{"title":"Junmai","description":"\u003cp\u003eJunmai means \"pure rice,\" and refers to the fact that junmai sake is brewed only from rice, water, rice koji, yeast, and usually, a small amount of lactic acid. Because rice polishing is unspecified, a regular junmai could theoretically be made from 1% polish all the way to 100%, brown rice! As a result, junmai is highly variable. It's difficult to make generalizations about flavor and style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, for a regular junmai, polishing is most often between 60 and 90%. As a result, it is typically less delicate than other sake, has higher umami, more rice\/grain\/nutty flavors, more texture, and more shibumi (astringency). Junmai is an affordable, everyday style to be enjoyed with food and at any temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite having plenty of fancy sake in the Sunflower fridge...at the end of the day, I very often reach for a good junmai. It's hearty, satisfying, ricey and delicious. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\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":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":41167818784924,"sku":"","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/heart_of_oak.png?v=1721883828"},{"product_id":"tamagawa-time-machine","title":"Tamagawa Junmai Koshu \"Time Machine\" 2022","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDeep, complex, gently aged, made with a high proportion of koji. Delicious r\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eoom temp to lightly warmed. Based on a 1712 recipe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTastes and feels like\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: Toasted hazelnut, mead, white soy sauce, golden raisins, crispy chicken skin, decaying fall leaves, dates, acorns, dried mushrooms, walnut butter, roasted squash, maple syrup, sweet onion marmalade, fenugreek, roasted yellow beets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"300ml","offer_id":40935791263900,"sku":"","price":31.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/time_machine.png?v=1721883825"},{"product_id":"taiheizan-great-peace-mountain","title":"Taiheizan Junmai Kimoto \"Great Peace Mountain\"","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCreamy and unctuous! \u003c\/span\u003eCashew milk, horchata, oat milk foam, nutmeg, hollandaise, cultured butter, roasted parsnip, freshly steamed rice. Like sake whipped with the highest quality cultured butter. Subtle, creamy, and dry.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935791460508,"sku":"","price":33.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300ml","offer_id":42346635919516,"sku":"","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/taiheizan.png?v=1721883825"},{"product_id":"tedorigawa-silver-mountain","title":"Tedorigawa Junmai Yamahai \"Silver Mountain\"","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eElegant, precise, and earthy. Fantastic at a\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eny temperature. Absolutely one of my favorite yamahais and the door into yamahai for daiginjo fans. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMineral, very mild, vaguely earthy at first with a fresh hit of creamy banana whip-- but gets rounder and earthier as it ages.  Straw, molasses, honey whole wheat bread, banana chip, untoasted oak and mesquite chips, acorns, buckwheat, brown rice, flint, earth. Extremely well integrated acidity, a truly subtle and profound balance. A drawn-out ricey savoriness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935791526044,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/silver_mtn.png?v=1721883826"},{"product_id":"akishika-bambi-cup","title":"Akishika Junmai Bambi Cup","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDry sake with a tranquil aroma of cream and grain. Round, viscous, creamy and savory flavor with clean finish. Akishika means autumn deer, and is a lovely example of Akishika's savory and rice-forward house style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"180ml","offer_id":40935791624348,"sku":"","price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/akishika_cup.png?v=1721883830"},{"product_id":"masumi-junmai-mirror-of-truth","title":"Masumi Junmai Okuden Mirror of Truth","description":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMasumi's ideal Junmai. Mellow and mild-mannered in all aspects, with subtle, organic flavors and a hint of rice sweetness. It is aimed to keep a hint of the original rice flavors, and the soft water used in the Suwa kura was perfect for this. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLongtime sake-drinkers find this sake comfortingly familiar. It is smooth at first sip, and displays a range of subtle, organic flavours as well as a pleasant natural sweetness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"300ml","offer_id":40935792181404,"sku":"","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935792148636,"sku":"","price":41.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":41212132360348,"sku":"","price":70.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/masumi_junmai.png?v=1721883827"},{"product_id":"ohyama-aka","title":"Ohyama Junmai \"Aka\"","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTo me, Aka is nostalgic. It's a symphony of all the breakfast cereals of my youth: wheaties, grape nuts, cheerios, kix, and raisin bran (my parents didn't let me have the sugary stuff!) along with familiar notes of just-ripe banana, yogurt, clotted cream, toasted nuts and almond milk.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eAka isn't going to knock you out of your seat, but if you're anything like me, it will be a comforting and familiar flavor profile you don't want to stop drinking. Lovely texture and balance, on the dry side, fantastic at any temperature. A goldilocks sake-- perfect just as it is-- for lovers of other classically styled junmai like Hatsumago, Masumi, or Fukucho Hattanso.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(36, 43, 52); font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; 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; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935792607388,"sku":"","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/ohyamaaka.png?v=1714356098"},{"product_id":"harada-junmai-80","title":"Harada Junmai 80","description":"\u003cp\u003ePeach rings (thanks Bin Bin!), mango, cherry pit, vanilla, creme brulee, nutmeg, and full, rich rice umami. This is a total reformulation of the 80% polish Harada I fell in love with years ago: reinvented to be brighter, more quaffable, very \u003cem\u003eHarada\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935793197212,"sku":"","price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Harada80.png?v=1744155990"},{"product_id":"manatsuru-1751","title":"Manatsuru Junmai Muroka Genshu Yamahai \"Mana 1751: True Vision\"","description":"\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eThis sake is a true expression of Fukui, using local yeast, bottled from a single tank, and highlighting the pristine, nationally famous water source.