koshi ibuki that aren't within the top 3 grades of rice required for premium sake, plus a very small amount of brewers alcohol-- technically, making this futsuushu. still, the rice is sourced from within 10 miles of the brewery and its quality is evident in its popularity: Kirinzan Futsuushu is the #1 local sake in Niigata. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor me this is a favorite with sushi; once upon a time, someone I respect very much turned me on to pairing sushi with simple sake (as opposed to fancy daiginjo) and I am totally hooked. The soft subtlety of a good futsushu lets top quality fish express itself best. The sake refreshes the palate between bites and emphasizes the umami of the fish.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDelicious both cool and warm. An incredible value.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" class=\"story-text\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"180ml","offer_id":42481985224860,"sku":"","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kzan_classic_cup.png?v=1721883830"},{"product_id":"midorikawa-honjozo","title":"Midorikawa Honjozo (2022 back vintage)","description":"\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eA back-vintage delight. \u003cbr\u003eFaint notes of age on the nose-- nutmeg, rum, creme brulee-- while the palate is the platonic ideal of Niigata clarity. Ocean mist, sharp minerality, sagebrush, steamed honey chestnuts and steamed rice. The texture is soft and fuzzy like fine velour. Like the first time you drank a really good mineral water and wondered just what kind of water you'd been drinking until then. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eYou know, you think Niigata is a monolith until one day it clicks and the subtle nuances become clear. Midorikawa honjozo is a revelation for me. Like \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/matsunoi-tokubetsu-honjozo-lone-pine\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMatsunoi Tokubetsu Honjozo\u003c\/a\u003e, Midorikawa has completely redefined honjozo in my eyes, rising from my least favorite style to (quite possibly) my favorite style in 2023.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42481990303900,"sku":"","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Midorikawa.png?v=1719599137"},{"product_id":"yuki-otoko-junmai-yeti-cup-1","title":"Yuki Otoko Junmai \"Yeti\" Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoki Shuzo, also makers of the \u003cem\u003every\u003c\/em\u003e different line of products called Kakurei, designed Yuki Otoko to be their super-dry brand of sake. For a while it was so popular in Japan that the annual production sold out too quickly to export. They’ve since scaled up so it comes to the US in limited amounts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eThe palate is super fresh and clean, like snowmelt on a mountain. A touch floral, a bit of soft spice (nutmeg, allspice) and a nutty almond umami. Super dry finish with cleansing astringency.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"180ml","offer_id":42506454696092,"sku":null,"price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/yuki_otoko_cup.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"tedorigawa-junmai-yamahai-u","title":"Tedorigawa Yoshidagura Junmai Yamahai \"U\"","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOne of Japan's most creative young guns is rapidly redefining the now-famous Tedorigawa brand. Where you see the name \"Yoshidagura,\" you get a peek inside the future-facing vision of Tedorigawa. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA balance of low alcohol and soft, ricey sweetness is held in tension against saline minerality, grapefruit astringency and prickly effervescence. \"U\" is balanced like a bit like an edelzwicker-- not an imitation of it, no-- without the acidity and tannin, but with the thoughtful, delicate, lithe form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNotes of green apple, fennel, pineapple leaf, granite, mint and white peach. A thematic sibling to Masumi Shiro and Emishiki Sensation, as well as lovers of the full line of Tedorigawa, which for all its difference, still comes from the same water, the same terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42606831960220,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/tedorigawa_unique.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"kirinzan-junmai-daiginjo","title":"Kirinzan Junmai Daiginjo","description":"\u003cp class=\"product-content-info tasting\"\u003eReticent, elegant, refined, nostalgic. Floral, yet earthy aroma laced with cedar and grassy meadows. Dry, intense, and balanced; soft, creamy texture with a round finish of Bosc pears. Reminiscent of a clean mountain stream.