{"title":"junmai ginjo \u0026 ginjo","description":"\u003cp\u003eGinjo and Junmai Ginjo (hereafter G\/JG) styles vary from brewery to brewery, but their uniting quality is being a bit more delicate, elegant, or in wine-speak we might call it precision and finesse, than honjozo, junmai and futsushu. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eG\/JG\u003c\/span\u003e can be floral and aromatic, fruity or plush, while others are ricey, umami, nutty, or herbal. Some are intensely flavorful and rich, others are featherweight and water-like. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the legal requirements for \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eG\/JG\u003c\/span\u003e are so broad, differing from other premium grades only by specifying rice polishing percentage and koji management, a very wide range of \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eG\/JG\u003c\/span\u003e can be found. Personally, I think of \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eG\/JG\u003c\/span\u003e as being \"wine glass sake:\" something you sip and appreciate, often chilled, often with food.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"dewazakura-isumi-judan","title":"Dewazakura Ginjo Genshu Okarakuchi \"Izumi Judan - Tenth Degree\"","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA martini-lover’s sake: dry and clear with aromatics reminiscent of Tanqueray. No other ginjo combines dryness (+12 on the sake scale) and edginess (36 proof) to such exhilarating effect. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eIt has a gentle and fresh mountain breeze kind of scent, light herbals, ouzo, a collection of alpine smells you might imagine are wafting from the basket of Julie Andrews as Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music. The palate is full and creamy, deep and long, with a nice line of acidity and mineral giving it an icy-crisp structure.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"eut-element eut-dropcap\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935791296668,"sku":"","price":41.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":44780160450716,"sku":"","price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/dewazakura_izumi_judan.png?v=1721883826"},{"product_id":"chiyonosono-sacred-power","title":"Chiyonosono Junmai Ginjo \"Sacred Power\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eChiyonosono Junmai Ginjo has this gorgeous texture when chilled, that strikes me as utterly unique-- fuzzy, velveteen, smooth-- with flavors dialed in to perfect balance and clarity. Kombu dashi, velvety soft anjou pear, hay, chamomile, and salty sea spray. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"Sacred Power,\" a direct translation of \u003cem\u003eshinriki\u003c\/em\u003e, is made with 100% Shinriki rice. Shinriki is a old rice variety native to Honshu and very difficult to grow. It grows about 3x the height of standard crossbreeding rice. To grow it requires a lot of skill and patience. As a result Shinriki was long thought lost to time, falling out of cultivation for decades. The family's history with Shinriki encouraged them to bring it back: a distant relative of Chiyonosono in the late 1800s helped develop the sake-brewing strain of Shinriki that is used today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSo it’s very difficult to grow— it’s hard to find farmers willing to grow it. And it needs to be personally certified by a representative from the government every year to be an official sake rice for Kumamoto prefecture. Someone has to take a plane from Tokyo, drive out to the fields, and physically certify the rice every time. It’s a huge pain, so Chiyonosono tried to ask the importer if they could change the rice up a bit, or maybe use a blend of rice to make this product. However, the importer Kome Collective would not accept this and insisted on 100% Kumamoto shinriki rice. As a result, the Sacred Power we get is ONLY exported to the US— the Japanese version is a blend! If you visit the brewery, you can’t even try this 100% Shinriki sake. It's a US exclusive, and it sure is fantastic!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":41484851642524,"sku":"","price":43.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/sacred.png?v=1714429895"},{"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-kitaro-junmai-ginjo-cup","title":"Chiyomusubi \"Kitaro\" Junmai Ginjo Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eCute packaging aside,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e this is a \u003cem\u003ereally good\u003c\/em\u003e junmai ginjo. It's distinctive for its lovely balance of rich umami and juicy fruit. Notes of \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eripe honeydew melon, applesauce, vanilla pudding, and just-ripe banana, make a strong case for a little $10 splurge!\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chiyomusubi series are \u003cem\u003eexcellent sake--\u003c\/em\u003e not just excellent for cup sake. Kitaro's sibling cups: Oyaji and Nezumi Otoko 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":41098518560924,"sku":"","price":13.