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eMana is an aromatic and expressive yamahai with notes of m\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eolasses, toasted almond, pistachio, taleggio cheese, soy sauce, dried apricot, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eblack pepper, flan, and candied orange peel. \u003c\/span\u003eTry paired with pork adobo, spicy and creamy rock shrimp or cumin spiced lamb chops.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935793492124,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Mana_1751.png?v=1737506994"},{"product_id":"yuho-eternal-embers","title":"Yuho Junmai \"Eternal Embers\"","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDeep notes of w\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ehite miso, cocoa powder, banana bread, cashew butter, fresh dates and white pepper resonate in this lightly aged junmai, and make it a bit more interesting than other junmai at the $30 price point. Rich, satisfying, and velvety texture in the mouth, with a nice dry finish. Stays beautiful open for months.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStats\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935794016412,"sku":"","price":31.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1.8l","offer_id":42994255003804,"sku":"","price":31.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/products\/yuho_eternal-embers_web.png?v=1680291814"},{"product_id":"yuho-rhythm","title":"Yuho Junmai Kimoto Rhythm of the Centuries","description":"\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eNotes of salted dulce de leche, rice pudding, mushroom, white miso, toasted rice, chocolate, nuts, and and white pepper, make Yuho a really classic example of a dry, lightly aged sake. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe mouthfeel starts silky and viscous, rich with deep umami, finishing with a grippy, salty, crisp edge that cries out for food!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYuho \"Rhythm\" is in my top 5: a strong contender for \"desert island sake,\" especially in Winter. An all-around overachiever that tastes better the longer it's open!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935794049180,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Yuho_rhythm_of_the_centuries.png?v=1756177667"},{"product_id":"yuki-no-bosha-old-cabin","title":"Yuki No Bosha Junmai Yamahai \"Old Cabin\"","description":"\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis is\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ea yamahai for ginjo lovers (also, a ginjo for yamahai lovers)!\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe aroma is a festival of stonefruits: yellow nectarine, dried nectarine, apricot leather, banana, cherry. A nostalgic creamy tone, like kiwi strawberry nectar. Back notes of aromatic wildflower honey and whipped cream. \u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eOn the palate, the texture and richness are mouth-filling, like biting into a cannoli filled with sweet ricotta with a lightly tart finish. This yamahai is\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eso\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eunique because the wild fermentation starter isn't giving it a gaminess, a meatiness or earthiness, but rather a fuller umami, fuller body, as well as sweet dairy notes. \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935794081948,"sku":"","price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/ynmyama.png?v=1711737670"},{"product_id":"mukai-shuzo-ine-mankai","title":"Mukai Shuzo Junmai Ine Mankai","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful sake is a pale brick red, rushing out of the glass with a wide range of savory aromatics including German braised cabbage, cooked sprouted wheat berries, carrot cake, cream of wheat, fresh ricotta, buttermilk, candied peanuts, torn redwood bark, olives, and gjetost cheese.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe palate is intense, with a medium sweetness--viscous, sumptuous, soft, expanding, and plush. A sweeter profile of flavors on the palate, such as golden raisins, sticky garnet yams, malted wheat, honey, black garlic, banana runts, kiwi-strawberry, salted plum aka li hing mui, raspberry jam, black tea, and dried blossoms. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSometimes I share these long notes but I really wonder if I should just say, \"It's extremely complex and multi-faceted: decide for yourself.\"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"JS","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935794409628,"sku":"","price":58.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":42877804937372,"sku":"","price":113.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/ine_mankai.png?v=1721883828"},{"product_id":"hanahato-gorgeous-bird","title":"Hanahato Junmai Kijoshu \"Gorgeous Bird\"","description":"Aged 8 years. Rich, dark, and moving. Molasses, soy sauce, toasted nuts and grains, earth, toffee, shiitake mushroom. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLuscious, thick, and complex, this dessert sake is perfect with strong cheeses, Winter desserts, and as an after-dinner treat. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEnoki Shuzo, Hiroshima\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":41157707989148,"sku":null,"price":56.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Hanahatokijoshu.png?v=1785994824"},{"product_id":"kazenomori-wind-of-the-woods","title":"Kaze no Mori \"Wind of the Woods\" Akitsuho 657 Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe number one Sunflower Sake bestseller. If someone comes in with no idea what they want to drink...and Kaze no Mori is in stock, it's almost always my top recommendation. Fizzy, well balanced, utterly delightful, and loved by all!\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBright, fantastic, fizzy melon, sweet green herbs, mint, nectarine, lime zest, fruit loops, rainier cherry, Jordan almonds, and strawberry daifuku mochi. Truly, if Ramune soda were a sake-- this would be it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOn day 1 there is so much fizz that the cap pops off like a Champagne cork, so watch out and aim away from your eyes! From that fizz you'll also get an intense, even searing brightness, that makes it enjoyable most as an aperitif served with equally bright and refreshing food. A few days later, the fizz mellows out and the sake takes on a rounder sort of honeydew melon, mochi, white chocolate character, which still retains its original freshness-- but with a softer side. The softness continues to come out over time and on day 30+ it's generous, fleshy, and a tad creamy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIf you have patience, I recommend a glass on day 1, day 3, day 14 and day 30! Or just have it all on day 1-- you know, whatever's clever. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRecommended serveware\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs far as serveware, this is one sake where I really think a white wine glass, Usuhari daiginjo glass, or Champagne flute is your best bet. You can definitely do an ochoko or sakazuki, but if so stick with a thin lip and be prepared to refill your cup a LOT. This sake is dangerously quaffable. It's not for meditation, it's for unadulterated enjoyment.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":41157708054684,"sku":"","price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kaze_no_mori_white.png?v=1721883825"},{"product_id":"terada-honke-kaikoshu","title":"Terada Honke Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu Kimoto Koshu Kaikoshu 2006","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEstablished in 1673, Terada Honke have been brewing continuously for over 345 years. They are purveyors of only natural yeast brewing, working almost exclusively with traditional kimoto \u0026amp; bodaimoto starter methods. The Kaikoshu 2005 is a ‘koshu’ (aged) sake made with locally grown Miyamanishiki \u0026amp; Koshihikari rice. Aged in bottle at the brewery until release, this is a wonderful expression of Koshu. Incredibly complex with a malt \u0026amp; toffee character. The palate has bold acidity with a long grippy finish. Enjoy as a digestive or think in terms of sercial madeira or whiskey when planning a pairing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"JS","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":41157972951196,"sku":"","price":105.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kaikoshu.png?v=1707770276"},{"product_id":"terada-honke-katori-90-junmai-kimoto-mng","title":"Terada Honke \"Katori 90\" Junmai Kimoto Muroka Nama Genshu (4\/26)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAny discussion of Terada Honke has to be prefaced with an explanation of this brewery's philosophy, which is one-of-a-kind in the sake world: totally committed to sustainable (even rejuvenative) farming practices, including the nutritional value of microorganisms and whole grain rice.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKatori 90, like all year-round, native yeast fermented sake, varies tremendously from batch to batch. As a 2023 Winter bottling, this round of Katori 90 is much fresher, fruitier than the previous, which landed in November 2021. The cold weather during fermentation and bottling prevented bacterial growth and encouraged the strongest yeasts to survive. The result is a very lovely Katori 90.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"JS","offers":[{"title":"1.8L","offer_id":43033374654620,"sku":"","price":83.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"720ml","offer_id":43033374687388,"sku":"","price":47.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Katori90.png?v=1694629560"},{"product_id":"terada-honke-shizen-no-manma-junmai-muroka-nama-genshu-kimoto","title":"Terada Honke Junmai Namagenshu Kimoto \"Gonin Musume- Shizen no Manma\" (4\/26)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"Bountiful, bright juicy plum, mouthwatering acidity, Skittles!, goat caramel, hazelnut toffee, brown rice syrup, mushrooms, carrot juice, ginger candy, pineapple...\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"What..?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA superbly juicy, dynamic and fresh release from Terada Honke. I hope you enjoy and share with all your dearest friends.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"JS","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42229177647260,"sku":"","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Shizen.png?v=1707796323"},{"product_id":"kidoizumi-kokin-koshu-junmai-1990","title":"Kidoizumi Koshu Junmai \"Kokin\" (1990)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"JS","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42994197168284,"sku":"","price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kokin.png?v=1707769927"},{"product_id":"kenbishi-mizuho-junmai","title":"Kenbishi \"Mizuho\" Junmai","description":"\u003cp\u003eKenbishi Mizuho Junmai is a masterful blend of rich, aged flavors: brown sugar, toasted nuts, pastry, wild mushrooms, earth, spice, steaming brown rice, and brown butter. On the palate it's velvety and dense, like an oaky Napa Valley merlot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMizuho warms nicely to any temperature, although I like it most at around 110F, where the sweetness and aroma are enhanced but the acidity is still mellow. This 517 year old classic is a treat for both connoisseurs and historians.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41192353988764,"sku":"","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/mizuho.png?v=1721883825"},{"product_id":"ichinokura-jukuseishu-junmai-koshu-300ml","title":"Ichinokura Jukuseishu Junmai Koshu (300ml)","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWell if this isn't a hidden gem...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClassic koshu notes of honey, beeswax, lanolin, sweet potato, mushroom, soy sauce, white miso, roasted chestnut, white raisin, smoked meats, and sesame, with a unique tart spin from the sake's uncharacteristically high acidity...a squeeze of fresh lemon. Very lightly sweet, but not at all a dessert sake. Just enough sweetness to balance the high acidity. Definitely appropriate for savory cuisine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnusually for sake, when this was originally brewed the intent was specifically to pair with a Miyagi regional specialty: beef tongue. But when they tasted the result, it was far too acidic, so the toji decided to age it rather than wasting the batch. After 3 years aging at ambient temperature the flavor had mellowed and integrated around the high acidity. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41307052703900,"sku":"","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/ichinokurakoshu.png?v=1714365766"},{"product_id":"kisoji-junmai-yamahai-hiyaoroshi","title":"Kisoji Junmai Yamahai Hiyaoroshi (2026)","description":"\u003cp\u003eF\u003cb style=\"font-weight: normal;\" id=\"docs-internal-guid-c68212e3-7fff-4e66-28c7-e1cd5e38afac\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,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;\"\u003eor lack of a better description, the Smell of Fall- where air gets just dry and just cool enough that you can no longer deny Summer is over. Maybe your neighbor down the street is getting ahead of themselves and burning leaves already. Persimmon, golden raisin, cinnamon bark, pear tarts, etc. Kisoji is unique among this season's set for having a bit more body, a bit more texture, a bit more deep presence-- great for lovers of Masumi hiyaoroshi.