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"comment2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42657942339740,"sku":null,"price":92.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/KzanJDG.png?v=1694796010"},{"product_id":"kikusui-funaguchi-junmai-ginjo-nama-genshu-aged-red","title":"Kikusui Funaguchi Ginjo Nama Genshu Aged \"Red\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTempted by the irresistible notion that their flagship canned \"Funaguchi\" sake would be delicious if aged, Kikusui’s development team pooled their efforts and created the official aged version: Funaguchi Red!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs time passes in the cold Kikusui cellars, the active enzymes in the sake elevate the already present richness to new levels - the little red can has a hard time holding all the flavor in! Boasting 19% ABV, gorgeous floral aromatics, strong flavor and personality, this full-bodied sake is great at dinnertime or cocktail hour. For fun times and comfortable afternoons.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"200ml","offer_id":42807558373532,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/funaguchi_red.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"koshi-no-kanbai-sake-muku-junmai","title":"Koshi No Kanbai Junmai Daiginjo \"Muku\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eImpeccably delicate, smooth, pure sweet steamed rice and chestnut notes with a light asian pear \u0026amp; white blossom backnote. Dry without being too crisp or sharp. A classic from the brewery that is credited for inventing the modern Niigata style.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis junmai daiginjo is brewed from Hyogo-grown Yamadanishiki rice, and clearly reveals the soft, fluffy, pillow-like character of this rice variety. Feeling like a cloud on the palate, the body is round and expansive with lovely, lingering umami. This is a fairly simple sake, not trying to be ostentatious, but perfectly executed in every way.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42994184716444,"sku":"","price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Koshino.png?v=1707763858"},{"product_id":"hakuto-tokubetsu-junmai-sake-deep-faith","title":"Hakuto Tokubetsu Junmai Sake \"Deep Faith\"","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eStats:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePrefecture\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: Ishikawa\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRice\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: Gohyakumangoku (kakemai), Yamada Nishiki (kojimai)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePolishing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: 55%\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGrade\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: Junmai\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYeast\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: Kanazawa\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eStarter\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: Sokujo\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAcidity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: 1.6\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSMV\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: +2\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePasteurization:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once in bottle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42994240913564,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/9hakuto-deep-faith.webp?v=1705452980"},{"product_id":"yamada-shoten-everlasting-roots-tokubetsu-junmai","title":"Yamada Shoten Everlasting Roots Tokubetsu Junmai","description":"\u003cp\u003eSoft spiced notes, creamy and comforting texture, a rich toasty finish, while remaining light and dry. For lovers of Hakuto Tokubetsu Junmai \"Deep Faith,\" Kanbara Junmai Ginjo \"Bride of the Fox,\" and Masumi Junmai Ginjo \"Sleeping Beauty\", who are looking for a sake that over-delivers on quality and enjoyment for the price. This lightly matured, mountain style Tokubetsu Junmai from micro-brewery Yamada Shoten is always a pleasure, and not just because you get an extra carafe (180ml) from each bottle!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI'm often asked, what's my favorite place in Japan? And it's really difficult to answer, because I've loved nearly everywhere I've been. But something about Gifu, taking the train through the mountains to Hida Takayama and the beauty of that mountain village, its abundance of sake breweries, really affected me. So to this day, I have a soft spot for Gifu sake and Hida-Homare rice. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMukashi no Manma, \"Everlasting Roots,\" is made with local Gifu rice, Hida-Homare, developed for the Hida mountain range and Gifu prefecture, and is matured a short while before release. Hida Homare is a bit of a pain to grow but produces fuller bodied sake and has helped the Gifu region develop a stronger regional identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- notionvc: d0d34d71-d607-4286-855d-276191790431 --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43252471791772,"sku":"","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/everlasting.png?v=1714425931"},{"product_id":"kuheiji-betsu-atsurae","title":"Kuheiji Junmai Daiginjo \"Betsu Atsurae\" 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eClassic Kuheiji. Elegant, even understated on the nose, but overdelivering on the palate, much like a great chablis opening up from its rest in bottle. This particular Yamadanishiki junmai daiginjo is characterized numerically by 35% polish, and stylistically by its emphasis on umami and acidity. It is aged a minimum of one year before release. As of 2024, 2022 is the most current vintage available.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI sense elevated acidity with fresh citrus notes: lime leaf, orange fizz, and a tart lactic note reminiscent of kefir. Pure and crystalline-- lean and ephemeral, but with a long and haunting finish. Significantly lighter and more delicate than the entry level Eau de Desir, but clearly of the same mind.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom the Kuheiji website ([adjustments added for clarity])\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"One of the three versions of [Kuheiji] Yamadanishiki sake polished past 50 percent, [which is] the [threshold] beyond which notes of toasted undergrowth cereals and mushrooms are erased in favor of great freshness. Tertiary ([aging]) aromas will also take a special [direction] toward white pepper or anise.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e[Yamadanishiki] rice offers unlimited possibilities due to its ability to be highly polished. Like a diamond whose complexity reveals itself as you get closer to its heart.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e35 percent is the stage where the rice umami still expresses itself, with taut acidity, which explains the fiery feeling in the mouth from the start.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe residual sugar content has been deliberately reduced, which gives the sake a great clarity.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eIf sake [generally plays a supporting role against] the dishes it accompanies, [Betsu Atsurae instead] competes with the food, therefore requiring an equally robust pairing such as fatty meat or rich caviar.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c!-- notionvc: 4eff393a-7bdc-47f6-b04c-1218e612fce2 --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43565564166300,"sku":"","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Betsuatsurae.png?v=1714360543"},{"product_id":"kuheiji-kyou-den","title":"Kuheiji Junmai Daiginjo Omachi \"Kyou Den\" 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eSo pretty, so filigreed. I've been privileged enough to enjoy $800 omachi junmai daiginjo in the past, but if I had the option I'd take Kyou Den any day. Gorgeous and light with refreshing acidity like Kuheiji's Yamadanishiki Betsu Atsurae, but with the personality and verve of Omachi. Notes of sweet cicely, lovage, prickly ash and Okayama peach, coupled by a fine and minute velvet texture and bright, cleansing finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLike the power of Morey St. Denis softened by time, or the tannins of great nebbiolos rendered to sediment and memory, Kyou Den is shapely yet soft, a granite pebble honed by mountain streams.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c!-- notionvc: a13ccf8a-8a83-43b5-a289-87f0d43fb03d --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43565569900700,"sku":"","price":71.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kyouden.png?v=1714360636"},{"product_id":"koshinohomare-junmai-muroka-nama-genshu-homare-90","title":"Koshi no Homare \"90 Pink\" Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cp\u003e90 Pink returns to the States for another year! Last year we saw a very limited allotment that was widely adored by our club members. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the Spring release from Hara Shuzo's seasonal series highlighting the flavor of table rice exclusively grown in Niigata. The cultivation of higher acidity, moderate sweetness, full body and bright effervescence from fermentation, allows a study in contrasts: depth and fruity concentration vs. freshness and bubbly levity!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNotes of pineapple, juicy watermelon, strawberry cheesecake, mochi, yoplait yogurt, and Dubble Bubble. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43614169137308,"sku":"","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Homare90.png?v=1714434900"},{"product_id":"kamoshibito-kuheiji-sauvage-2022-vintage","title":"Kamoshibito Kuheiji \"Sauvage\" 2023-2024 Vintage","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAn emblematic cuvee honoring Okayama Omachi rice. Sauvage (\u003cem\u003eWild\u003c\/em\u003e) is worked according to the same principles as Kuheiji Eau du Désir (Yamadanishiki) using a higher-temperature fermentation which allows the extraction of primary aromas.\u003cbr\u003eIn these conditions the Omachi reveals all its power, its ample and fatty profile. The aroma of clean chanterelle and enoki mushrooms derived from koji give way to undergrowth and ripe fruit at the end. With less tension than Yamadanishiki, Sauvage surprises by its volume and texture, which comes to invade each area of the palate. A gorgeous sake produced within the classification of Junmai Daiginjo.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOmachi is the oldest sake rice, discovered in 1859 years ago and was named Nihon Kusa by the discerning stroller who discovered it. Said to be a farmer returning to Akaiwa, Okayama from his pilgrimage to Mt. Daisen, he noticed the particular aspect of this wild rice, longer than the average, and brought back two stalks. Now called Omachi, its characteristic size makes it susceptible to lodging (falling over) which led to it being described as \"the man who stands in the rice fields, and following bad weather, the man bent over during his labor.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":44173003980956,"sku":null,"price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kuheijisauvage.png?v=1719937142"},{"product_id":"daruma-masamune-koshu-pack-3-5-10-year","title":"Daruma Masamune Koshu Set (3-5-10 year)","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the most highly respected koshu specialists in Japan. Throughout much of the industry, it's not an exaggeration to say that Daruma Masamune = koshu as they have been focused almost exclusively on aging since 1971. We're so excited to be offering a limited number of these 3-pack flight sets, taking you on a tour of sake through the ages: 3 year, 5 year, and 10 year, aged in enamel (glass-lined fiberglass) tanks and blended (in most cases) to bottle. There are some specific vintage designate sake, and once a sake is destined to pass 10 years and carry into 20, 30, and the rare 40+ year old releases, it is rebottled in 1.8L glass and kept under careful temperature watch in the Summer, being blended and rebottled only when it is ready for release. As koshu is the singular focus of Daruma Masamune, they nurture countless tanks to ensure there is supply 10, 20, 30 years into the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\" id=\"docs-internal-guid-f23351bd-7fff-b5dd-9943-85ea7afbff48\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"In the 1960s, when we were thinking about how to survive as a sake brewery, we found a forgotten 1.8L bottle in a corner of the brewery. When we opened it, it had a beautiful golden color and a mellow taste. After researching, we found out that aged sake (koshu) existed from the Kamakura period to the Edo period. However, it disappeared during the war due to liquor taxes. Although I was called \"an eccentric who makes sake but hoards it and doesn't sell it,\" I persisted, and have been making koshu for over 50 years. Now it has become recognized in countries around the world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSome people have a simple question: \"Isn't aged sake just unsold?\" However, at our company, we brew the sake with the intent to age it for long periods. The rice used for brewing is mainly Nihonbare, a variety primarily used for eating. Recently, we have also been using Gohyakumangoku from Gifu prefecture for the koji. In the Edo period, when koshu was considered to be the most desirable, expensive sake on the market, there was no such thing as \"sake rice.\" So in honor of this heritage we are particular about using table rice for koshu. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDaruma Masamune is aged at room temperature. In Gifu's climate, the temperature inside the brewery is at least 4 degrees in winter, and around 26 degrees in summer because it is an earthen storehouse with natural insulation. As the sake is slowly and carefully aged, a beautiful color gradually appears from the amino acids and sugars derived from the rice, and the sake's flavor becomes rounder.