{"title":"Seasonal sake","description":"\u003cp\u003eMuch like beer, sake follows a seasonal cycle. Brewing traditionally begins on October 1st and ends the following Spring, sometime between February and June depending on the workload. \u003cbr\u003eWhen the sake is unpasteurized, fresh and brand new, it might carry the name shiboritate or hatsushibori, which means fresh press. If it's the prime cut of namazake, gently aged for a month or two to settle down for Spring release, it might be muku no sake. Styles designed for Summer enjoyment are called natsuzake. And finally, Autumn brings sake from the previous brewing year, that has aged over summer: hiyaoroshi, also called akiagari.\u003cbr\u003eEach season brings new flavors, food pairings, and activities. Embracing seasonality is a huge part of sake enjoyment, and is something to look forward to every year!\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"denshin-natsuzake","title":"Denshin Junmai Daiginjo Nama Natsuzake \"Natsu\"","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eDenshin natsu hits with notes of Hawaiian Red Fruit Punch, Melon Creamy Soda, nectarine, pandan, soft spring water, fresh orange juice, strawberry ice cream, and giant bowls of fruit salad in Summer. It's like being 9 years old again, after soccer practice with a big rainbow popsicle in one hand and an ice-cold cup of fruit punch in the other. Not all the \u003cem\u003esweetness\u003c\/em\u003e this description suggests, just the suggestion of it. Like an adult remembering this sweet memory fondly, the palate is upgraded with the weight of umami and only a fine dusting of sweetness on the fleshy mid-palate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\nThis is the very essence of sweet Summer nostalgia.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTropical intensity and textural softness, a signature of Fukui prefecture, bowl you over on the first sip. Like Denshin's Spring release “Haru,” this Summer nama is powerful but also soft, almost creamy, like a pina colada. The intensity comes from being genshu (undiluted) while the softness comes from its high polishing level (55% of the grain has been polished away, 45% remains), super gentle filtration method (fukuro-tsuri, where fresh sake drips from 10L capacity hanging cloth bags), and Fukui’s famously soft water.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":41157707595932,"sku":"","price":41.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/denshin_natsu_cb2b90c2-581d-4dbc-bb2e-135ad23d7595.png?v=1723492151"},{"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":"sunflower-seasonal-club","title":"Sunflower Seasonal Club","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eIn Japan, sake follows the seasons. The arrival of Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer sake, reflect the changing weather and give you the opportunity to reflect and appreciate the beauty each season brings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeasonal sake is relatively new to the US, entering the market in earnest about 5 years ago and rapidly gaining appreciation for its fresh flavors, inspired by nature. In Japan, these seasonal releases are hotly anticipated and sell out quickly. Here in the US, Sunflower plans ahead and orders the best seasonal selections months ahead of time to ensure (very limited!) supply.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Sunflower Seasonal Club is our way of exploring sake's connection to seasonality. Each quarterly pack includes 2-3 pages of beautifully illustrated information about each bottle, including tasting notes, recommended pairings, brewery and regional backstory. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eQuarterly packs are available in two sizes. The $5 enrollment fee is credited to the first shipment, and the club can be paused\/cancelled up to 2 weeks before the upcoming release.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 4-bottle selection includes 4 bottles, 4x\/year at a variable cost, between $150-175\/qtr.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2-bottle selection includes 2 bottles, 4x\/year at a variable cost, typically ~$80-100\/qtr. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e4-Pack club benefits include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePick-up\/delivery:\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn-person pickup includes two tasting flights of all 4 seasonal releases\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e$10 discount on club shipping, no surcharge to increase up to a case: $20 ground Fall-Winter-Spring shipments, $10 off all other methods. Summer shipping is typically further subsidized to cover expedited, ice and insulation. \u003cem\u003e(As of May 2026, please note that shipping prices are subject to change due to wildly fluctuating costs from the war in Iran).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e$0 corkage \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFuyu Fest 15% off for up to 4 guests\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTypically includes the rarer, more limited bottles \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2-Pack club benefits include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePick-up\/delivery:\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn-person pickup includes two tasting flights both (2) seasonal releases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e$10 discount on club shipping, no surcharge to increase up to a case: $20 ground Fall-Winter-Spring shipments, $10 off all other methods. Summer shipping is typically further subsidized to cover expedited, ice and insulation. \u003cem\u003e(As of May 2026, please note that shipping prices are subject to change due to wildly fluctuating costs from the war in Iran).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e$0 corkage \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWednesday Lessons \u0026amp; other guest tastings 20% off\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFuyu Fest 15% off\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause of the unpredictable nature of shipping, seasonal club shipments are estimated to be available sometime in Spring (Mar-May), Summer (June-Sept), Fall (Oct-Nov), and Winter (Jan-Feb).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClub charges are scheduled quarterly on the third Monday of April, July, October and January, but the exact date may be adjusted for early or late arrival, \u003cstrong\u003eup to 4 weeks. \u003c\/strong\u003eSeasonal club is always launched the moment all sake has landed in Portland, and sometimes we find ourselves waiting due to circumstances outside of our control. As soon as the final arrival date is confirmed with certainty, I’ll send out an email notification to club members alerting you that the shipment has arrived and will be available for pick up or mailing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Cupborder_480x480.jpg?v=1670830344\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant notes \u0026amp; disclaimers:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNew Members:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e new seasonal club memberships are charged $5 at time of enrollment in order to collect payment and address information. This enrollment fee will be credited to the member's first shipment. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWaitlist:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eMembership slots may be limited as supplies depend on 3-4 months of advance planning. A waitlist will be maintained when club spots are unavailable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCancellation\/Pausing: \u003c\/strong\u003eWe respectfully ask that if you need to cancel or pause your subscription, please let us know ~2 weeks or more ahead of the estimated launch date (by early January, April, October, and July). The reason being that your club bottles may already have been purchased by the shop, and are being held until all selections arrive. The more notice the better, but this at least gives us the opportunity to notify folks on the waitlist, communicate a change in order needs with our suppliers, and adjust our materials printing needs. We're a small shop, so every order is a big deal-- it really helps to plan in advance! So while there is no penalty for cancellation or pausing, we really appreciate your understanding.\u003cstrong 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\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eShipping:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eShipping is available nationwide to all states\/counties that permit alcohol purchases. While I maintain a short list of dry counties, we ask that you check your local regulations to confirm before ordering. When you purchase sake from Sunflower, you agree that your purchase is considered to have been transacted in Oregon and under Oregon law-- as though you were ordering in person at the shop. Shipping is then fulfilled post-purchase at the customer's direction. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNo sales tax is applied (as is law in Oregon), and it is the customer's responsibility to follow up with their local government to determine if any subsequent tax is due.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor club orders, shipping is charged at a discounted rate of $20. Summer club is subsidized by an additional $5 for $15 off expedited\/ice\/insulated, or $45. Please also note that per federal requirements, an adult with photo ID must be present to receive the delivery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdding to Club Shipments: \u003c\/strong\u003eIf you'd like to add a'la carte bottles to your club shipment, there is no additional charge... so it's very cost effective to increase your order up to a case!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePayment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seasonal club subscription payments are tentatively scheduled for the second Wednesday of May, August, November and February. \u003cspan style=\"color: #8d4c50;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePlease note that the exact date is subject to product arrivals and may vary! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLimited Product Availability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Please note that club selections may be subject to availability. This is especially true for seasonal items which are imported and stocked in very limited quantities. If a limited supply of one club sake is available, it will be distributed on a first come first served basis and an equally special substitute will be available to later pickups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sunflower Sake","offers":[{"title":"4 BOTTLE: In-store pickup","offer_id":41462335078556,"sku":"","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4 BOTTLE: Nationwide shipping","offer_id":41462335144092,"sku":"","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 BOTTLE: Local pickup","offer_id":42828919177372,"sku":"","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 BOTTLE: Nationwide shipping","offer_id":42828919275676,"sku":"","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Seasonalclubframed.jpg?v=1700340419"},{"product_id":"denshin-honjozo-shiboritate-namazake-fuyu","title":"Denshin Honjozo Shiboritate Namazake \"Fuyu\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis sake has very refreshing aroma and juicy character, with notes of white pepper, ripe persimmon, meringue, \u003c\/span\u003ebrazil nut, dates, pear, cream of wheat, bitter apple, and soft forest floor. It makes my mouth water-- delivering a crisp, smooth, bright and slightly effervescent taste. The overall impression is of brightness, clarity and gentle astringency.\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41484369887388,"sku":"","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Denshinfuyu.png?v=1744690453"},{"product_id":"harushika-shiboribana-junmai-ginjo-namazake","title":"Harushika Junmai Ginjo Namazake \"Shiboribana\"","description":"\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e2026: Like ripe melon \u0026amp; sanrio gum, there's a nostalgic, fun side to this sake which makes its serious textural side that much more interesting. Notes of almond cream, frozen custard, silken tofu \u0026amp; meringue with a fresh lemongrass and pandan finish. Pair with thai-style ceviche: koi pla\/ yum pla dib!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOpening up dramatically in the first 48 hours, Shiboribana-- a portmanteau of shibori (press\/wring) and hana (flower)-- is a bright, Kansai rendition of Nanbu Toji technique. The Nanbu Toji of Iwate are famous for their cold-temp fermentations, resulting in citrusy yet restrained aromatics, light body, and powdery soft sweetness. The Southern, Kansai aspect becomes apparent in the use of Fukunohana rice, a rare Hyogo variety. Fukunohana was popular inthe 1980’s, but it’s too soft-- it dissolves in the mash very easily-- which makes\u003cbr\u003etruly light, crisp sake impossible to achieve, but also results in rich body even when young. “The taste can also change depending on the time of preparation for brewing it, something that I find particularly fascinating,” said Kitao-san of Ota Shuzo.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e2025: A gorgeous, aromatic sake with high-toned herbal notes: pineapple mint, sweet cicely, ouzo, wisteria. A juicy, fruity palate comes through-- watermelon, juicy green melon, rainier cherry, greengage plum-- while deep, clean umami notes of fresh silken tofu \u0026amp; almond milk carry a charming finish.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe texture is lightly fizzy, silky, but also gently weighted with a rich core of umami. The finish is long-lasting, with notes of pfeffernusse and tea sweets.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41531869331612,"sku":"","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/harushika_cef04b61-2573-45d3-a7eb-18ad4a8944c5.png?v=1738694314"},{"product_id":"kamikokoro-toukagen-sound-of-seashore-junmai-ginjo-muroka-nama-genshu","title":"Kamikokoro Toukagen \"Sound of Seashore\" Junmai Ginjo Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eSweet notes of juicy donut peach, ripe white nectarine and honeysuckle dance against a lightly bitter, lightly astringent yet complex backdrop: fennel pollen, dandelion, and white tea. The palate is marked by a weighty, silky, mouth-coating umami-- like cream on your lips, the savory qualities linger in a long finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis sake has undergone a real evolution in the 6-8 years or so it has been in the US, and it's not a surprise-- the brewery started with the idea to make sake from ingredients that represent their home--rice, water, koji and yeast-- and to do this, they looked to a product that Okayama is famous for, white peach, for the yeast. So rather than choosing a yeast that already exists and is of known quality, they committed to where they would source that yeast first (white peach) and then built the sake from there. \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 []\"\u003eWhy does this matter? Because honestly, yeast has a huge impact on flavor (especially for a ginjo) so entrusting (almost) the entire flavor profile of your sake to an \u003cem\u003eunknown\u003c\/em\u003e is a tremendous risk and takes a serious commitment. What if it doesn't ferment properly? What if it doesn't taste good? What if it takes years to perfect-- do you abandon that effort and go back to the standard yeast strains? Do you essentially abandon your project to make an authentically local sake?\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 []\"\u003eMaybe 5 years of Kamikokoro was...not quite there.  \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA little too bitter maybe.\u003c\/span\u003e In 2021 it was incredible on the first night but a week later started to deteriorate, tasted chlorinated. So good at first that I even bought a second bottle to revisit the magic of the first night. But here we are in 2022, and it's the best it has ever been. The bottle in my shop has been open for about a week and it's just as gorgeous as ever. And...I only have 2 bottles left as of this writing, and I don't think there's any more. So if you're reading this...well, you know. Hop to!\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41534760583324,"sku":"","price":46.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kamikokoshiboritate.png?v=1768416236"},{"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":"fukucho-junmai-ginjo-moon-on-the-water-namazake","title":"Fukucho Junmai Ginjo Namazake \"Moon on the Water\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLike the original Moon on the Water, but if it were a teenager with the volume turned up to 10. Powerful flavor, tons of life and vitality, impossible to ignore!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eGreen apple, nectarine, fennel fronds, salty\/briny, honeysuckle, matcha, asian pear, and kombu dashi. But you know, it's a bit of a chameleon...so with food, these notes can change completely. It's a sensational pairing with oysters, but I also love it with anything briney (capers, olives, pickles), shellfish (shrimp, scallop, crab) or sweet chili (for instance, Drinking Buddy Inakayaki or skewers brushed with a nice soy \u0026amp; chili oil glaze). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.oishisojapan.com\/home\/2018\/5\/27\/imada-shuzo-fukucho-ginjo-sake\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e(For a beautiful and in depth read on Fukucho, check out this Oishi so Japan article...)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"720ml- Nama","offer_id":41553906892956,"sku":"","price":47.