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2025: A tangy, lightly effervescent mix of persimmon, ripe bosc pear, golden syrup, dried nectarine and mascarpone from this husband and wife team, brewing high in the Japan Alps. A classic expression of Fall with a tangy, lactic twist. In fact, the lactic tang makes the sake a bit leaner on the palate than you might imagine for a Yamahai brew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe label-- always one of my favorites-- is a vision of the clear, starry night sky in Nagano, the \"roof of Japan.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHeated to 115, this sake gains some interesting herbal elements, like forest floor and nutty fiddleheads, while the fruit goes from its fresher form to baked apple, raisins, and poached pear. 130F takes us straight into full-on Fall, whereas it's quite a bit drier and even salty when I bring it up to 140F. I recommend anywhere from lightly chilled to hot, but the range from lightly chilled to lightly warmed is my favorite.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":41327620522140,"sku":"","price":51.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kisoji_451a9b46-d028-43e3-be9b-d97899f51a01.png?v=1737507067"},{"product_id":"shichi-hon-yari-junmai","title":"Shichi Hon Yari Junmai","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDried mushroom on the nose, viscous and creamy in weight and texture. Bright grapefruit and mineral notes lend structure to the palate. Classic Shichi Hon Yari crisp finish. Delicious room temp and warm.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eShichi Hon Yari Junmai is the classic representation of the brewery’s style with its traditional and modern dimensions. Earthy and rich aromatics and flavors meet elegance and softness in the finish, while cutting minerality and acidity afford modern dimensionality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":44542456365212,"sku":"","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/SHY_junmai.png?v=1730518684"},{"product_id":"hatsumago-junmai-kimoto","title":"Hatsumago Junmai Kimoto","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHatsumago is an under-the-radar favorite of mine, with creamy textural notes of vanilla rice pudding, delicate nutmeg and cinnamon, and a silky, dry-yet-fruity, medium-to-full body. The fruity Yamagata style provides backnotes of papaya, banana, apple tart and grassy freshness, while the use of traditional kimoto method fills out the texture and spice character. An absolute joy warm or gently chilled, it lacks the elevated acidity associated with most kimoto sake.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI feel that Hatsumago is at its best (most characterful) around a year past bottling, being very clean and pure in the first year and taking on spice notes and depth in the second.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe brand, Hatsumago means \"first grandchild,\" and is often used in Japan as gifts for expecting grandparents. In a way, it's also a heartwarming brand name that suggests the purity and sweet joy of grandchildren. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccolades\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2012 BTI World Wine Championships Gold Medal 91pt \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInternational Wine Challenge Sake Brewery of The Year 2018\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":41331640008860,"sku":"","price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"300ml","offer_id":42953468313756,"sku":"","price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/hatsumago.png?v=1721883826"},{"product_id":"amabuki-junmai-omachi-yamahai","title":"Amabuki Junmai Omachi Yamahai Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe true expressions of the marigold flower are noticeable both on the palate and nose of this sake, and are amplified by the Yamahai-jikomi brewing method's signature funky style. Excellent chilled, but the personality of Omachi rice and Yamahai-jikomi really shine when served gently warmed. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"180ml","offer_id":41331640336540,"sku":"","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/amabuki_orange.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"kuroushi-black-bull-junmai","title":"Kuroushi Junmai \"Black Bull\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlthough labeled as a junmai, Kuroushi white label is polished to 55%: well into ginjo polishing and nearly a daiginjo! It's more unctuous and richer, though, than its polishing level would let on. A touch of pink peppercorn lends complexity and astringency but overall, this wide, gentle beast is all about the texture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStats:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion\u003c\/strong\u003e: Wakayama\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRice\u003c\/strong\u003e: Yamadanishiki\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePolishing\u003c\/strong\u003e: 55% (per brewery website, seems like it varies 55-58% depending year)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYeast\u003c\/strong\u003e: 901\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eABV\u003c\/strong\u003e: 15.6%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSMV\u003c\/strong\u003e: +4 (dry)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrewery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA producer specializing in Junmai and selling the majority of its products to the local  market, Kuroushi is highly regarded within Wakayama and associated with the umami-driven junmai style. \"Black Bull\" is named for one of the 50 Famous Waters of Kishu, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"Kuroushi no Mizu\" (aka black bull water) which has a high mineral content. This minerality drives happy, vigorous fermentations that break down the rice more fully, leading to a high amino acid content (aka more umami for you). This famous spring emerges from a black bull statue and is used by several local breweries. While the brewery is reluctant-- as so many are-- to use the term terroir, they concede that \"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eif you dare to think of \"terroir\", water occupies an important position.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition, this is one of the few breweries that- in the interest of attracting good talent, and offering a better work\/life balance for their employees- has transitioned to year-round employment, as of 2017. The industry standard has been difficult, 24\/7 seasonal work (a bit like wine harvests) for hundreds of years, but forward thinking breweries like Kuroushi have introduced new products, such as plum wine, amazake, and narazuke (a regional, aged sake kasu pickle) as well as other sources of revenue (seaside inn, tasting room) to keep their staff gainfully employed all year long. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor more information on the 50 Famous Waters of Kishu: http:\/\/www.wakkun.or.jp\/meisui\/meisui.htm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41447516733596,"sku":"","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kuroushi-junmai.webp?v=1683063639"},{"product_id":"sempuku-shinriki-85-kimoto-muroka-genshu","title":"Sempuku Shinriki \"85\" Kimoto Muroka Genshu","description":"\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis complex, concentrated sake features dusty aromas of warm brown rice, tart white currant, green tea, toffee, and wildflower honey. Rich and deeply umami on the palate with high acidity and complex bitterness, you'll find notes of chocolate, white pepper, baked pear and dried medicinal herbs dancing on a long finish. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt 19% ABV, it's nothing to sniff at-- this is a contemplative sipper, delightful cool, room temp or gently warmed (serve in a shallow hirahai to mellow out the alcohol vapors).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e(also spelled Senpuku)!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41482956800156,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Shinriki.png?v=1699561499"},{"product_id":"daisekkei-junmai-muroka-nama-genshu","title":"Daisekkei Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cp\u003eI get a salty brightness: pomelo, tinned Chinese mandarins, cucumber, lemon zest, minerality, watermelon rind, bitter melon, gin, and sea salt, with a little sweetness sitting on top to balance out the bitterness and astringency. It's relatively lighter in body than a lot of the other Spring namas-- brighter, more mineral, and without a doubt one of the most unique of the bunch. I'm astonished that it's made with Kumamoto yeast, which usually shows such a distinctive and gentle fruity character. Who knows-- maybe it's something in this high alpine water that is creating such a unique flavor profile.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e“I devote my life to making sake and always think about sake first. I personally control every aspect of the brewing to ensure the whole process runs happily”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToji Mamoru Nagase\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41534767530140,"sku":"","price":46.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/daisekkei.png?v=1743620376"},{"product_id":"gokyo-arabashiri-junmai-muroka-nama-genshu","title":"Gokyo Arabashiri Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eGokyo Arabashiri is a damn powerhouse. It explodes on the palate with brash, fizzy rainier cherry, fluffy cotton candy, and early nectarine, finishing with a salty, margarita zip, filled out in the middle with an umami weight that reminds me of creme fraiche.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eLook out for high acidity here-- atypically high even for a namazake-- which makes it refreshing and cuts through the bold, sweet-savory notes. As a genshu (undiluted) release we have that extra concentration to thank for this intensity as well as the higher alcohol. The texture on the palate is fuzzy and weighty yet it finishes super clean, letting only the sensation of umami linger-- very classic Yamaguchi. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eArabashiri essentially means \"free run\" and is the sake that pours out of the press first, before any pressure is applied. There's an interesting distinction here, too-- free run is considered to be lower quality than the middle fraction of the pressing because it is more...shall we say, astringent, brash and youthful, while the middle fraction is considered more subtle, soft, and approachable. But there is a charm to this free run, arabashiri sake too-- especially when it is left unpasteurized. Arabashiri has a powerful, dense core of energy and flavor-- complex in a wild and chaotic way. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTo me, it possesses the mad energy and beauty of Spring snowmelt rushing through mountain valleys on a warm day. A little dangerous but \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ealso compelling and\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e beautiful.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eTry it on ice or mixed with a little pocari sweat\/ ramune\/ or fizzy water. Because of the strength of its flavor, I really recommend looking to equally powerful flavors for pairing. In Japanese cuisine this might be miso glazes, braised short rib, curry rice or yakiniku-- while in other cuisines you might find inspiration in Calabrian cuisine,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e cacio e pepe, herb roasted chicken, a mild tikka masala or similarly spiced cuisine. When paired with more subtle flavors, it's likely to overshadow them. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFinally, when tasted after being open for about a month, I'm getting a pretty different profile but one I might even enjoy more. The sake has settled into itself, the astringency and even sweet notes have mellowed-- it has a lot more soft breadth on the palate rather than just weight and brashness. Less zingy, more umami, a bit of a witbeer thing going on too. Leave it to Gokyo to make something this evolving and dynamic!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41534778605724,"sku":"","price":51.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Gokyo_arabashiri.png?v=1737513650"},{"product_id":"gokyo-kimoto-kioke-zukuri","title":"Gokyo Kimoto Kioke Zukuri","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eRich, warming, autumn spice, a light sweetness, brown butter and umami. What a beautiful, unique sake!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eThis brew is fermented in traditional wooden kioke: large barrels, which allow the sake to gently oxygenate over the course of fermentation, and add some subtle texture\/flavor notes from aromatics in the wood itself and from microorganisms that live in its fibers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom this unique sake, I get a beautiful range of Wintry notes on the palate: cinnamon, vanilla, brandy, eggnog, cocoa, peach jam, Pannetone, sprouted wheat berries, toasted buckwheat, apple chutney, and sweet potato. A lovely balance of sweet\/savory with pronounced aromatics (when served ~95F) and a concentrated palate, permitting me to sip slowly and let the flavors coat my mouth. Weighty, soft, unctuous and comforting. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a nice warm blanket on a chilly December morning.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e** Accolades: won Gold in Japan's largest national hot sake contest in 2019!