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/chiyo_kitaro.png?v=1721883829"},{"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":"chogetsu-clear-moon","title":"Chogetsu Junmai Ginjo \"Clear Moon\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eChogetsu Junmai Ginjo \"Clear Moon\" is brewed in snowy Akita prefecture using the Akita kimoto starter method. This sake is a great example of how \"ginjo\" doesn't always imply fruity, and instead it can imply clarity and precision. So too, kimoto doesn't always imply savory: Chogetsu is first and foremost bright and floral, with notes of blanched almond, alpine wildflowers, and tart, crisp pears.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":41112974426268,"sku":"","price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300ml","offer_id":45817128419484,"sku":null,"price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Chogetsu.png?v=1721883828"},{"product_id":"chiyomusubi-oyaji","title":"Chiyomusubi \"Oyaji\" Junmai Ginjo Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eCute packaging aside,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e this is a great junmai ginjo with a fascinating story. Goriki is Tottori's long-lost heirloom rice brought back from near-extinction in the late 20th century, now brewed into some of the prefecture's best sake. Oyaji is clean, smooth, with soft notes of chestnut, amazake, raw sugar, and hints of orchard fruit.\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. Kitaro's sibling cups: Oyaji and Nezumi Otoko 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, \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGegege no Kitaroo, \u003c\/span\u003ethat graced Japanese televisions over 30 years ago. This is the character Medama Oyaji, One Eye Old Man, who enjoys baths in a ramen bowl. Gokyraru Oyaji means \"old man having a great time!\" He is the main hero of the manga\/anime.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"180ml","offer_id":41157970526364,"sku":null,"price":13.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/oyaji_cup.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"amabuki-junmai-ginjo-himawari-cup","title":"Amabuki Junmai Ginjo \"Himawari\" Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis earthy stunner has a hint of dryness on the finish that pairs beautifully with an array of different cuisines, and the unique sunflower yeast provides a rounded flavor you won’t soon forget. Notes of wildflowers and anise. Enjoy the smooth palate and crisp finish of this excellent and interesting sake. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41444335091868,"sku":"","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/amabuki_blue.png?v=1721927369"},{"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-kan-nihonkai-cho-karakuchi-junmai-genshu","title":"Akishika Okarakuchi \"Super Dry\" Junmai Ginjo Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\" data-mce-style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eThe dry, dirty martini of the sake world. Like a spiced gin distilled with clove, almond and grains, the mid-palate brings a resonant, rich intensity while the finish ends sharply-- a crisp, briney clarity. Faint, unassuming aromatics of soft pear, white pepper and rice bran give way on the palate to deep, ricey umami: kombu dashi, five spice and apple chip. In addition to being super dry (SMV +15), this nama is also undiluted: high in flavor intensity as well as ABV, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\" data-mce-style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eand also high in acidity (2.6): roughly double your typical junmai. An overwhelmingly crisp, refreshing bottle which is equally delighftul on ice as it is warm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41484830081180,"sku":"","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/products\/AkishikiOkarakuchi_530x_2x_919426a7-fbbe-4a0f-9092-f583cac305bc_1.png?v=1671613713"},{"product_id":"nina-no-uguisu-doburoku","title":"Niwa no Uguisu Doburoku","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNiwa no Uguisu contains only 6% alcohol by volume, making it very(!) easy to drink and well suited to a lazy afternoon. It’s delightfully thick with grains of rice, and has a nice fruity aroma. If you feel like nigori just isn't cutting it, and you need something really substantial, well...\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDoburoku isn't usually a complex flavor, but it's comforting and lovely, nourishing and even healthy-feeling like amazake. Notes of apple, peach, melon, kiwi, a bit of tart grapefruit, and soft fresh mochi. If you’re a fan of Calpis, Yakult, white Ramune, or even drinkable kefir, you’ll probably be a huge fan of this light-hearted doburoku! I adore it, and special order cases year after year...and even despite a substantial price increase (SO bummed), it's a real beauty.