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Fukuchonama.png?v=1708540831"},{"product_id":"denshin-haru-junmai-ginjo-namazake","title":"Denshin Junmai Ginjo Namagenshu \"Haru\" 2026","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDenshin Haru sake evokes a quintessential Spring moment: the air is finally warm, you're wearing a T-shirt for the first time in months. A gentle breeze tosses cherry blossoms through the air like confetti, and they gather in comedic piles on nearby cars. You are holding a bag of rainier cherries: first of the season, sweet and cheerful, perfumed and rich. These flavors are nostalgic, stirring up a sense of childlike delight.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSoft sweetness, gentle texture, this is no aggressive nama. Juicy strawberry, rainier cherry, wisteria, honeysuckle and violet, on a soft, round, ricey canvas. Fresh and simply delightful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSake is normally pasteurized twice, once before storage and once before bottling, but this sake is bottled and shipped without pasteurization. This means it matures and its flavors become heavier faster than a normal sake, so we recommend keeping it refrigerated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42114073460892,"sku":"","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Denshinharu.png?v=1711736096"},{"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":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42114073952412,"sku":"","price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/shichidanama.png?v=1711735548"},{"product_id":"harushika-no-natsushika-junmai-ginjo","title":"Harushika no Natsushika Junmai Ginjo","description":"\u003cp\u003eGenerous notes of strawberry, italian plum jam, honeysuckle, honeydew, papaya, rice pudding, and sweet almond linger in this lower-alcohol (14.5%), single-pasteurized Summer release from Harushika in Nara prefecture. A gorgeous full aroma just pops the moment it’s poured from the bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cherished stop for sake lovers visiting the famous Nara Deer Park, Harushika is only a few blocks down the street. Despite being a small and historic brewery, they see hundreds of tourists a day in peak season!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis sake was featured in my very-first-ever Summer seasonal club, and it remains a beloved favorite. We're so happy to have it back on our shelves this year!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42114075558044,"sku":"","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/natsushika.png?v=1719598179"},{"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":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42114078605468,"sku":"","price":41.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Seikyonamazakecopy.png?v=1713567182"},{"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":"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":"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":"heiwa-shuzo-kid-junmai-ginjo-hiyaoroshi","title":"Heiwa Shuzo \"KID\" Junmai Ginjo Hiyaoroshi (2026)","description":"\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e2026: Like biting into a fresh, crisp Macintosh apple; the delicate astringency of the skin - the semi-dry, almost tannic finish like a fine local cider, crisp acidity \u0026amp; full, juicy orchard fruit, a feeling reminiscent of brisk autumn air paired with sweet memories. Not brimming with complexity (or expense!), this sake is more succinct and a pleasure to enjoy. Perfect with any Fall foods but especially those that carry a hint of apple-- think Fall salads with endive, apple and blue cheese, curry rice, saucy okonomiyaki, or fruit-basted roasts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2024-5: With a little bit of pep in its step, a white pepper lift and the crisp, juicy sensation of biting into a fresh Fuji apples, this is the bright, refreshing youngin' of the hiyaoroshi bunch! It still says Fall with every sip-- but this is more of a bananas foster, halloween candy kind of vibe, than the earthy mushroom vibes of other releases. Absolutely delicious and very well suited to drinking by the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42218376396956,"sku":"","price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kid_hiya.png?v=1730518684"},{"product_id":"kirinzan-junmai-ginjo-nama-genshu-potari-potari-green","title":"Kirinzan Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu \"Potari-Potari Green\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eVibrant fresh nose with tropical notes of guava, papaya, strawberry and tangerine with an off-dry, smooth, candied hazelnut finish. Jamie Graves made a perfect comparison: \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"\"\u003ethis is the Japanese cousin \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-uw-rm-lang=\"false\" lang=\"IT\" class=\"\"\u003eto a\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"\"\u003e Feinherb Mosel Riesling. Laser sharp, great acid and just the right amount of juicy breadth and sweetness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"\"\u003e. This sake is juicy, aromatic, powerful, classic-- superbly well done!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42402965586076,"sku":"","price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kirinzanpotaripotarigreen_41fa1181-8082-4cc5-8539-d74030fedf00.png?v=1778263515"},{"product_id":"heiwa-shuzo-kid-junmai-ginjo-shiboritate-namazake","title":"Heiwa Shuzo \"KID\" Junmai Ginjo Shiboritate Namazake","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eBig flavor this year! Grape jelly, fresh elephant plum and sweet mochi, lychee jellies, condensed milk drizzled on shaved ice, and a licoricey-minty, zippity-doo-da palate pow-pow.\u003cbr\u003eA teeny tiny touch of grapefruit bitterness on the finish reminds you that as soft as it might be, this is definitely a shiboritate: fresh pressed, seasonal winter sake! On the palate this sake is light and refreshing with a little soft pooch (like a kitten's tiny belly!) of umami in the mid-palate. KID comes in at a mellow 15% ABV and might be the easiest to pair, easiest to drink, easiest to enjoy namazake every year. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eKID is doing a few unique things with this style of shinshu. First they are using Gohyakumangoku rice, which is a harder, denser variety of rice that doesn’t dissolve as completely in the brew as say, Yamadanishiki. As a result, the sake is more “angular” in the mouth-- not as soft. 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 awesome yeast blending skills.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42403056812188,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kid_shiboritate.png?v=1737226934"},{"product_id":"heiwa-shuzo-kid-junmai-ginjo-namazake-haru-no-kunpu","title":"Heiwa Shuzo KID Junmai Ginjo Nama \"Haru no Kunpu\"","description":"\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eHaru no Kunpu is the softer, gentler side of KID's seasonal series. A slightly milder acidity (1.7) and slightly higher sweetness\/density (SMV 0 vs 1), plus fruity aromatic notes, make Haru no Kunpu evoke a charming moment surrounded by Spring blossoms.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eA sweet and fruity nose of strawberry yoplait and sakura mochi gives way to a surprisingly umami palette of steamed white rice and white mushrooms. KID Haru is shockingly easy to drink and positively delightful: a fine choice for a warm and lazy afternoon in the sun.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eToji Shibata's words on the 2025 bottling, courtesy of the importer:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"_ap3a _aaco _aacu _aacx _aad7 _aade\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\"Due to the effects of high temperatures this year, the rice was hardier than last year. Because of this, we used koji mold that produces more saccharifying enzymes, increasing the potency of the koji. We also reduced the amount of water and varied methods to steam the rice, making it softer so that it would dissolve more easily. The resulting aroma is more subdued than last year, with a good balance of sweetness and acidity on the palate. We hope you will enjoy this sake as an accompaniment to cherry blossom viewing, or pair it with dishes made with spring ingredients.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this sake:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eLike all of their seasonal releases, KID is doing a few unique things with Haru. First they are using Gohyakumangoku rice, which is a harder, denser variety of rice that doesn’t dissolve as completely in the brew as say, Yamadanishiki. As a result, the sake is a bit more more “angular” in the mouth, in wine words we might call this tension. 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. 