{"title":"Gohyakumangoku rice (五百万石)","description":"\u003cp\u003eGohyakumangoku was developed in Niigata prefecture in 1938, registered in 1957, and widely adopted by the 1980-90s. Gohyakumangoku is known for producing sake that is light bodied, crisp, and usually dry. It would be difficult for anyone but an expert or sake brewer to pick out Gohyakumangoku from a blind lineup of sake. But learning more about its backstory will help you recognize it more easily, and appreciate its unique characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, Gohyakumangoku has a relatively hard grain structure that resists dissolution, and is difficult to mill the grains down to daiginjo level (50% or more removed). It is high yielding and well suited to climates with shorter growing seasons and cooler weather, making it relatively affordable among sake rice varieties. The result is that Gohyakumangoku is perfect for moderately polished (55-70%), light bodied, crisp, affordable sake, particularly for cool and mountainous regions. It's no surprise then that Niigata became famous for tanrei karakuchi (clean and dry) sake in the jizake boom of the 1970s. This is largely thanks to Gohyakumangoku rice, and the style it is best suited to brew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRice varieties can have a huge influence on style, flavor, price, and storytelling for sake. While most rice varieties have a subtle impact on flavor --far less than grape variety in wine-- the variables you don't see or taste directly, play a part in making the sake what it is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"tamagawa-heart-of-oak","title":"Tamagawa Junmai Lot 2023 \"Heart of Oak\"","description":"\u003cp\u003ePuerh tea, kukicha tea, macadamia nuts, wet wool, lanolin extract, rotting wood in the coastal rainforest, asafoetida, S\u0026amp;B curry powder, fermented honey, heritage corn grits, toffee, boiled peanuts, roasted sweet potato, salt water taffy, crispy chicken, dried apple rings.... a tannin-like grip and a finish that keeps going....\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWait, what? \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eway\u003c\/em\u003e-too-affordable aged Junmai \"Heart of Oak\" from one \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eof Kyoto's most irreverent and groundbreaking\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e toji, Philip Harper, \u003c\/span\u003ehas long been my go-to Kitchen Magnum. I keep a 1.8L isshobin bottle hidden above my kitchen cabinet, and I nip on it from time to time... amping up sauces, having a little post-dinner cheese, pouring a snifter for guests after dinner. The longer it stays open, the better it gets. \u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935791198364,"sku":"","price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":41167818784924,"sku":"","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/heart_of_oak.png?v=1721883828"},{"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":"chiyomusubi-nezumi-otoko-junmai-ginjo-cup","title":"Chiyomusubi \"Nezumi Otoko\" Junmai Ginjo Cup","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCute packaging aside,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e this is an excellent dry, crisp style of junmai ginjo. Notes of steamed rice, blanched almond, white mushroom, crisp cucumber, and a little something lactic: like lightly sweetened ricotta for cannoli. The gohyakumangoku rice is the key: it's harder than most other sake rice and dissolves slowly, making for a lighter, crisper style of sake.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chiyomusubi series are \u003cem\u003eexcellent sake--\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003enot just excellent for cup sake. Nezumi Otoko's sibling cups: Oyaji and Kitaro are equally good, and each very different. It's a tiny tour of Tottori prefecture, and a throwback to Tottori's beloved old-timey manga\/cartoon that graced Japanese televisions over 30 years ago!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"180ml","offer_id":41098518593692,"sku":null,"price":13.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/chiyo_cup_gohyaku.png?v=1721883825"},{"product_id":"tensei-tokubetsu-honjozo-endless-summer","title":"Tensei Tokubetsu Honjozo \"Infinite Summer\"","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eThis sessionable honjozo reminds me of being beachside with a nice cold Mexican lager stuffed with a wedge of lime and a dash of salt. It has that classic, perfect honjozo balance where the flavor is full while remaining light on its feet. Notes of green melon, salt, brown rice and green apple. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSake like this definitely makes an argument for human and cultural driven terroir in brewing. Could Infinite Summer come from anywhere else but Kanagawa?