\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStats:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePrefecture: Yamaguchi\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGrade: Junmai Kimoto\u003cbr\u003eRice: Yamaguchi table rice\u003cbr\u003ePolishing: 70%\u003cbr\u003eYeast: n\/a\u003cbr\u003eWater: \u003c\/span\u003eUnderground soft water from Nishikigawa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eStorage temp\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: cool, dark place up to ~1 year without much evolution, more if you don’t mind it evolving\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eService temp\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: room temp to 120F\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eServing vessel:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e I would only avoid a wine glass, which can make the texture less enjoyable and can enhance the ‘wrong’ aromas, in my experience.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePairing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eSuper versatile with savory cuisine. Anything you’d pair a red wine with, really– think earthy, autumnal, wintery, umami rich food. Pasta with gruyere, broccolini and butternut squash; hot soba or ramen in a rich, porky broth; roasted meats or vegetables; mushroom risotto, 5 spice fried rice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42114064384156,"sku":"","price":51.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Gokyo_kimoto_kioke.png?v=1793209467"},{"product_id":"shichi-hon-yari-junmai-hiyaoroshi","title":"Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Hiyaoroshi","description":"\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePilsner yeast, dried lemon, marzipan, white mushroom, fresh tofu, and clover honey. Like all Shichi Hon Yari, there is a cutting undercurrent of minerality and a brisk, clean finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis small-batch, seasonal sake is bottled in the spring and spends six months maturing as a namazake over summer. Layers of aromatics gradually open up to a lively, smooth taste that pairs well with a range of Autumnal foods. This sake is only available in the Fall, usually landing in the States mid-october. Yasunobo Tomita, the 15th generation of the family, is committed to making sake using only local ingredients. Yamada Nishiki grown by contract farmers in Shiga prefecture is used to make this sake. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42114087616668,"sku":"","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/shichihonyarihiya.png?v=1730518966"},{"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 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","title":"Tamagawa Junmai Yamahai Muroka Nama Genshu \"Red Label\" BY2024","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":39.0,"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":"shichi-hon-yari-junmai-namazake","title":"Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Namazake Genshu","description":"\u003cp\u003e Brash, yeasty, biscuity nose; fresh, grapefruity flavors; sharp and clean finish. I find this nama characteristically Shichi Hon Yari: herbal at first, with notes of juniper, dried spearmint, hops, grapefruit, and of course lots of salty minerality. Limestone-inflected spring water on ice. A fullness in the mid palate brings out lingering depth; like kombu dashi or sea lettuce, it's briny and cleansing. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor a detailed writeup on this brewery and sake, see our monthly club writeup for \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/blogs\/sunflower-monthly-archives\/march-2024-the-great-old-ones-shichi-hon-yari-mimurosugi\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMarch 2024: The Great Old Ones!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42194742902940,"sku":"","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Shichi_Hon.png?v=1739066480"},{"product_id":"yuki-otoko-junmai-yeti-720ml","title":"Yuki Otoko Junmai \"Yeti\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAoki Shuzo, also known for their ginjo brand Kakurei, designed Yuki Otoko to be their super-dry brand of sake. For a while it was so popular in Japan that the annual production sold out too quickly to export. They’ve since scaled up so it comes to the US in limited amounts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eThe palate is super fresh and clean, like snowmelt on a mountain. A touch floral, a bit of soft spice (nutmeg,  allspice) and a nutty almond-hazelnut-sobacha umami. Super dry finish with cleansing astringency. It's a real everyday brew, perfect for folks who like their sake dry and clean.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42218933387420,"sku":"","price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Yeti_J.png?v=1719595462"},{"product_id":"kikuhime-junmai-hiyaoroshi","title":"Kikuhime Junmai Hiyaoroshi 2026","description":"\u003cp\u003eProfoundly executed, this earthy, spiced Junmai from Kikuhime-- famed longtime domain of Japan's greatest toji, Noguchi Naohiko-- is without a doubt the most complex of this year's brews. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a subtle platform, dryadic notes of forest floor, nutmeg, chestnut, sweet fennel pollen, matsutake and adzuki bean, whisk me away to somewhere quiet and still. Every so often I encounter sake that demonstrate the power of balance and subtlety. This is like, so far and away the best hiyaoroshi of the year, it's unfair (I think - Nina). An uninhibited, undiluted, unapologetically untrendy 18% genshu powerhouse that never feels like a hammer. It has the most sultry duality of aromatic autumn fruit: quince, poached pear, some kind of elegant alien banana, \u0026amp; the distilled essence of a walk in the forest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost known for their astronomically expensive, collectible cellar releases (10 years+ in age), this is a rare opportunity to experience their famed craftsmanship for under $100.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42218076864668,"sku":"","price":64.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/products\/df8b953f3a1d1f02a7844d0bb0922fbe.png?v=1670539621"},{"product_id":"hanatomoe-junmai-muroka-nama-genshu-mizumoto","title":"Hanatomoe Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu Mizumoto (2026)","description":"\u003cp\u003ePsychedelic notes of juicy, melty persimmon, apricot, and melon, fresh ricotta cheese, nattou, bright daikon radish and grapefruit, and a lovely, rich body that adores parmesan and bitter green vegetables. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name \"Mizumoto\" refers to the pre-modern brewing method (invented ~1000 years ago by Buddhist brewing monks) which begins with a naturally sour water from raw rice, water, and lactic acid bacteria in the air. This method is particularly well suited to the damp, humid conditions in Nara, where the method originated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not as \"woah! crazy!\" as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/terada-honke-musubi-honashino-kiyosake?