10 (Kumamoto) brings melon and softness; 14 (Kanazawa) brings a bit of earthiness. Together they form a whole and show off KID's awesome yeast blending skills: different for each season, but harmonious as a whole.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42498750120092,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kidharu.png?v=1684799381"},{"product_id":"kirinzan-junmai-ginjo-nama-genshu-potari-potari-blue","title":"Kirinzan Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu \"Potari-Potari Blue\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eA wonderful sake that pulls me back to being 8 years old on a sunny afternoon, walking home from elementary school, spending my birthday money on candies at the corner store.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike Potari-Potari Green, this sake is so, \u003cem\u003eso\u003c\/em\u003e close to being a bowl of actual fruit...but then you open your eyes, and it's a clear glass of rice. Plush and creamy like gummy strawberry puffs, a little powdered like pixy stix, refreshing like a big glass of Hawaiian Punch after a soccer game, life affirming like an ice-cold can of Orange Crush and a banana after school. Potari-Potari Blue a soccer ball and a kiss on the head from mom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd yet, all of these candied notes... it's not \u003cem\u003esweet\u003c\/em\u003e. It's the suggestion of sweetness, maybe...the memory of sweets. Like a big oaky malbec that tastes like a bar of dark chocolate, this isn't a sugary drink, it's just satisfying, nostalgic and evocative in a deeply personal way. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eStats:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eBrewery: Kirinzan Brewery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003ePrefecture: Niigata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan color=\"#000000\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eGrade: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eJunmai Ginjo Nama Genshu\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eRice: Koshitanrei (local)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003ePolish: 55%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eStarter method: Sokujo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eYeast: House\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eSMV: +2 (just-dry)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eWater: soft (Tokonami well water)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eABV: 17%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfile\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eFounded in 1843, Kirinzan Shuzo lies beneath the majestic Mt. Kirin in the northern prefecture of Niigata. According to ancient Chinese legends, the kirin is a mythical animal like a flying unicorn that appears as a sign of the birth of a saint and brings happiness and luck. Both the shape of the mountain and local whisperings of lights and spirits on its slopes gave it the name of this mythical beast.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"comment2\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eThe beech trees, Mt. Kirin and the Tokonami River that surround the brewery provide the perfect filtration system for the local water to become soft. In the production of sake, soft water allows for a long fermentation and this creates the delicate, elegant style of sake for which Kirinzan is known.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"comment2\" data-uw-rm-mod=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eIn order to ensure the best quality of rice for the sake, in the summer months the toji (brew master) at Kirinzan works in the local rice fields with his team members and in the fall brews the rice he has cultivated. The brewery is committed to using the finest local rice in order to support the local Oku-Aga agricultural community, and in the past few years have moved to using 100% rice from local farmers, and grown within five miles of the brewery.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMy visit to Niigata this Winter was eye-opening. Great sake is available everywhere, with sake cosmetics, vending machines, cheesecakes, tastings, available from every business. Everyone who lives and works in Niigata knows a brewer or two personally, It’s like living in the Willamette Valley and being surrounded by wine and wine people. In this setting, freshness and quality is a given: excellent sake is abundant and flows like water. So the standard of production is exceedingly high, and products like Potari-Potari are the best of their kind.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42506366943388,"sku":"","price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kirinzan_potari_potari_blue.png?v=1778009124"},{"product_id":"born-junmai-daiginjo-muroka-nama-genshu","title":"Born Junmai Daiginjo Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHardly needs introduction... Born is a cult junmai daiginjo sake, often sold out, difficult to source, and this is the seasonal 3U (undiluted, unfined, unpasteurized) version of the famous junmai daiginjo: held back one year to mature at -10C for added length, complexity, and silky texture! That's a mouthful :)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis sake is dense, concentrated, rich and incredibly full flavored with aromatic fruit notes that stop short of cloying. Wildflower honey, cantaloupe, rose, ultra-ripe persimmon, white chocolate, bubblegum and banana candy.... The palate segues to a deep umami that makes this junmai daiginjo uniquely suited to pairing with bigger, fattier dishes: dressed avocado, cream sauce (on anything), pizza bianca, garlic \u0026amp; olive oil shrimp, insalata rusa, almost-overripe camembert...   \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\"\u003eWhatever you choose, don't fail to overindulge. That's what Born was born for: \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003etotal indulgence\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e!\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42531678224540,"sku":"","price":63.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Born_namagenshu.png?v=1744690429"},{"product_id":"oze-no-yukidoke-junmai-daiginjo-natsugin","title":"Oze no Yukidoke Junmai Daiginjo \"Natsugin\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA bright, bountiful, fruity-floral aroma with tangerine citrus and orange blossom greets you immediately once the bottle is opened. As a very fresh, Summer-release namazume, this is alllll about the aromatic goodness: green melon, honeysuckle, tangerine, white peach. Although the aroma is powerful the palate is quite mellow. The idea is to refresh, not overpower. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe texture is so soft that it’s almost slippery (classic Oze no Yukidoke), but the cautious acidity contrasts nicely, providing texture and freshness. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStats:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrewery: Ryujin Shuzo, Oze no Yukidoke Brand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLocation: Tatebayashi city, Gunma prefecture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClassification: Junmai Daiginjo Namazume (once pasteurized, cold matured)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRice variety: Yamadanishiki\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolishing: 50%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYeast: #10 \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrewing method: Sokujo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSMV: +1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAcidity: 1.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlcohol: 15%\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhile Fall hiyaoroshi, Spring namazake, and Winter shiboritate are necessary outcomes of the traditional Winter brewing season, Summer Natsuzake is a modern invention. Typically, Summer is the slowest season for sake sales, bumping briefly in August for the Obon festival. In the past, sake was considered too heavy (think Masumi) to be enjoyable in the heat and humidity of Summer, and as the breweries were closed for the season, they weren’t producing anything seasonal or novel anyway. Natsuzake was invented deliberately as a marketing term only ~10 years ago, when an inventive brewery decided to design a sake to be enjoyed in Summer and market it as such. Many have since followed suit, and tend to craft styles that are floral, light, best served chilled (even ice cold), low in ABV, or conversely cask strength (~18-19%): designed to be served on ice or with sparkling water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eRyujin Shuzo, makers of the Oze no Yukidoke brand, have the benefit of extremely soft water and a pristine natural environment, something Gunma is famous for throughout the prefecture. This very soft water is noticeable in the sake: it makes the sake taste slippery, sweet, even if there is objectively minimal sugar present in the brew.