\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41484308578460,"sku":"","price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/tensei_summer_copy.png?v=1721884060"},{"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":"heiwa-shuzou-kid-junmai","title":"Heiwa Shuzo \"KID\" Junmai","description":"\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026gt;One-cup (180ml) version located \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/heiwa-shuzo-kid-junmai-cup\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA subtle aroma of rich flavors-- sunflower seed, raw sesame seed, cream cheese frosting, quinoa-- greet you initially on pouring. Served room temperature or warm, KID Junmai is at its most expressive. The palate delivers much of the same, with classic yeast #7 notes of chewy dried banana, dried persimmon, molasses black bread, brown sugar, farmers' cheese, and rum. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEasily one of my top 5 for everyday enjoyment and the \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003ebig\u003c\/span\u003e reason I championed so hard to get this brewery to Oregon!\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42176496664732,"sku":"","price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":44810871242908,"sku":"","price":62.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kid_junmai.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"tamagawa-junmai-yamahai-muroka-nama-genshu-red-label-by2020","title":"Tamagawa Junmai Yamahai Muroka Nama Genshu \"Red Label\" BY2023","description":"\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSweet nuts on the nose: cashew, pistachio butter, cheesecake, sweet whey, okinawa brown sugar, nutella, and a twang of ammonia and smoky peat.  This palate knocks you off your socks! Powerfully savory and dynamically different cereal\/savory\/toasted notes than anything else you've ever had. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMy tasting notes never end with an ingredient, instead Red Label inevitably evokes an entire dish, a mood, a memory...I recall buckwheat groats shallow frying in butter...toasted wild rice, or 12 grain pancakes... heady, intoxicating, wildly evocative. The last aromas rising from a Summer fire pit dying down, burnt sugar, mezcal, especially long roasted agave hearts destined for distillation. Sweet notes of sultanas, hazelnut, amontillado sherry, birch syrup, comte and gruyere cheese.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA wild ride, that's for damn sure. Age at home (in the dark, room temp or cellar) if you want to take this ride even further, checking on its progress yearly.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eToji Philip Harper says,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\"It's mine until I sell it, then it's yours.\" Do what you want to with it. Age it, drink it, leave it out, cook with it, warm it, chill it, whatever you like. Just enjoy.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42178084274332,"sku":"","price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Tamagawa_rl.png?v=1721883826"},{"product_id":"copy-of-miyozakura-junmai-panda-cup","title":"Kokonoe Saika Junmai Yamahai","description":"\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDelicate and fine, showing lifted minerality, a faint, maple-like candycap mushroom note, very delicate fruit notes of bruised asian pear, and a bit of zippy astringency on the finish. While most yamahai are thought of as being meaty and wild, this is a young, almost ginjo-like yamahai with lots of energy and freshness, nearly water-white in color: nothing wild or meaty about it. A slightly higher than average acidity, and a delicate mouthfeel, makes it wine-like at the table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\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","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42304392396956,"sku":"","price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kokonoe_saika_yamahai.png?v=1756177668"},{"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":"shinkame-junmai","title":"Shinkame Junmai, \"Turtle God\"","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLike sitting in a bamboo throne, in the middle of Fall, eating persimmon shortbread with French vanilla ice cream while orange and red leaves collect on the ground around you.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThere are very few breweries that produce sake with this distinctive, evocative, deeply earthy aged aroma; I can think of only Shinkame and Kawashiri shuzo. Notes of fallen leaves, hoshigaki persimmon, old books, cocoa powder, underground caves, vanilla, marzipan and bamboo. Even at room temperature it spreads throughout the mouth like melting vanilla ice cream, coating the tongue and persisting for ages, finishing dry and earthy. At a warm 105F, the persimmon and spice notes really come out while the softer vanilla notes move to the background. Just phenomenal.