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/blogs\/news\/a-love-letter-to-doburoku\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eA Love Letter to Doburoku \u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAdapted from Sunflower Sake Club writeup, March 2022\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41534924914844,"sku":"","price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/niwanouguisudoburoku.png?v=1699590437"},{"product_id":"kawatsuru-junmai-ginjo-olive","title":"Kawatsuru Junmai Ginjo \"Olive\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eJapan in general is obsessive with perfection and refinement. And although it's the smallest prefecture in Japan, Kagawa is also the only place where olives are grown, thanks to the protected climate and relative dryness (depending on the year we draw data, either the least rainfall or third to least). The Mission olive was introduced ~50 years ago and is now influencing all aspects of local culture: olive wagyu, olive hamachi, sashimi and crudo with local olive oil. It's becoming part of the identity of Kagawa and they are continually innovating its use and integrating olives with the local culture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor this sake Kawatsuru uses a hyper-local rice, sanuki yoimai. This combined with the unique olive yeast, isolated from the skins of olives by prefectural researchers, gives a briney and buttery character on the palate. It's hard to trust your palate when \"olive\" sake creates such a power of suggestion, but this might be one of the few sake that earnestly represents the yeast from which it was developed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to kuramoto Yuichiro-san, it was incredibly difficult to develop this sake. Whenever you tried to adjust the temperature it would rebel... Want it to be cold? it would warm up, need to warm it up? It would cool down and get sluggish. Ultimately, he had to learn to let the yeast call the shots. The issue is that too high of temperature develops the acidity to excess, while too low of temperature and there’s a risk of stuck fermentation. Low temperatures encourage ginjo aromatics, and the right amount of acidity is necessary to balance its relatively weak fermentation power and residual sweetness. So you have to ferment cold, but always riding the line, and letting the yeast choose its own path. Ultimately, it’s a difficult brew with rewarding outcomes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- notionvc: 1c428525-dd8b-4cef-83aa-dd2862daf3c3 --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42114054029468,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kawatsuruolive.png?v=1714366280"},{"product_id":"mantensei-kinoko","title":"Mantensei Junmai Ginjo \"Kinoko\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMantensei Kinoko: perhaps the perfect autumnal sake. Kuramoto (brewery president) Touda-san is, like myself and so many others in Portland, a mushroom hunter and enthusiast. This is his homage to mushrooms: the seasons we hunt for them, the dishes we make with them, their beautiful flavors and aromas, and finally the fungus which is itself the beating heart of sake: koji– \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003easpergillus oryzae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAt room temperature, I taste sweet, spiced, and earthy notes: brown sugar, hay, buckwheat honey, wheat berries, nutmeg, black tea, graham cracker, cocoa, apricot, turned earth, and of course mushroom. At ~110F, the flavor becomes more pronounced and brings out slightly more sweet notes (more brown sugar and honey), while suppressing or transforming the bitter (cocoa becomes milk chocolate…buckwheat honey becomes honey). The acidity is moderate, however it comes across as soft because the texture is so velvety, weighty, and rich. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis sake has enough balance and flavor on its own to be enjoyable as a sipper, especially gently warmed (try 105-120F). However, all sake benefits from something salty, so if you do want to enjoy it with Netflix as opposed to dinner, consider at least a little dollop of miso or salty chips on the side. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42114064187548,"sku":"","price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kinoko.png?v=1721883828"},{"product_id":"shichida-junmai-ginjo-namazake","title":"Shichida Junmai Ginjo Nama","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\u003cspan width=\"100\" class=\"spec   right\"\u003eFrom the brewery: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cspan width=\"100\" class=\"spec   right\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan width=\"100\" class=\"spec   right\"\u003e\"A hint of violet and white peach flavours, a slight sweetness in your mouth once you’ve finished tasting, and fizzy Nama feelings.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\u003cspan width=\"100\" class=\"spec   right\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\u003cspan width=\"100\" class=\"spec   right\"\u003eShichida is always on the pricey side, but it's also always one of the best seasonal releases every year, worth a revisit to once again appreciate the gorgeous balance and seductive velvety texture. 