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIf the sake is to be aged for more than ten years, it is bottled in a 1.8L bottle and stored in a container at room temperature. In summer, each container is cooled with well water to prevent the temperature from rising too much. The carefully aged sake is then blended (except for vintage designate bottlings). Blending is a craft only performed by master brewers who are well versed in the house style and possess an extremely honed palate.\" daruma-masamune.co.jp\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWant to learn more? The brewery released a short \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2tpjHSG9up0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e song video\u003c\/a\u003e (yes really!)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44416541687964,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Darumamasamunekoshuset.png?v=1724863300"},{"product_id":"abe-junmai","title":"Abe Junmai","description":"\u003cp class=\"_ap3a _aaco _aacu _aacx _aad7 _aade\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eBig grapefruit and tangerine zestiness on the nose- sets you up for something quite crisp but has a texture so slippery and silky you wouldn’t believe it’s made with 80% polished rice. The citrus meets a bubblegummy sweetness on the mid-palate, but there's this deep umami tying it down and keeping it balanced. Very fun, very juicy-fruit gum!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"_ap3a _aaco _aacu _aacx _aad7 _aade\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eIn a junmai glass the savory aspects come out better, but in a wine glass it’s more peppy and fruity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI know it’s not a natsuzake but it feels like it fits in the category spiritually. It’s like [Akabu] Hisui’s hippie cousin.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLovers of Kaze no Mori, Tenbi, Senkin, take note of this New-Gen Niigata phenom!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44425510322332,"sku":"","price":51.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/AbeJunmai.png?v=1726330537"},{"product_id":"kikusui-funaguchi-shinmai-shinshu-nama-genshu","title":"Kikusui Ginjo Funaguchi Shinmai Shinshu Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cp\u003eBrewed using 100% newly harvested, locally grown Niigata Gohyakumangoku rice, this is a Funaguchi experience you can only get your hands on once a year. Fruitier, brighter, crisper, and way more zippy-brain than the usual gold can. It's delicious and tastes even better when it's chilled in fresh snow.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44662782361756,"sku":"","price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kikusui_Funaguchi_Shinmai_Shinshu_Nama_Genshu_Cup_89eb31b2-de2f-4bf9-b591-0e680f148d84.png?v=1737501742"},{"product_id":"chochin-junmai-nama-genshu-awa-yamadanishiki-65-長珍酒造","title":"Chochin Junmai Nama Genshu Awa Yamadanishiki 65 Shinbunshi BY6","description":"\u003cp\u003eOn the nose, seductive notions of cherry clafoutis, five spice braised pork belly, or cherry chutney. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the palate...oh man, it’s so good, it's so indescribable. Maybe it’s like a perfect toffee-covered custard pot or a bittersweet chocolate truffle with only a touch of sugar. Indulgent, intense, captivating.\u003cbr\u003eMouthwatering acidity after I swallow, but with a lovely essence of kuromitsu (Okinawan brown sugar) syrup lingering. Hints of mamey, hershey’s cocoa, and peach puree. On the other hand, elements of the aroma: Cherry Dr. Pepper, and a sharp dry minerality, keep it firmly upright. Absolutely gorgeous and indulgent, while also being thoroughly dry, and thoroughly drinkable. \u003cbr\u003eAt 19% ABV it holds its power very well, but it's not for the faint of heart either!\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003c!-- notionvc: 29e0aaad-6a94-414c-8790-30c4e85f69b6 --\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44702699487388,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Chochin_YN65.png?v=1736738949"},{"product_id":"chochin-junmai-nama-genshu-hattannishiki-60-長珍酒造","title":"Chochin Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu Hattannishiki 60 Shinbunshi BY6","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" id=\"docs-internal-guid-34d395a3-7fff-73a2-d7fd-f3b1d7b08c44\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 9pt; font-family: Karla,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNotes of fine cocoa powder, coca cola, German chocolate cake, sparkling mineral water, Fresca, and white grapefruit swirl together on the palate. I get an initial impression that is simultaneously sharp and dry x velvety and sweet, which leads into an intensely flavorful mid-palate, segueing into a weightless, celery \u0026amp; pomelo-inflected finish. Absolutely gorgeous.