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYeast #10 is considered an aromatic ginjo yeast, but relatively mellow: not ostentatious. It can be brewed for more or less aromatic intensity. My impression here is that the brewery wanted to bring out its floral character without landing on something overwhelming or candied. This is accomplished by carefully monitoring the fermentation and temperature curve throughout brewing to ensure the yeast is getting the right amount of nutrients to produce the proper blend of volatile aromatic molecules. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFinally, the rice: as Yamadanishiki rice grown in the excellent soils of Gunma, the intent here is to create a soft, plush texture which serves as an excellent canvas for the yeast to express itself. Sake brewers sometimes consider Yamadanishiki the chardonnay of the sake world: it’s malleable, versatile, relatively easy to work with, can be used to produce a range of styles, ages well, and is transparent both to place (terroir) and human input. Chardonnay takes oak flavors very well, if the vigneron chooses to use oak; in the same way, Yamadanishiki takes yeast flavors very well, if the toji chooses an aromatic yeast. It is a great pleasure to brew with, because it is so flexible. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 600;\"\u003eSTORAGE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eStore the unopened bottle in the refrigerator, ideally in the back (not the door) and consume within 2-3 months. Because the flavor is so light and fresh, this is really one to enjoy ASAP, while we still have Summer’s heat bearing down and the bottle is so full of vitality and aroma.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 600;\"\u003eHOW TO ENJOY?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEnjoy chilled, with the bottle resting in ice so that it gets as cold as possible, in a thin glass. This is definitely a style of sake that’s made to be enjoyed with Summer washoku, like hiyashi chukka (cold noodle salad), sashimi, fresh pickles, ume-cucumber roll, and fresh corn (or corn fritters for that matter). I threw together an avocado and cucumber salad and tossed it with a minced cherry tomato, lemon and shiso dressing, which was phenomenal with the Oze. Have fun, keep it fresh, and you’ll be quite happy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Oze no Yukidoke” means “Thaw of Oze,” which is quite beautiful when you consider that Oze, Gunma, is famous for its Spring flowers, finally revealed after the long and snowy winter. The brewery, Ryujin Shuzo, is also among the oldest in Japan, having been established at the very beginning of the Edo period in 1597. They have a reputation for extreme quality and produce almost exclusively junmai daiginjo sake for which the soft water is suited. To maintain this level of quality, the 6 person staff has \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003etwo\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e toji and extremely high standards for their 4 kurabito (brewery workers). Ryujin doesn’t generally accept interns, preferring to hire talent that is deeply familiar with daiginjo brewing and could arguably be toji if given the opportunity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42610224169116,"sku":"","price":32.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/ozenatsu.jpg?v=1691705075"},{"product_id":"heiwa-shuzo-kid-junmai-ginjo-nama-natsu-no-shippou","title":"Heiwa Shuzo \"KID\" Junmai Ginjo \"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":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/KIDnatsu.png?v=1692217688"},{"product_id":"denshin-junmai-genshu-aki","title":"Denshin Junmai Genshu \"Aki\" (2026)","description":"\u003cp\u003eUndiluted, full-bodied, old-school junmai with autumnal notes of brown butter, fire-roasted sweet potato, chestnut, boiled peanuts and egg custard. But there's also a freshness to it when you first open the bottle: a fleck of lemon lime and salt that reminds me of the much lighter, less serious Tensei Endless Summer. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAki is an indulgent, guilty pleasure that feels like a sake mounted with cultured butter, softened by the silky texture of Fukui's utlra clean, soft water. Delicious at room temp, a little warm, or with a light chill-- but not too cold. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis might be the most rustic of the Denshin releases, because it makes no effort to be “pretty” or aromatic, instead it is a full embrace of cold-weather richness and nostalgia. This sake is comforting, simple: the kind of drink I reach for to relax, to not think. While I offer many suggestions for non-Japanese cuisine, this might be the one most suited to rustic, homestyle, cool weather Japanese cooking. It also ages gracefully, improving and evolving each year. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42773014380700,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/denshin-akicopy.png?v=1703123224"},{"product_id":"masumi-junmai-ginjo-yamahai-sleeping-beauty","title":"Masumi Junmai Ginjo Yamahai \"Sleeping Beauty\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eOh, Masumi can do no wrong...Straight from the wintry peaks of Nagano, a crisp breeze flowing off the shores of Lake Suwa, Masumi Hiyaoroshi will keep you warm, content, and wide awake, belly full of laughter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNotes of fresh Hachiya persimmon, caraway-rye, dry cider spiked with clove, white pepper, and dried orange peel... or crisp, icy pear sorbet with an almond cookie. When chilled, the palate's texture suggests tannins, as in wine or tea: a cleansing astringency. There's a mild sweetness (like cinnamon tea!) on the mid-palate which balances this astringency nicely. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis year's release is a bit more gentle than last year, maybe a touch sweeter, but it still dances brightly with everything from aged cheeses to game meats and roasted squash. A seared pork chop with apple butter and caramelized onion jus, parsnip puree and roasted brussel sprouts, feels like just the thing...\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42791765246108,"sku":"","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Masumi_hiyaoroshi.png?v=1721883827"},{"product_id":"akabu-junmai-ginjo-akiagari-kohaku","title":"Akabu Junmai Ginjo Akiagari \"Kohaku\": Amber (2026)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAkabu, Autumn style!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2026- Nina's take: a little tart, asian pear, mellower sweetness than in past years without that big mango energy. It leads with a tart, fresh, light aromatic character and hums into a powdery, velvety finish. Lots of pear and a feeling of golden warmth. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNot a hiyaoroshi-- they are clear about this! Short term aging isn't their style-- but a different kind of autumn release, a junmai ginjo genshu at a moderate 15% ABV. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2025: big mango, creamy melon \u0026amp; orchard fruit and a smidge of sweetness. We tried this first at an October craft festival in Morioka and have been waiting with bated breath for its arrival. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42875316273308,"sku":"","price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kohaku.png?v=1702421181"},{"product_id":"rihaku-tokubetsu-junmai-nigori-namazake-dreamy-clouds","title":"Rihaku Tokubetsu Junmai Nigori Namazake \"Dreamy Clouds\"","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNot your mama's nigori. Dry, fizzy, ricey, with notes of yuzu, just-ripe banana, blueberry and tart yogurt. Only a touch of ricey haze (that is, not a thick or sweet nigori) \u0026amp; tons of personality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e A fleeting herbal and dry finish reminds me of gin. Dreamy Clouds Nama is a surprisingly serious, dry nigori with higher than usual acidity: the perfect accompaniment to warm weather!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":43191765926044,"sku":"","price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/dreamynama.png?v=1710283284"},{"product_id":"masumi-junmai-ginjo-arabashiri","title":"Masumi Junmai Ginjo Arabashiri","description":"\u003csection class=\"pro_hedding anchor\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first sake of Masumi's brewing season! \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFresh and punchy with sweet and tangy fruit elements and a clean, crisp finish. Has the undiluted strength to pair with rich foods like miso-marinated fish, dark meat stews, and pasta with heavy cream or cheese sauces, but also has the fresh acidity to go with citrus salads or ceviche. Practically exploding with flavour, “Arabashiri” pairs well with non-Japanese foods too, especially island and South American cuisine!