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42462420336796,"sku":"","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/shinkame.png?v=1721883829"},{"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":"heiwa-shuzo-kid-junmai-cup","title":"Heiwa Shuzo \"KID\" Junmai Cup","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eA subtle aroma of rich flavors-- sunflower seed, raw sesame seed, cream cheese frosting, quinoa-- greet you initially on pouring. Served room temperature or warm, KID Junmai is at its most expressive. The palate delivers much of the same, with classic yeast #7 notes of chewy dried banana, dried persimmon, molasses black bread, brown sugar, farmers' cheese, and rum. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEasily one of my top 5 for everyday enjoyment and the \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003ebig\u003c\/span\u003e reason I championed so hard to get this brewery to Oregon!\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"180ml","offer_id":42506442014876,"sku":"","price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kid_junmai_cup.png?v=1721927167"},{"product_id":"kikusui-funaguchi-honjozo-nama-genshu-gold","title":"Kikusui Funaguchi Honjozo Nama Genshu \"Gold\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the world's most popular sake -- full-bodied and positively bursting with the fresh and creamy flavor of steamed rice, roasted hazelnuts, caramelized sugar and pungent tropical fruit.  Since Funaguchi's birth in the 47th year of the Showa period (1976) it has become beloved all over Japan, popular for home and restaurant consumption, and even as a portable treat for hikers and mountain climbers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"200ml","offer_id":42506486677660,"sku":"","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1500ml","offer_id":43015706214556,"sku":"","price":66.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Funaguchi_8e8411f4-d3a5-42c8-a950-f3c1340157f6.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"heiwa-shuzo-kid-junmai-ginjo-nama-natsu-no-shippou","title":"Heiwa Shuzo \"KID\" Junmai Ginjo Nama \"Natsu no Shippu\"","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebrisk and chilling\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e release from KID! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eintriguing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, dry profile, with notes of\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e melon, mint, and spring water... totally channeling the classic Italian combo of melon-mint-proscuitto. After your palate adjusts to the dry start, there's an an umami \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003erush\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in the mid palate and an astringent finish. It's almost like the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esurf\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e goes out with the\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e initial dry shallowness, and a wave of umami comes back in\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Notes of a\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eltoids, witch hazel, cucumber, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003egooseberry and lemongrass\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Serve ice cold to light chill, but I'll bet it wouldn't \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emind\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e a gentle warming, either.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 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 []\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAbout KID seasonals: \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eAs in Spring, the fascinating thing about KID seasonal sake is that the ingredients never change, but the flavors absolutely do. Always made with the same rice (Gohyakumangoku), water (Koyasan Nansui), ABV (15%), polishing ratio (50-55%), and yeast (blend of 901, 10, 14 and 1801), the variation in style is a result of maturity and minor tweaks in brewing temperature, fermentation curves, and handling. Natsu no Shippou, Summer’s Strong Wind, is dry, a bit astringent, herbaceous, very serious, and drinks very well at ice-cold temps. The name “KID” is a reference to approaching sake with a sense of novelty and open-mindedness, but also a portmanteau of “Kisshu” and “fudo”: Kisshu being the old name for Wakayama, and fudo meaning environment. KID is brewed to be modern in style, but the lack of variables in the seasonal releases (and all of their sake, in fact) lets the subtle influence of fudo-- terroir?-- express itself. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eLike the rest of their seasonal line, KID is doing a few unique things with this sake. First they are using Gohyakumangoku rice, which is a harder, denser variety that doesn’t dissolve as completely in the brew. As a result, the sake is more “angular” in the mouth-- not as plush. They are also using 4 different types of yeast and blending to achieve balance. 1801 lends notes of fennel and green apple, but it lacks umami. 901 lends richness and umami, but has mellower aromas of banana and melon. Together they form a whole and show off KID's blending skills.