_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=daigo\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDaigo no Shizuku\u003c\/a\u003e, not as crazy-cheesecake-from-outer-space as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/takacho-regal-hawk?_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=regal\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eRegal Hawk\u003c\/a\u003e, but it is profoundly drinkable and well balanced. In fact, Hanatomoe Mizumoto is a regular in my home fridge. It is truly \u003cem\u003euncanny\u003c\/em\u003e how well it pairs with equally strong flavors. \u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"JS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42296535515292,"sku":"","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Hanatomoe_183a4870-6197-41d4-ae74-b8923026d67e.png?v=1734113158"},{"product_id":"miyozakura-junmai-panda-cup","title":"Miyozakura Junmai \"Panda\" Cup","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePanda cup is, like so many of my favorite sake, classically Gifu style: rich, broad, ricey, even custardy, but what stands apart about Panda is that it has a nice dry finish at the end. Can we say that it's Panda-like in nature? Fuzzy, soft, big in the center, but with a little sharpness at the end?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCompared to my other favorite Gifu cup, Kusudama Sarubobo cup, this has that same lovely ricey richness, but with a drier inflection. Both are fantastic examples of Gifu's ricey, creamy style.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42304375750812,"sku":"","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/miyozakura.png?v=1721883826"},{"product_id":"kokonoe-saika-junmai-yamahai","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":38.0,"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":"kanbara-junmai-genshu-koshu-ancient-treasure","title":"Kanbara Junmai Genshu Koshu \"Ancient Treasure\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e This unique sake is a 1\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2 years aged (approximately-- the brewer uses a solera system of fractional blending, think of it like a mother sauce), and is made of 99% koji rice, aged in tank. The 99% koji and low polishing of the rice (90%), plus brewing with the high-acidity yamahai method, give the sake enough sweetness, structure and acidity to stand the test of time. Why 99% koji and not 100%? Because that inclusion of 1% plain steamed rice lets it legally qualify as sake in Japan. In contrast, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/nanbu-bijin-all-koji\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eNanbu Bijin's All Koji \u003c\/a\u003eis not legally sake. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eKaetsu Shuzo calls this style “jijoshu,” which is a term they invented, as it has much more acidity and glucose than most koshu but is not technically kijoshu. Dr. Sato of Kaetsu heads a society dedicated to studying the aging of sake and has been doing it longer than most (actively brewing \u0026gt;50 years now!) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKaetsu's \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eKanbara brand (of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.vineconnections.com\/japanese-sake\/grades\/junmai-ginjo-ginjo\/bride-of-the-fox\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKanbara Junmai Ginjo Bride of the Fox\u003c\/a\u003e) was created to make non-Niigata styles of sake (their original brand, Kirin, is much more Niigata-like). Kaetsu exports most of their Kanbara production to europe and the US as they love the idea of their sake being served chilled in fine glassware with international foods like foie gras, blue cheese, or ribeye with caramelized onions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEnjoy as you would a tawny port, madiera or oloroso sherry. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStats\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocation: Niigata\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRice: Yamadanishiki, Koshitanrei (local)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolishing: ~70-90%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStarter method: Yamahai\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther: genshu (undiluted), muroka (unfined), tank aged appx. 12 years, 99% koji\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42346658791580,"sku":"","price":87.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/products\/kanbara_ancient-treasure_1.png?v=1676502169"},{"product_id":"kaze-no-mori-tsuyuhakaze-black-label-807-junmai-muroka-nama-genshu","title":"Kaze no Mori Tsuyuhakaze \"Black Label 807\" Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTropical notes of ripe mango, muscat, baked pineapple, taffy-like bananas foster froyo, half-dried apricot, and jasmine tea. And yet, it’s neither too intensely aromatic nor sweet. There is a chewy density of fruit but a refreshing lightness at the same time. Chobei-san says it has toromii: richness, length, but not weight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDense, chewy, and yet light and refreshing, Kaze no Mori Tsuyuhakaze 807 is a testament to the unique brewing methods utilized by Yucho Shuzo and their ability to create tension between the low polish rice (80%--typically heavy, dense, umami-rich), the tight and coarse mineral-rich water, and the effervescent lightness of a freshly-pressed namazake.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42403010740380,"sku":"","price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kaze_no_mori_blk.png?v=1721883828"},{"product_id":"miyakobijin-usagi-junmai-muroka-nama-genshu-yamahai","title":"Miyakobijin \"Usagi\" Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu Yamahai","description":"\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eThis has that Summer-in-Norway, gjetost, buckwheat, honey, dried flowers, dried pear, salted caramel, morel compound butter, something something going for it that makes me return for more again and again. \n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAt room temperature, the palate explodes with a vision of salty, miso-brown butter cookies with espresso and dark chocolate flakes, pomelo zest, toasted Scottish oats, wakame seaweed, and apricot nectar. REALLY big on the palate, almost oily in texture. A delight from start to finish.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThis comforting brew has very quickly become my top choice for after work. And over 6 weeks, the 1.8L bottle I've been pouring from has only improved.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"JS","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42427331903644,"sku":"","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":44483690889372,"sku":"","price":86.