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fresh palate of charentais melon, cucumber, vanilla froyo, \u0026amp; a shimmering twang of acidity make this sake one of the great joys of Spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":43369967288476,"sku":"","price":43.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/arabashirimasumi.png?v=1712280125"},{"product_id":"ohyama-tokubetsu-junmai-cup","title":"Ohyama Tokubetsu Junmai \"Sakura\" Cup- 2026","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn unreasonably tasty little cup that reminds me of soft Summer fruits and creamy, nutmeggy eggnog. My favorite one-cup friend on breezy warm days!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43566095696028,"sku":"","price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/sakuracup.png?v=1717450501"},{"product_id":"kinoene-okarakuchi-shiboritate-junmai-nama-genshu","title":"Kinoene Okarakuchi Shiboritate Junmai Nama Genshu","description":"","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43566348992668,"sku":"","price":31.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kinoeneokarakuchi.png?v=1714433378"},{"product_id":"koshinohomare-junmai-muroka-nama-genshu-homare-90","title":"Koshi no Homare \"90 Pink\" Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cp\u003e90 Pink returns to the States for another year! Last year we saw a very limited allotment that was widely adored by our club members. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the Spring release from Hara Shuzo's seasonal series highlighting the flavor of table rice exclusively grown in Niigata. The cultivation of higher acidity, moderate sweetness, full body and bright effervescence from fermentation, allows a study in contrasts: depth and fruity concentration vs. freshness and bubbly levity!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNotes of pineapple, juicy watermelon, strawberry cheesecake, mochi, yoplait yogurt, and Dubble Bubble. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43614169137308,"sku":"","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Homare90.png?v=1714434900"},{"product_id":"kisoji-junmai-ginjo-nama-genshu","title":"Kisoji Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe concentrated, rich, full-bodied natsuzake of the Summer, which hits like a 8\" high whorl of vanilla soft serve!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotes of vanilla cream, strawberry yogurt, big juicy peaches, yummy French macarons and sweet carrot juice. Think beautiful, big, satisfying, creamy and full of character. The finish is a lighter than the mid-palate, so you never feel weighed down.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In production, this sake takes advantage of the height difference between the sake tank and press, so no pumps are used in pressing and bottling. As a result, the carbon dioxide is conserved and the sake retains just a touch of crispy effervescence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" 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\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":44122451181724,"sku":"","price":47.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/KisojiN.png?v=1719595498"},{"product_id":"ohmine-3-grain-natsujun-kasumi-namazake","title":"Ohmine 3 Grain Natsujun \"Kasumi\" Namazake","description":"\u003cp\u003eOhmine's flagship summer sake: a 50% polish Yamadanishiki brew made with local rice and balanced to a nice, light, mildly effervescent 14% ABV balance. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nose is clean and ricey, not a ginjo bomb-- a touch of crisp peach. On the palate of a freshly opened bottle, we get this wonderful! Bright pop of CO2 that takes me back to Kaze no Mori, a gentle touch of astringency that reminds me of tonic water or Japanese cider (think Mitsuya Cider, a lemon-lime-gingery, mildly sweet sweetness soft drink). There is plenty of fruit here too-- It is Natsuzake after all!-- Sweet green grape, ripe Asian pear, ripe persimmon and tangerine. But this surprisingly revitalizing mix of astringency, fresh effervescence and mellow fruit make Kasumi Natsujun one to remember.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44304699621532,"sku":"","price":53.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/ohmine_kasumi.png?v=1723492151"},{"product_id":"akabu-hisui-junmai-ginjo","title":"Akabu Junmai Ginjo \"Hisui\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eWith a lighter aromatic impact than Akabu's year-round Junmai Ginjo, Hisui glides across the nose like a waft of Summer flowers. It has an almost addictive aroma-- tropical flowers, Fun Dip, Sanrio Gum, strawberry puffs-- and the palate boldly leans in, apologizing for nothing and delivering purely on this aromatic promise. It is clean, pure, impeccable-- unsurprisingly, the absolute favorite in the Summer pack. \u003cbr\u003eAcidity is a little higher than usual: you need it to balance out that lush and tender strawberry note!  \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalled Hisui (jade) in reference to its glossy shine and translucence, Akabu \u003cbr\u003ewanted to evoke the clear, refreshing flavors and aromas of young leaves and \u003cbr\u003eflowers in early Summer with this bottling. This is one of two Summer sake for \u003cbr\u003eAkabu and the newest, an updated vision of Summer: ethereal but with body and \u003cbr\u003egrape skin-like astringency. Their commitment to Iwate prefecture is evident in \u003cbr\u003ethe use of local Ginginga rice and Iwate Kobo yeast, developed at the local research\u003cbr\u003ecenter. Polished to 50% and brewed to a light 13% ABV, we could call this junmai \u003cbr\u003edaiginjo but Akabu always exceeds the minimum, one reason why they are so \u003cbr\u003ehighly awarded after barely a decade post-reopening. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44304712958108,"sku":"","price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/hisui.png?v=1723492328"},{"product_id":"shonai-bijin-kimoto-junmai-hiyaoroshi","title":"Dewanoyuki Shonai Bijin Kimoto Junmai Hiyaoroshi (2026)","description":"\u003cp\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;\" id=\"docs-internal-guid-5f69acc7-7fff-05e4-3c72-817c33e2684a\"\u003e\u003cb style=\"font-weight: normal;\" id=\"docs-internal-guid-46691c8b-7fff-b420-05b9-8543ec7dcb35\"\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;\"\u003eMy first-impression notes are pretty loud, verging on desserty, although this isn't a sweet sake by any measure: custard cream-filled momiji manju, McGriddles, mont blanc cake. But it's refreshingly astringent and has a good short finish to contrast the fullness of the mid-palate. Straightforward easy drinkin' chilled, but room temperature and above is where its character really shines. The cream notes expand across the palate around 120~140F, and wrap up neatly with a gentle spicy bow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44534391373980,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/dewanoyuki_shonai_bijin_hiyaoroshi.png?v=1790613612"},{"product_id":"jyoku-squirrel-s-harvest-festival-junmai-genshu-hiyaoroshi","title":"Jyoku Junmai Genshu Hiyaoroshi \"Squirrel's Harvest Festival\" (2026)","description":"\u003cp\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;\" id=\"docs-internal-guid-b99437a0-7fff-069d-42b4-3991520d640b\"\u003eRisu no Shikakusai-- Squirrel's harvest matsuri-- is delightfully mellow, as perfect for a relaxed hot pot evening with friends as it is with a simple cheese board and equally cheesy holiday movie.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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;\"\u003e2026 update: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cb style=\"font-weight: normal;\" id=\"docs-internal-guid-5cd130fc-7fff-019f-6a71-8fabca4b702c\"\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;\"\u003eLike if a mulled cider was a sake, with its notes of orange peel, cinnamon and clove. The moment you take the lid off a fresh pot of chestnut rice. More soft and pillow-y than last year, but reined in well by it's citrus and spice notes. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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;\" id=\"docs-internal-guid-b99437a0-7fff-069d-42b4-3991520d640b\"\u003e2025: Refreshing, crisp aromas of lime and lemon, with mild notes of freshly steamed rice. Jyoku's typical soft mouthfeel, light, smooth and slightly dry flavor, has elements of natural sweetness that remind me of clotted cream, marshmallow, apricot jam, quince paste and chestnut mont blanc. Lovely chilled or at room temperature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44534399467676,"sku":"","price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Jyoku_squirrel_party_hiyaoroshi.png?v=1790613612"},{"product_id":"kamikokoro-umakuchi-hiyaoroshi","title":"Kamikokoro Junmai Ginjo Genshu Umakuchi Hiyaoroshi","description":"\u003cp\u003eOkayama is famous for its peaches, and this sake uses yeast derived from momo white peach skins, as well as other brewing techniques to accentuate peach notes. The dense, juicy mellow sweetness (umakuchi refers to an umami-rich flavor) is contrasted by brisk olive brine backnotes and a bit of ricey earthiness. This is a single pasteurized sake matured over Summer for gentle maillard notes of carmelized sugar and grilled peaches.