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFriends of mine recommend leaving a small bottle (~300ml) out at room temperature in the dark for about a month to soften it before warming, if that’s your jam. Diluting with a bit of good water will soften it further. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44702702010524,"sku":null,"price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Chochin_Hattannishiki_60.png?v=1736738949"},{"product_id":"chochin-junmai-ginjo-nama-genshu-hattannishiki-5055-長珍酒造","title":"Chochin Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu Hattannishiki 5055 Shinbunshi","description":"\u003cp\u003eDense and smooth, like a slippery slide of melting chocolate. Lots of tasty Hattan-nishiki truffle and cocoa powder, almond butter and oatmeal cookie... notes that go on and on. The acidity on 5055 is less pronounced, sharpness is less apparent, ringing true to its more refined style. Playful notes of maraschino liqueur and chocolate coated cherries suggest something different than its objectively dry palate and low sugar content. Overall, this sake delivers a luxurious experience more akin to falling-apart short rib braised in plums, than to sake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's telling that I finished my tasting note by saying: \"Not sure what else to write. It tastes like addictive things\". \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Karla,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e5055 Hattan-Nishiki desperately needs some time to air out once it’s opened. I recommend opening the bottle to expose it to oxygen, re-cap, give it a good shake to integrate the oxygen, then leave it at room temperature for 1-3 days to open up. Pop it back in the fridge from there. Chilled is great, but it’s also fantastic gently warmed or oyuwari: with hot water.  Jo Takasaki recommends leaving a small bottle (~300ml) out at room temperature in the dark for about a month to soften it before warming, if that’s your jam. Crisp notes of Dr. Pepper, elephant plum, german chocolate cake, sparkling mineral water, white pepper, ruby red grapefruit and delicate honeyed florals. An initial impression that is simultaneously sharp and dry, muscular but delicate, lean but also velvety and sweet, leading into an intensely flavorful mid-palate that fades to a weightless, persimmon-inflected finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Karla,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShinbunshi means newspaper wrapped, and it designates the junmai namagenshu line of Chouchin. This \"design\" started because he bottle enough of the namagenshu to bother printing special labels, so he just wrapped them in the local newspaper instead. This has the added benefit of protecting the sake from light, which really does ruin sake very quickly, thus allowing the sake to age gracefully. Newspaper wrapping has since been imitated by other breweries but Chouchin is the original. This bottling is “Hattan Nishiki 5055,” using Hyogo Yamadanishiki rice for the koji and Hiroshima Hattan for the remainder. This is a style and control-driven choice, as Hyogo Yamadanishiki is, among all rice in the world, the most predictable and optimal choice for koji: the primary style determinant and engine of sake. Even though koji is only 20% of the total brew, this choice allows the koji to be perfect each time…exactly how Kuwayama-san wants it. Thus, the Hattan-Nishiki dissolves and breaks down with the just-right composition and release of enzymes, thanks to the ‘perfect’ Yamadanishiki engine. There is no one right way to brew, but this choice suggests that the toji believes that optimizing the koji results in a more delicious expression than 100% Hattan Nishiki. I can hardly complain…the result is phenomenal and side by side with his 100% Yamada brews, the difference is obvious. The Hattan gives it so much cocoa-like texture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Karla,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Karla,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44702713381020,"sku":null,"price":41.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Chochin_5055.png?v=1736738949"},{"product_id":"koshi-no-homare-90-yellow-muroka-nama-genshu","title":"Koshi no Homare \"90 Yellow\" Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cdiv id=\":tq\" class=\"Am aiL Al editable LW-avf tS-tW tS-tY\" aria-label=\"Message Body\" role=\"textbox\" aria-multiline=\"true\" style=\"direction: ltr; min-height: 376px;\" spellcheck=\"false\" aria-owns=\":171\" aria-controls=\":171\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"1\"\u003eWith satisfying, full flavor and high acidity, \"90 Yellow\" is like biting into a peak-season Gravenstein apple, or downing a big glass of fresh-squeezed apple juice. I get subtle notes of ruby red grapefruit and margarita served up, as well as a creamy lactic texture, sharply cut by bright acidity. It's a fantastic sake served warm as well, reading a bit like hot apple cider when slowly warmed to 140 degrees in a glass or ceramic vessel submerged in a hot water bath, stirred regularly. Perhaps the top stunner of this season's shiboritate!