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42619224719516,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/KIDnatsu.png?v=1692217688"},{"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":"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":"kinoene-okarakuchi-shiboritate-junmai-nama-genshu","title":"Kinoene Okarakuchi Shiboritate Junmai Nama Genshu","description":"","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43566348992668,"sku":"","price":31.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kinoeneokarakuchi.png?v=1714433378"},{"product_id":"haneya-tj","title":"Haneya Tokubetsu Junmai","description":"\u003cp\u003eA light, delicate, crisp and dry Tokubetsu Junmai with a lovely balance of earthen notes, minerality, and gentle orchard fruit (. It's not often that I resonate with the Japanese producer's descriptions, but I feel it's really apt to describe this sake as having \"a refreshing transparency, like a gust of wind blowing through fresh greenery.\" What makes this sake special isn't a paragraph of descriptors or aromatic complexity, but a refreshing cleanliness and purity that can be hard to define. It floats across the palate, soft and feathery, finishing on a soaring mineral plateau. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHaneya is the flagship brand of the brewery and uses competition junmai daiginjo as the inspiration for all of its products, including this tokubetsu junmai. They perform closely monitored water absorption in small batches, koji rice is managed carefully using small volumes in boxes and futa (small boxes),use only the middle (naka) fraction of the pressing, and source only the highest quality local rice. \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman', 游明朝, 'Yu Mincho', 游明朝体, YuMincho, 'ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3', 'Hiragino Mincho Pro', HiraMinProN-W3, HGS明朝E, 'ＭＳ Ｐ明朝', 'MS PMincho', serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;\"\u003eBecause Haneya's sake brewing process is extremely time-consuming, they are unable to expand production and only produce a small number of limited edition products.\u003cspan\u003e They've been gaining international acclaim with multiple IWC award wins and a French Kura Master title as well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman', 游明朝, 'Yu Mincho', 游明朝体, YuMincho, 'ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3', 'Hiragino Mincho Pro', HiraMinProN-W3, HGS明朝E, 'ＭＳ Ｐ明朝', 'MS PMincho', serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43832498094236,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/HaneyaTJ.png?v=1717569149"},{"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":"tamazakura-yuuyuu-kankan-junmai-cup","title":"Tamazakura Yuuyuu Kankan Junmai Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eLocated in the mountains of Shimane, Tamazakura is a tiny brewery run by two brothers. For a very long time this sake was only consumed by locals. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTamazakura's special release junmai cup 'Yuyu Kankan'-- literally translated to leisurely hot sake--is a pun referring to being easygoing and leisurely. This casual sake is crafted with Gohyakumangoku grown in neighboring Onan-cho. When you open the lid, you'll notice the colour is deep and toffee toned – this is because the sake is aged and unfiltered. This Junmaishu shatters the conventional expectations of cup sake: it's anything but ordinary, with a subtle yet rich flavor. Enjoy at room temperature or warmed. It has the versatility of warm rice, so try it with a myriad of meals!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44646278791324,"sku":"","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/tamazakurakankan.png?v=1734928487"},{"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":"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":"kikunosato-daina-junmai-chokarakuchi","title":"Kikunosato Daina Junmai Chokarakuchi","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is an extra dry Junmai sake made with Gohyakumangoku rice, which is cultivated in Nasu highlands. The soft mouthfeel and velvety, prickly dry finish highlight its abundant umami, and make the sake come across softer and gentler than a lot of other chokarakuchi-- extra dry-- styles. Whether warmed or chilled, Daina is satisfying, deeply flavorful and complex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis brewery was established in 1866 but was reborn in 1955 as Kiku no Sato Shuzo after closing temporarily during the war. At present, they are a \u003cem\u003every\u003c\/em\u003e small-scale brewery run by four people – two generations in one family, plus two employees – and each year they produce only 400 koku, equivalent to a mere 40,000 1.8-liter bottles (and they are only operational between late October and early April). The chief brewer (or toji) who is responsible for overall sake production is managing director Makoto Akutsu. Together with the rest of his kura, they aim to produce sake that is full-bodied and balanced yet with a clean finish – sake that can be enjoyed with meals which will actually enhance the flavors of a meal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sunflower Sake","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45148899377308,"sku":null,"price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Dainachokarakuchijunmai.png?v=1753767389"},{"product_id":"kikusui-funaguchi-gold-sparkling","title":"Kikusui Funaguchi  Honjozo \"Gold\" Sparkling","description":"\u003cp\u003eGold Sparkling hits all the same notes as it's still counterpart- fragrant, freshly pounded mochi, juicy melon and mango, banana ginjo-ka but with a bubbly lift from added carbonic acid. Fabulous on the rocks or straight out of the can!