\u003c!-- notionvc: b1f33083-90a1-4849-ad76-11b3b4b076dd --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love the use of Akebono here-- it's the unsung hero of Okayama, always in the shadow of the more famous and geeky Omachi, but no less delicious. It shares the velvety density of Omachi but without the intense rose\/herb notes. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sunflower Sake","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44534416867484,"sku":"","price":57.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kamikokoro-umakuchi-hiyaoroshi.png?v=1730240742"},{"product_id":"koshi-no-homare-90-yellow-muroka-nama-genshu","title":"Koshi no Homare \"90 Yellow\" Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cdiv id=\":tq\" class=\"Am aiL Al editable LW-avf tS-tW tS-tY\" aria-label=\"Message Body\" role=\"textbox\" aria-multiline=\"true\" style=\"direction: ltr; min-height: 376px;\" spellcheck=\"false\" aria-owns=\":171\" aria-controls=\":171\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"1\"\u003eWith satisfying, full flavor and high acidity, \"90 Yellow\" is like biting into a peak-season Gravenstein apple, or downing a big glass of fresh-squeezed apple juice. I get subtle notes of ruby red grapefruit and margarita served up, as well as a creamy lactic texture, sharply cut by bright acidity. It's a fantastic sake served warm as well, reading a bit like hot apple cider when slowly warmed to 140 degrees in a glass or ceramic vessel submerged in a hot water bath, stirred regularly. Perhaps the top stunner of this season's shiboritate!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“The fastest shinmai shinshu in the country!”  The whole point of Yellow 90, the first of the Koshinohomare 90 series, is its freshness! For Yellow to be bottled and ready by Sake Day 10\/1, Hazuki Minori is the natural choice as it’s ready for harvest in early-mid August.  Originally bred for consumer demand, there’s new appeal in a variety harvested before the now-normal September heat spikes. Per the name, only 10% of the rice is removed for a 90% polishing ratio. They ferment with a strong, cold-tolerant yeast (701) at very cold temps to encourage fruity ester production and strong acidity as well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShinshu\/Shiboritate translates to “new sake,” and should taste like it flowed right from the tank: lively, undiluted, a bit yeasty, carbonated and immature, like Beaujolais nouveau or draft beer. In Japan, Winter is Shinshu season: production traditionally starts October 1st and the first batches are ready ~November-December.\u003cbr\u003e    The story of modern shinshu dates to 1792, when the Tokugawa Shogunate issued an edict banning sake brewing before September 23rd of each year. The intention was to monitor production in order to assess taxes, control rice usage, and limit the likelihood of spoilage.  Fascinatingly, the German Purity Laws enforced for beer also outlawed brewing before September 29 for similar quality and enforcement reasons. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44727189340316,"sku":"","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/yellow90.png?v=1737763803"},{"product_id":"kisoji-junmai-nama-genshu-shiboritate","title":"Kisoji Junmai Nama Genshu Shiboritate","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the brewery, this sake takes advantage of the height difference between the sake tank and press, so no pumps are used in pressing and bottling. As a result, the carbon dioxide is conserved and the sake retains just a touch of crispy effervescence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" 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\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":44865116799132,"sku":"","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kisojishiboritate.png?v=1742963625"},{"product_id":"tsukasabotan-senchu-hassaku-reika-nama","title":"Tsukasabotan Senchu Hassaku Reika Junmai Nama","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is the Summer version of Tsukasabotan's Senchu Hassaku Junmai. Aging unpasteurized at sub-zero temperatures pulls out an intense, full bodied umami with a cutting, dry finish. Despite its mellow, subdued aroma, I get a generous, strong presence on the mid palate, a sort of dense, bouncy, ricey mouthfeel that feels substantial and satisfying. Reminds me of softly, richly bouncy butter mochi. It's not especially fruity but has some of that green Funaguchi can, apple-banana fun. There's enough fruit here that it feels Summery and nice, but only just enough. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe finish is ...dry, yes. But it doesn't strike me as aggressive or astringent. Actually, that extra aging really makes the whole ride smooth. I'm surprised to say it because --maybe this is a bit of sake maturity on my part-- I'm really loving the texture and nuance here, where 4-5 years ago I just thought it was boring. But I really do love this sake and I think I'll be drinking it a lot this summer. -Nina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45043543244956,"sku":"","price":51.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/tsukasabotan.png?v=1749847673"},{"product_id":"ryo-natsu-junmai","title":"Ryo Junmai","description":"","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45125236654236,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/ryo.png?v=1752790605"},{"product_id":"koshi-no-homare","title":"Koshi no Homare \"90 Blue\" Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e[Preorder: Arriving Tuesday, 7\/7]\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHara Shuzo's 90 series is a love letter to Niigata's famed table rices. The 90 refers to the level of polish, removing only 10% of the grain to preserve the character of each variety they work with and make a sake that's basically a \"rice juice.\" This Summer release highlights Mizuho no Kagayaki, a cultivar with flavor on par with the iconic Koshihikari, but bred for higher yield and later harvest. It's made with shio koji (white koji, which produces citric acid) for freshness and left a touch sweet (-8 SMV) to balance out the substantial acidity (2.4). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aroma is savory and pronounced, with notes of tart yogurt, froyo and lemon zest. A tiny bit of fizz lends body to a palate of tangerine, lemon meringue and ultra-ripe fruit. The ricey sweetness coats the mouth like marmalade, leaving a silky coating -- the memory of fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- notionvc: c362a617-b59b-49ed-ac47-38e1f217ae17 --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45125498175644,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/90blue.png?v=1752798039"},{"product_id":"ryusei-junmai-kimoto-nama-genshu-natsuzake-ryofu","title":"Ryusei Junmai Ginjo Kimoto Nama Genshu Natsuzake \"Ryofu\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn kuramoto Fujii’s writing, it's clear he is deeply driven to communicate the senses and \u003cbr\u003eemotions of growing up in a town nestled between ocean and mountain, raised among \u003cbr\u003ewindy rice fields and clouds of steam floating through the old brewery. There is a tension between childish notes of pink chewing gum and an exuberant greenness, like a field of chervil or standing in a muddy rice field. I get hints of juicy tangerine, and something sophisticated it's difficult to put my finger on...like a crisp apple cut with a sushi knife, something gentle and easy but also honed-in and intentional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs new kuramoto Fujii-san experiments with the brewery’s methodology, including its approach to natsuzake (like many others, \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/note.com\/ryusei_sake\/n\/nff3da08bc820\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ethey are leaning toward single pasteurization instead of nama-nama\u003c\/a\u003e) quieter, more philosophical updates like ambient yeast and kimoto wild bacterial starters are being incorporated into classic products like Ryofu (涼風- cool breeze). Yeast for one has an enormous bearing on flavor profile: you want banana notes? Ferment #7 at moderate temps. Strawberry, melon and fennel? #1801 at cold temps. It’s impressive to me that Ryusei relinquished this control when natsuzake is often so aromatic and fruity-- so \u003cem\u003edesigned\u003c\/em\u003e, so \u003cem\u003eplanned\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e[Summer '25 4pk + 2pk club selection]\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the brewer: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTaking advantage of the elegance and delicacy of Yamada Nishiki, it is a summer-only raw sake with a refreshing acidity and gentle umami. I finished it with a cool and transparent flavor profile that fits well even in the hot season. The fragrance is gentle and refreshing, reminding me of citrus. The supple acid that nurtures the soft water of Takehara gently supports the contours of the taste. The aroma is modest and refreshing, and when cooled, the sharpness and lightness stands out; as the temperature rises, the sweetness and umami broaden. It is a classic summer sake that gently soothes a waning appetite.