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“The fastest shinmai shinshu in the country!”  The whole point of Yellow 90, the first of the Koshinohomare 90 series, is its freshness! For Yellow to be bottled and ready by Sake Day 10\/1, Hazuki Minori is the natural choice as it’s ready for harvest in early-mid August.  Originally bred for consumer demand, there’s new appeal in a variety harvested before the now-normal September heat spikes. Per the name, only 10% of the rice is removed for a 90% polishing ratio. They ferment with a strong, cold-tolerant yeast (701) at very cold temps to encourage fruity ester production and strong acidity as well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShinshu\/Shiboritate translates to “new sake,” and should taste like it flowed right from the tank: lively, undiluted, a bit yeasty, carbonated and immature, like Beaujolais nouveau or draft beer. In Japan, Winter is Shinshu season: production traditionally starts October 1st and the first batches are ready ~November-December.\u003cbr\u003e    The story of modern shinshu dates to 1792, when the Tokugawa Shogunate issued an edict banning sake brewing before September 23rd of each year. The intention was to monitor production in order to assess taxes, control rice usage, and limit the likelihood of spoilage.  Fascinatingly, the German Purity Laws enforced for beer also outlawed brewing before September 29 for similar quality and enforcement reasons. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44727189340316,"sku":"","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/yellow90.png?v=1737763803"},{"product_id":"59-kiminoi-yamahai-junmai-ginjo-emperors-well","title":"Kiminoi Yamahai Junmai Ginjo \"Emperor's Well\" (08\/2024 bottling)","description":"\u003cp\u003eKiminoi's yamahai is a product of its environment: snow melt flowing underground from the base of nearby Mt. Myoko, natural refrigeration from the 2 meters of snowfall Arai-juku sees annually, and a robust colony of lactic bacteria and house yeast living in the rafters and wooden equipment. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 2024 bottling is showing strong! Medium bodied and leaning towards (but not quite) dry, with mature notes of candied apricot, banana pudding, savory herbs, and butter-fried mushroom stems. Best enjoyed at room temperature to hot- the notes that make this sake stand out are muted at cold temperatures. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe were able to pick up the last 9 bottles of 2024 from the distributor at a discount after tasting them, and falling in love. A case in point for gentle yamahai maturation and a lovely pickup for any yamahai fan.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44785140367516,"sku":"","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kiminoijunmaiginjoyamahai.png?v=1782190634"},{"product_id":"koshi-no-homare","title":"Koshi no Homare \"90 Blue\" Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e[Preorder: Arriving Tuesday, 7\/7]\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHara Shuzo's 90 series is a love letter to Niigata's famed table rices. The 90 refers to the level of polish, removing only 10% of the grain to preserve the character of each variety they work with and make a sake that's basically a \"rice juice.\" This Summer release highlights Mizuho no Kagayaki, a cultivar with flavor on par with the iconic Koshihikari, but bred for higher yield and later harvest. It's made with shio koji (white koji, which produces citric acid) for freshness and left a touch sweet (-8 SMV) to balance out the substantial acidity (2.4). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aroma is savory and pronounced, with notes of tart yogurt, froyo and lemon zest. A tiny bit of fizz lends body to a palate of tangerine, lemon meringue and ultra-ripe fruit. The ricey sweetness coats the mouth like marmalade, leaving a silky coating -- the memory of fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- notionvc: c362a617-b59b-49ed-ac47-38e1f217ae17 --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45125498175644,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/90blue.png?v=1752798039"},{"product_id":"shichiken-furinbizan-junmai","title":"Shichiken Furinbizan Junmai","description":"\u003cp\u003eOn the nose I get cured lemon peel, green apple, muscat gummy candy and nectarine preserves. This brightness gives way to an impactful, rice-y, rich umami that spreads across the palette then softly fades.  