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"200ml","offer_id":45384658485404,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1500ml","offer_id":45384658518172,"sku":null,"price":66.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Screenshot2025-12-19at1.47.38PM.png?v=1766180939"},{"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":"haneya-kirabi-junmai-ginjo-nama","title":"Haneya Kirabi Junmai Ginjo Nama","description":"\u003cp\u003eHaneya is the flagship brand of the brewery and uses competition junmai daiginjo as the inspiration for all of its products, including this junmai ginjo nama. They perform closely monitored water absorption in small batches, koji rice is managed carefully using small volumes in boxes and futa (small boxes),use only the middle (naka) fraction of the pressing, and source only the highest quality local rice. \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman', 游明朝, 'Yu Mincho', 游明朝体, YuMincho, 'ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3', 'Hiragino Mincho Pro', HiraMinProN-W3, HGS明朝E, 'ＭＳ Ｐ明朝', 'MS PMincho', serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;\"\u003eBecause Haneya's sake brewing process is extremely time-consuming, they are unable to expand production and only produce a small number of limited edition products.\u003cspan\u003e They've been gaining international acclaim with multiple IWC award wins and a French Kura Master title as well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman', 游明朝, 'Yu Mincho', 游明朝体, YuMincho, 'ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3', 'Hiragino Mincho Pro', HiraMinProN-W3, HGS明朝E, 'ＭＳ Ｐ明朝', 'MS PMincho', serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47046205472924,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/haneyakirabi_a88b2376-6aac-414b-933d-b38b2cf684fd.png?v=1782261141"},{"product_id":"heiwa-shuzo-kid-fusion","title":"Heiwa Shuzo \"KID\" Fusion (330ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-copy-service-computed-style=\"font-family: Google Sans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);\" style=\"font-family: Google Sans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);\"\u003eKID Fusion Sake\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e (also known as \u003cem class=\"eujQNb\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-copy-service-computed-style=\"font-family: Google Sans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);\" style=\"font-family: Google Sans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);\"\u003eKID Takagi's Fusion Sake\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e) is an innovative, category-defying beverage created by Heiwa Shuzo, masters of Kid sake, Heiwa Craft beer, and Tsuru-ume fruit sake. \u003cbr\u003eBlurring the lines between craft beer and sake, Fusion features a pale pink hue, uses beer hops, natural bottle-conditioned carbonation, and delivers flavors reminiscent of pink grapefruit and yogurt.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom the brewery:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbout Kido Takagi's Fusion Sake Toji Series #2\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eKanako Takagi, who brewed this sake, is from Kita-ku, Tokyo.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eShe serves as the head brewer at Heiwa Craft, and designed the fusion of beer and sake as her theme.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe original plan was to brew sake with beer yeast, but brewery owner Yamamoto's advice to use beer hops and take advantage of the gassy sensation led to the fusion saké.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe hops and sake mingled together, giving it a pink grapefruit and yogurt nuance,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe color is unexpectedly light pink. Please enjoy it chilled.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"330ml","offer_id":47169593770140,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/KidFusion.png?v=1783463344"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/collections\/IMG_4081_ca405834-4f4d-48db-aa09-66353769167f.jpg?v=1721948497","url":"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/collections\/gohyakumangoku-rice-%e4%ba%94%e7%99%be%e4%b8%87%e7%9f%b3.oembed?page=3","provider":"Sunflower Sake","version":"1.0","type":"link"}