2026 has a very long finish with violet candies, honeysuckle, vanilla soft cream, soft, ripe pear-- it's an almost black, dark green colored label but it should probably be periwinkle, if we're honest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42114073952412,"sku":"","price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/shichidanama.png?v=1711735548"},{"product_id":"seikyo-junmai-ginjo-omachi-namazake","title":"Seikyo Junmai Ginjo Omachi Namazake (2026)","description":"\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAs usual for Omachi rice, the palate on this namazake is broad and expansive. It fills your mouth with texture and carries the cultivar's distinctive herbal qualities through a loooong and lovely finish.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\nOff-dry, with a full body, unctuous-- creamy-- but not heavy. Umami-forward with notes of labneh yogurt, white mushroom, anise candies, and vanilla custard. But this is highlighted by lightweight, bright, herbal notes of pandan, fresh fennel, mint, lemongrass and allspice. An absolute delight for lovers of omachi.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42114078605468,"sku":"","price":41.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Seikyonamazakecopy.png?v=1713567182"},{"product_id":"kidoizumi-hyakkugokyo-junmai-ginjo-namazake","title":"Kidoizumi Hakugyokko Junmai Ginjo Muroka Nama Genshu, \"Fragrant Jewel\"","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis fresh Hakugyokko release evokes Chenin-like notes of beeswax, lanolin, cumin, white currant, white airhead taffy, green grape, canteloupe and tamarind jarritos. The palate goes deep with funky notes of mimolette, malt and oat bran, deep orange cheddars and a long finish. It's a wild ride!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHakugyokko is full bodied and densely concentrated: high acidity, high flavor intensity, high minerality and astringency with a long finish, but on the palate it's not cloying or heavy... it drifts across the tongue.  If you're familiar with other Kidoizumi products, this Yamadanishiki brew rests somewhere between Kidoizumi \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/kidoizumi-yamadanishiki?_pos=4\u0026amp;_sid=c4e8dfd7c\u0026amp;_ss=r\" target=\"_blank\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/kidoizumi-yamadanishiki?_pos=4\u0026amp;_sid=c4e8dfd7c\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\"Gold Label\u003c\/a\u003e\" and \"\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/kidoizumi-junmai-muroka-nama-genshu-yamahai-hanafubuki-pink-label?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=c4e8dfd7c\u0026amp;_ss=r\" target=\"_blank\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/kidoizumi-junmai-muroka-nama-genshu-yamahai-hanafubuki-pink-label?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=c4e8dfd7c\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003ePink Label\"\u003c\/a\u003e stylistically. A bit of the fruity, jammy qualities of pink label, and a bit of the mushroomy, aged pungency of gold label. Unlike Gold Label, Hakugyokko is made with Hyogo Yamadanishiki rice and not aged at the brewery before release; Gold Label is made with Saitama organic Yamadanishiki from a single producer and aged before release.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStill, Hakugyokko is suitable for age. Store at cellar temps and check on it every few years. Time brings out kaleidoscopic, wild and chewy notes of salted cajeta, buttered sweet potato, miso, honeydew melon, dried mango, shiitake mushroom, gjetost, fig jam, caramelized onion, and milk chocolate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42194511757468,"sku":"","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Hakugyokko.png?v=1714427954"},{"product_id":"akabu-shuzo-junmai-ginjo","title":"Akabu Shuzo Junmai Ginjo","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"page\" title=\"Page 9\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAkabu Junmai Ginjo opens with aromas of apple followed by flavors of vanilla and almond milk. The acidity and refreshing sweetness are well balanced leading to a harmonious drinking experience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42177687847068,"sku":"","price":51.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/akabu_jg.png?v=1721883828"},{"product_id":"amabuki-junmai-ginjo-ichigo-cup","title":"Amabuki Junmai Ginjo \"Ichigo\" Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eStrawberry flower sake yeast is used to give this sake a uniquely complex and layered fruitiness that is indeed reminiscent of fresh wild strawberries and all of the forest understory that grows beside them-- power of suggestion, or something to it?  A succulent bottle loaded with new and interesting flavors. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe completely pasteurized cup version of this sake-- which was originally introduced as a namazake-- offers an interesting interpretation of the immensely popular Amabuki Ichigo (nama). It maintains the plush mouthfeel and rich body of the original, but the texture and flavor linger much longer than the nama. There's a tiny touch of sweetness on the finish but the balance is perfect and the overall impression is more serious than playful. It's the most \"ginjo\" of the three Amabuki cups, and perhaps the most representative of its yeast.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAn incredible value for this wee little gem!