Notes of buttered whole grain toast, congee, and green almond come through stark on a sake that feels so soft on the tongue. It's a shapeshifter! Cold, room temp, or warm, you really can't go wrong. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45379848863900,"sku":null,"price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/furinbizen.png?v=1759537403"},{"product_id":"shichiken-silk-kinu-no-aji-junmai-daiginjo","title":"Shichiken \"Silk\" Kinu no Aji Junmai Daiginjo","description":"\u003cp\u003eSnow melt from Mt. Kaikoma is filtered over 27 years through the mountain's granite layers, then runs directly through Hakushu, where Shichiken pumps it up from an onsite well for brewing. This super soft water is the driving force of \u003cem\u003eKinu no Aji\u003c\/em\u003e, which literally translates to The Flavor of Silk. Notes of licorice, green pear, violets, confectioners sugar, and fennel are stark but subdued. Light on the palette with a perfumed, lingering finish. It's just dang pretty, and evokes a certain level of drama, but at the end of the day, Kinu no Aji hits hard with all our salty, savory bar snacks. A beautiful workhorse of a daiginjo.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45379921903772,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Screenshot2025-10-03at5.51.49PM.png?v=1759539170"},{"product_id":"shiramayumi-gassho-no-sato-nigori-cup","title":"Shiramayumi Gassho no Sato Nigori Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eCreamy, coconutty, and a little banana note with a satisfying depth like cashew milk. Just a touch boozy--enough to give it bite-- and extra thick for you doburoku lovers. Plenty of rich, milky texture and richness coats the palate especially in times of spicy curry.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sunflower Sake","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45890478637212,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/nigoricup.png?v=1768407860"},{"product_id":"kuro-obi-yuu-yuu","title":"Fukumitsuya Kuro Obi Tokubetsu Junmai \"Yuu-Yuu\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eNotes of jujubes, dried dates, acacia honey, rice straw and rye bread. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Casa Bruno","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46379446665372,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/fukumitsuya_kuroobo_yu-yu_special_junmaicopy_79dd4e35-0aff-47a4-bf47-8a6a3a1b3896.png?v=1773333420"},{"product_id":"kikusui-ginjo-funaguchi-shiboritate-nama-genshu","title":"Kikusui Shiboritate Junmai Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cp\u003eBrewed using 100% newly harvested, locally grown Niigata Gohyakumangoku rice, this is a Funaguchi experience you can only get your hands on once a year. Fruitier, brighter, crisper, and way more zippy-brain than the usual gold can. It's delicious and tastes even better when it's chilled in fresh snow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46638604517532,"sku":null,"price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kikusuishiboritatecan_0720dbab-98d1-433a-9c6e-6c936646ecee.png?v=1776896211"},{"product_id":"kikuhime-junmai-yamahai","title":"Kikuhime Junmai Yamahai","description":"\u003cp\u003eProfoundly executed, this earthy, spiced Junmai from Kikuhime-- famed longtime domain of Japan's greatest toji, Noguchi Naohiko-- is without a doubt the most complex of this year's brews. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a subtle platform, dryadic notes of forest floor, nutmeg, chestnut, sweet fennel pollen, matsutake and adzuki bean, whisk me away to somewhere quiet and still. Every so often I encounter sake that demonstrate the power of balance and subtlety. This is like, so far and away the best hiyaoroshi of the year, it's unfair (I think - Nina). An uninhibited, undiluted, unapologetically untrendy 18% genshu powerhouse that never feels like a hammer. It has the most sultry duality of aromatic autumn fruit: quince, poached pear, some kind of elegant alien banana, \u0026amp; the distilled essence of a walk in the forest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost known for their astronomically expensive, collectible cellar releases (10 years+ in age), this is a rare opportunity to experience their famed craftsmanship for under $100.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":46706820481180,"sku":null,"price":46.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":46706827231388,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kikuhimeyamahai.png?v=1778001939"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/collections\/chubu.jpg?v=1669495883","url":"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/collections\/chubu.oembed?page=4","provider":"Sunflower Sake","version":"1.0","type":"link"}