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sunflower Sake","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45173368946844,"sku":null,"price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/ryuseiryofunatsunamajunmai.png?v=1754432737"},{"product_id":"dewatsuru-junmai-ginjo-clammbon","title":"Dewatsuru Junmai Ginjo \"Clammbon\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eInspired by the image of tiny silver bubbles awash in sunlight filtered through a clear \u003cbr\u003estream, Clammbon is ethereal, complex and multi-sensory. At once light and refreshing, creamy from a bit of ricey haze and the kimoto lactic fermentation starter, with friendly notes of nashi (pear) and ramune. Umami on the finish is balanced by energetic bubbles and a touch of grippy bitterness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn designing this product, aside from the poetic inspiration Dewatsuru wanted it to be stable for shipping and many of their decisions were informed by this goal. Akita Snow Country Yeast UT-1 was developed by the prefectural research center to convey Akita ginjo’s signature pear-strawberry-ramune aromas while also being less sensitive to temperature fluctuations. UT-1 generates as much ethyl caproate (good smell) as its parent strain, but lower caproic acid, a bitter compound which goes off if the sake isn’t handled carefully. In addition, it’s pasteurized once to prevent “hine-ka”: going off the path, a foul lactic small.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45188708696220,"sku":null,"price":53.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/DewatsuruClammbon.png?v=1755226031"},{"product_id":"ohmine-hiyaoroshi-omachi","title":"Ohmine Junmai Daiginjo Omachi Hiyaoroshi (2026)","description":"\u003cp\u003eNina's take: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA shimmering expression of fall. Sweet golden apples, sultanas, soft \u0026amp; fluffy cool whip. A hint of spicy potpourri in the background and an impeccably pure yet lingering impression... Fuller bodied, longer finish, subtle sweet spice. Enjoy w\/ kare-raisu (curry rice).\u003c!-- notionvc: 497eb748-c131-4df2-83e0-1b7707e1e6d1 --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMolly's take: \u003cb style=\"font-weight: normal;\" id=\"docs-internal-guid-a22a1a33-7fff-a372-39d2-b283e650c3da\"\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;\"\u003eMega gentle cinnamon spice, poached stone fruit esp nectarine, cool whip (NOT whipped cream- light, airy, the suggestion of dairy without the weight), \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003esweet almond, \u0026amp; brown sugar crumble all intermingle in this chewy, rich genshu. Also fab warm!!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMade with Omachi rice and matured at low temperature for more than six months, this seasonal Hiyaoroshi expresses the rice’s generous depth with Ohmine’s signature clarity. Delicate floral and honeyed aromas lead into notes of ripe stone fruit. The palate is smooth and gently viscous, layering concentrated fruit, rounded sweetness, and savory umami before a clean, mineral-driven finish. Pair with miso-glazed black cod, grilled pork, roasted mushrooms, or richly seasoned autumn vegetables.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReleased for the autumn season, Ohmine 3 Grain Hiyaoroshi Omachi is brewed with Omachi rice polished to 50% and matured at low temperature for more than six months. This resting period rounds the sake’s texture while preserving Ohmine’s signature purity and balance, allowing Omachi’s expressive sweetness and deep umami to unfold with composed complexity. Best enjoyed chilled in a wine glass.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45240593383580,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Ohmineomachihiyaoroshi.png?v=1756492182"},{"product_id":"nanawarai-junmai-ginjo-hiyaoroshi","title":"Nanawarai Junmai Ginjo Hiyaoroshi","description":"\u003cp\u003eNanawarai makes \"umakuchi\" sake, which is suprisingly not a word I find translated into the English speaking sake world too often despite its prevalence. In the context of sake, it implies a sweetness balanced by an impactful savoriness and richness. I can't think of a better word for this hiyaoroshi. The nose is a ginjo-y fruit basket- juicy pears, apples, tinned pineapple and honeysuckle- but opens up to a flavor impact that is in turns grassy as matcha and sweet and silly as Dubble Bubble. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrewed in Nagano's Kiso valley, a short drive from beloved Sunflower seasonal staple Yukawa Brewery (Kisoji). For this seasonal release, the brewers chose to contrast locally grown Miyama Nishiki's plush and rounded character with tropical and bright Hiroshima yeast. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45274389938332,"sku":null,"price":47.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/7warai.png?v=1757630983"},{"product_id":"tsukasabotan-senchu-hassaku-junmai-nama-shiboritate","title":"Tsukasabotan Senchu Hassaku Junmai Nama Shiboritate","description":"\u003cp\u003eFull-bodied, rich and highly aromatic Winter nama with a super crispy finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45891167682716,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/tsukasabotansenchuhassakushiboritate_c1d0c05b-49c5-48d3-bebd-78d0cf7b1357.png?v=1768407822"},{"product_id":"kohro-mebuki-junmai-ginjo","title":"Kohro Mebuki Shiboritate Junmai","description":"","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45900615614620,"sku":null,"price":43.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kohromebuki.png?v=1768406933"},{"product_id":"nabeshima","title":"Nabeshima New Moon Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cp\u003eGuava nectar meets chantilly cream, presented on a gilded platter with hands shrouded in ethereal, white silk gloves. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eElegant, with a touch of tropical sweetness, Nabeshima's New Moon shiboritate nama genshu (fresh pressed unpasteurized, undiluted sake) is at once elegant and powerful, loaded with presence, generous in its sencha-like umami. Unusually deep, round, orangey fruit notes make up its profile, for those who love their boisterous, expressive junmai ginjo nama genshu's. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Columbia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45905483858076,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/nabeshimanewmoonnama.png?v=1768406696"},{"product_id":"kikuhime-junmai-yamahai","title":"Kikuhime Junmai Yamahai","description":"\u003cp\u003eProfoundly executed, this earthy, spiced Junmai from Kikuhime-- famed longtime domain of Japan's greatest toji, Noguchi Naohiko-- is without a doubt the most complex of this year's brews. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a subtle platform, dryadic notes of forest floor, nutmeg, chestnut, sweet fennel pollen, matsutake and adzuki bean, whisk me away to somewhere quiet and still. Every so often I encounter sake that demonstrate the power of balance and subtlety. This is like, so far and away the best hiyaoroshi of the year, it's unfair (I think - Nina). An uninhibited, undiluted, unapologetically untrendy 18% genshu powerhouse that never feels like a hammer. It has the most sultry duality of aromatic autumn fruit: quince, poached pear, some kind of elegant alien banana, \u0026amp; the distilled essence of a walk in the forest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost known for their astronomically expensive, collectible cellar releases (10 years+ in age), this is a rare opportunity to experience their famed craftsmanship for under $100.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":46706820481180,"sku":null,"price":46.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":46706827231388,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kikuhimeyamahai.png?v=1778001939"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/collections\/Seasonalclubp2.jpg?v=1740767003","url":"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/collections\/seasonal-sake.oembed?page=3","provider":"Sunflower Sake","version":"1.0","type":"link"}