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42177983250588,"sku":"","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Amabuki_ichigo.png?v=1721883829"},{"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":"kamoizumi-red-maple","title":"Kamoizumi \"Red Maple\" Junmai Ginjo Namazume Genshu 2Y Aged","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePotent and flavorful: the perfect sipping sake. U\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003enpasteurized, undiluted (18.5% ABV) and aged two years at 5°C. Rich, satisfying flavor that improves with age. Enjoy neat, or over a single ice cube. Also delicious warm, which emphasizes the body and richness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42243684991132,"sku":"","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/red_maple_e502b943-abcd-4118-9704-93e126ee8081.png?v=1721883828"},{"product_id":"izumibashi-junmai-ginjo-megumi-blue-label","title":"Izumibashi Junmai Ginjo \"Megumi Blue Label\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn uncanny, gorgeous balance of acidity, mouth-coating and resonant umami, undulating contrasts of bright and deep. I love this sake, but it's so hard to explain in words, exactly what makes it special. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNotes of Fuji apple, marzipan, crispy fried brown rice, basque cider and a squeeze of lemon.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42482081824924,"sku":"","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/megumi_blue.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"nanbu-bijin-tokubetsu-junmai-cup","title":"Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eNanbu Bijin's signature brand, which uses locally-grown Iwate Ginotome rice and which, some might say, contributed to a revolution in sake style which is today known as \u003cem\u003emodern\u003c\/em\u003e sake: fresh, lightly effervescent, a little sweet, fruity and aromatic! A lot of quality and personality in one little cup.\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"180ml","offer_id":42506453581980,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Nanbu_Bijin.png?v=1719437310"},{"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":"bizen-maboroshi-junmai-ginjo","title":"Bizen Maboroshi Junmai Ginjo Omachi","description":"\u003cp\u003eBizen Maboroshi might be the quintessential omachi sake, at least in my book. The flavor profile is extremely unique, one of a kind really, and gives you the full impression of heirloom omachi rice. Notes of s\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003epearmint, rose, fresh-cut grass, white pepper and balsa wood make you wonder if this is truly just made from rice. An unctuous, slippery body reminds you that this is indeed omachi, famous for its weight on the palate-- like heavy cream in a sea of skim milk. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe brewery is situated amongst omachi fields, where the varietal was first discovered in 1859. It's brewed from the very best local plots of rice based on centuries-old relationships with local farming families. The sake is brewed with the same water that nourishes this rice, by a brewery that exclusively works with omachi. It's truly the deepest love letter to this special, rare and coveted grain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42953523888284,"sku":"","price":43.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300ml","offer_id":42953523921052,"sku":"","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/bizen_o.png?v=1721883829"},{"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":"copy-of-kuroushi-omachi-junmai-ginjo-black-bull-cup-180ml","title":"Kuroushi Omachi Junmai Ginjo \"Black Bull\" Cup (180ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eSimultaneously light and pure, but with resonant chocolatey depth on the palate and a bright acidity to set it off. Notes of spice (perhaps nutmeg, fenugreek, \u0026amp; mace), white mushroom, toasted cereals, lots of herbaceous top notes. It's dry but there's a background sweetness, little molasses quality-- like lyle's golden syrup. A weighty, oily finish, classic resonant Omachi.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWithout a doubt, one of our most premium one-cups. Truly gorgeous sake within!\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"custom-attributes\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43087349317788,"sku":null,"price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kuroushicup.png?v=1707776148"},{"product_id":"eiko-fuji-junmai-ginjo-origarami","title":"Eiko Fuji Junmai Ginjo Origarami","description":"\u003cp\u003eA lightly hazy, gently creamy sake with notes of rainier cherry, melon creamy soda, and ramune. It tastes a lot brighter and more acid-driven than it is, and it doesn't come across nearly as sweet as you might expect either. If a nigori were a rose, like if you closed your eyes and used your imagination and convinced yourself it was pink... that's where my mind goes with this Eiko Fuji gem: a warm-climate rose with florals and stonefruity notes, much like provence. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrigarami is a style of nigori (cloudy) sake which is very unique. It's hazy from the fine lees (ori) left over after pressing the sake clear. Usually what happens is, when the  (porridge-like) sake mash is pressed, there are still some very fine rice particles left over in the almost-clear sake. Those fine particles are generally removed with gravity, by letting the just-pressed sake sit for 12-24 hours in cold storage, and then pulling the clean sake off the top as the particles settle to the bottom. What's left over at the bottom, softly hazy, is origarami-- and the term for that fine particulate is ori.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe result is a nigori (ish!) with a very silky, fine texture that just glazes the tongue: a style you usually only see (in very limited amounts, at local shops) in Japan during the bottling season, as each batch provides just a bit of origarami sake. It's really special!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEiko Fuji's juicy origarami has a lovely bright acidity to it which is brightened further by its freshness and single light pasteurization, making the sake taste almost effervescent and crisp.  It's undiluted (genshu) with lots of flavor, and aromatic with stonefruit notes typical of Yamagata KA yeast. The use of Miyamanishiki to me is telling: common in Yamagata and other cool-climate areas, Miyamanishiki has a richness and velvetiness to it that might make it my favorite sake rice (at time of this writing!) Miyamanishiki is like a cozy blanket and a warm hug. So happy to share this new nigori with you!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43837738123420,"sku":"","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Eikofuji.png?v=1717566173"},{"product_id":"sankan-shuzo-junmai-ginjo-omachi-triple-crown","title":"Sankan Shuzo Junmai Ginjo Omachi \"Triple Crown\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eA really pretty sake with elegant spice notes... the prettiest pink peppercorn, orange flower, pistachio and rosewater shortbread, violet candies, Earl Grey \u0026amp; salty grapefruit. I'm listing all these big perfumey aromatics, but this isn't a super-floral sake like CEL-24... it's quite a bit more subtle and nuanced, on par with \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/tenbi-tokubetsu-junmai?_pos=2\u0026amp;_psq=tenbi\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTenbi Tokubetsu Junmai\u003c\/a\u003e. The palate is on the dry side, a touch of astringency on the finish keeping it clean and moreish. That familiar velvety texture and rich umami typical of Omachi rice comes out when it's at room temperature, but served chilled in a wine glass it reads as lean and tight, with a tension that reminds me of \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/moriki-shuzo-hanabusa-junmai-yamahai-muroka-nama-genshu-2023?_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=moriki\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMoriki Shuzo\u003c\/a\u003e (where the toji trained!) or Matsunotsukasa. The finish is longer than you'd expect for a dry sake, lingering with subtle depth and delicate perfume. Warms beautifully to ~125 as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpring 2024, we visited Sankan Shuzo during a brief daytrip to Kojima, which is a port town at the end of a peninsula in Okayama, jutting out into the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. Kurashiki is famous for denim (before that: fabric mills, uniforms and cotton growing, as the high salt content in the soil is inhospitable to rice) but it also has fantastic seafood and a few excellent sake breweries. Sankan is a pretty classic tale of a family business on the brink revived with new energy from its next generation. But, maybe because he's around my same age and comes from an IT background, I find Masumi-san totally relatable and a joy to be around. Masumi-san is kind, funny, super outgoing, and open minded...and he's gone to great (even very silly) personal lengths to turn the tide on Sankan. When he first came home, he did everything solo and by hand, and in pursuing an export contract tried his damnedest to communicate in English before eventually, exhaustedly learning that his import contact speaks Japanese. A brewery of Sankan's size (100 koku) might be one of the smallest we carry here at Sunflower (\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/nishide-shuzo-junmai-moromi?_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=nishide\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eNishide\u003c\/a\u003e being the other)... and has no business supplying an importer as well known as Kome Collective... but Masumi's determination, hustle, and guts got it done. Huge respect, and frankly, I can't wait to return and spend more time getting to know him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll in all, Triple Crown is a very special and unique addition to our Omachi lineup and I anticipate drinking a lot of it! :)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44251084226716,"sku":"","price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/sankan.png?v=1721840465"},{"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":"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":"harushika-junmai-ginjo-hiyaoroshi-300ml","title":"Harushika Junmai Ginjo Hiyaoroshi (300ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Harushika experience through and through. This junmai ginjo is made with Harushika's own house variation on Kyoukai #7 yeast, lending delicate top notes of melon cream soda, strawberry shortcake, rice pudding, and osmanthus tea. Brewed last Winter and rested through the Summer, this year's bottling feels fresh, yet mature. A touch on the sweet side, but refreshing enough to please a dry sake purist. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45274395541660,"sku":null,"price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/harushika_4094d0d5-2c1b-4dd2-bad3-6f7653f4334c.png?v=1757635217"},{"product_id":"uehara-furosen-nakagumi-junmai-ginjo-yamahai-mng","title":"Uehara Furosen Nakagumi Junmai Ginjo Yamahai MNG (6\/25 bottling)","description":"\u003cp\u003eUsing Yamadanishiki rice grown in Shiga prefecture, this junmai ginjo is viscous and robust, with a beautiful balance of juicy fruit notes like half-baked plum, a round softness at the start and end of the palate, and sharp, defining acidity that meanders into bittersweet, single origin chocolate-like intensity and long finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ee;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/furosen.com\/\" title=\"Uehara Sake Brewery Official Site\" style=\"color: #0000ee;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ethe official website:\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003eOur company was founded in 1862 and has been brewing sake in the snowy northwest of Lake Biwa, bringing out the full flavor of the rice. We mainly brew Yamahai sake, using only temperature manipulation to attract and cultivate the natural yeast within the brewery, a traditional method of brewing sake brewed using the power of nature. We do not use machines to press the sake, but rather use a wooden barrel and balance press, which takes three days and three nights. The sake brewed over two months or more has a nostalgic acidity and a unique flavor with a mellow, firm texture that goes down smoothly, making it a genuine Japanese sake that can be enjoyed both cold and warm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003eSake flavors are not limited to \"dry\" and \"sweet.\" There is also a flavor called \"umakuchi.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003eThe moment you put it in your mouth, the richness and sweetness of the rice spreads throughout your mouth, leaving a refreshing aftertaste as it passes down your throat and quickly disappears. This is truly delicious sake.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"JS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45348578328732,"sku":null,"price":47.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Furosenjunmaiginjonakagumi.png?v=1758581834"},{"product_id":"nabeshima-junmai-ginjo","title":"Nabeshima Junmai Ginjo Yamada Nishiki","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45348793974940,"sku":null,"price":47.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Screenshot2025-10-03at2.50.31PM.png?v=1760054088"},{"product_id":"jinyu-junmai-ginjo-100-poems","title":"Jinyu Junmai Ginjo \"100 Poems\"","description":"","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45350847316124,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Screenshot2025-10-23at4.11.09PM.png?v=1761261120"},{"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":"ippakusuisei-junmai-ginjo","title":"Ippakusuisei Junmai Ginjo","description":"\u003cp\u003eElegantly fruity with clean salinity, this junmai gingo delivers a pleasant nose of sweet bananas with a hint of strawberry and wildflower honey. Brewed using medium-hard spring water that is rich in minerals, it drinks fresh and inviting, with a dry palate that finishes long and savory. Serve chilled in a wineglass to highlight the aromas. Perfect with seafood.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46485914550428,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/ippakujunmaiginjo_9dd2d2fc-a745-46a3-a5f5-70dd1dabf65b.png?v=1773283122"},{"product_id":"nanbu-bijin-ginjo-cup","title":"Nanbu Bijin Ginjo Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eMuch prettier and more delicate than the famous Tokubetsu Junmai (red labeled) Nanbu Bijin, the blue-labeled ginjo is an absolute treat with a light chill or at room temp. Put it in the ice box and lug a few to the riverside hang. Fruit basket, floral, cotton candy and juicy mandarin, with bass notes of chestnuts and steamed sweet potatoes. Sharp, crisp, and light-bodied.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe convenient aluminum can protect the sake from light damage and makes it easy to take it anywhere and for any occasion. Elegant and beautiful sake from start to finish, as expected from Nanbu Bijin. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"180ml","offer_id":46965472231580,"sku":null,"price":13.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/bijinbluecup.png?v=1782190999"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/collections\/IMG_0102.jpg?v=1687412236","url":"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/collections\/junmai-ginjo-and-ginjo.oembed?page=4","provider":"Sunflower Sake","version":"1.0","type":"link"}