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/usagi.png?v=1730518684"},{"product_id":"hanatomoe-mizumoto-kijoshu-nature-x-nature-500ml","title":"Hanatomoe JMNG Mizumoto Kijoshu \"Nature x Nature\" (500ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn intensely rich, acid-driven, juicy, complex umami number that belongs in the cellar with the very best sauternes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePronounced notes of ultra-ripe and juicy persimmon, green melon, honeysuckle, white mushroom, pear butter, cardamom, cannoli filling, and Chanel No. 5 on a beautifully balanced base of sweetness and acidity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKijoshu is a style of sake defined by an extra brewing step, which leads to a higher flavor and sugar content. With kijoshu, after the usual 3 additions of water, rice and koji to the fermenting mash, an optional fourth addition is made, in which\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cem\u003efinished\u003c\/em\u003e sake replaces the usual water.\u003c\/span\u003e This boosts the alcohol, flavor, and sugar concentration, and the mash is pressed while it's still dense, acidic, sweet, and moderately alcoholic. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name \"Mizumoto\" refers to the pre-modern brewing method (invented ~1000 years ago by Buddhist brewing monks) which begins with a naturally sour water from raw rice, water, and lactic acid bacteria in the air. This method is particularly well suited to the damp, humid conditions in Nara, where the method originated.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(note: Photo may not reflect the current vintage. As of this writing, we are selling the 2026.01 bottling.)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"JS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42431020531868,"sku":"","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/nature_nature.png?v=1721883827"},{"product_id":"nishide-shuzo-junmai-moromi","title":"Nishide Shuzo Junmai \"Moromi\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eA light-hearted, lovely little number made with a mutant strain of yeast that produces high levels of malic acid: the same acidity you'll find in green apples or white wine. As a result, Moromi-- \u003cem\u003enamed for Nishide-san's sweet, sweet!! white kitties \"Moro\" and \"Mi\"\u003c\/em\u003e-- has a uniquely fresh side to it that you don't normally find in sake. Notes of poached pear, apple salad, and nutty wheat berries. Pairs delightfully with Waldorf salad!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42447575220380,"sku":"","price":43.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/moromi.png?v=1714671898"},{"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":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/shinkame.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"mutsu-otokoyama-junmai-chokarakuchi","title":"Mutsu Otokoyama Junmai Chokara","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFrom Hachinohe Shuzo, makers of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/copy-of-senkin-junmai-daiginjo-genshu-classic-muku-immortal-wing-300ml\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMutsu Hassen\u003c\/a\u003e in Aomori Prefecture, this Junmai Chokarakuchi (extra dry) is almost entirely sold\/consumed locally and is a true Aomori jizake (local sake). This brand was introduced in 1910 for the local fishermen and it is still enjoyed by them today. Despite these humble roots however, this sake is a \u003cem\u003emajor\u003c\/em\u003e award winner, contributing generously to Hachinohe Shuzo's 2021 World Sake Championship Award. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLike Mutsu Hassen, Mutsu Otokoyama is made with white koji and has a lovely lemon zest quality to it. Great chilled, great warm, excellent with anything from the sea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":43036313125020,"sku":"","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1.8L","offer_id":43036313157788,"sku":"","price":77.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Hachinohe_Otokoyama_Chokara_J_720_bottleshot.png?v=1683251410"},{"product_id":"chiyonosono-junmai-shared-promise","title":"Chiyonosono Junmai \"Shared Promise\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eVelvety and comforting, ricey with floral top notes, like its famous sibling \"\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/chiyonosono-sacred-power?_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=sacred%20power\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/chiyonosono-sacred-power?_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=sacred%20power\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSacred Power.\u003c\/a\u003e\" In the Kumamoto style, Shared promise is a bit weightier, softly textured, full of life, but finishing on the dry side. Still, this is clearly a southern-style brew. It has a saison-like spice and malty hoppy quality. Something remotely beer-like about it and actually goes down really nice after a \u003cem\u003echisai biru \u003c\/em\u003estarter\u003cem\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42506395549852,"sku":"","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/promise.png?v=1714428163"},{"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":"yuki-otoko-junmai-yeti-cup-180ml","title":"Yuki Otoko Junmai \"Yeti\" Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAoki Shuzo, also makers of the \u003cem\u003every\u003c\/em\u003e different line of products called Kakurei, designed Yuki Otoko to be their super-dry brand of sake. For a while it was so popular in Japan that the annual production sold out too quickly to export. They’ve since scaled up so it comes to the US in limited amounts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eThe palate is super fresh and clean, like snowmelt on a mountain. A touch floral, a bit of soft spice (nutmeg, allspice) and a nutty almond umami. Super dry finish with cleansing astringency.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"180ml","offer_id":42506454696092,"sku":null,"price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/yuki_otoko_cup.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"emishiki-junmai-sensation-white","title":"Emishiki Junmai Genshu Kimoto \"Sensation\" White","description":"\u003cp\u003e Vanilla, apricot, kiwi, mandarin segments and lilies on the nose, while the palate offers beautiful tension between soft, ricey sweetness, acidity, and prominent shibumi (astringency). A well-balanced and shockingly affordable sake for all of the care Emishiki Shuzo has taken in it, and all of the awards it has received. This would be well priced at double the cost.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42531661414556,"sku":"","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/emishiki_white.png?v=1721883829"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/collections\/IMG_0500.jpg?v=1687454860","url":"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/collections\/junmai.oembed?page=11","provider":"Sunflower Sake","version":"1.0","type":"link"}