{"title":"tokubetsu honjozo \u0026 tokubetsu junmai","description":"\u003cp\u003eTokubetsu, which simply means \"special,\" is an odd category. In Japan, it's legally defined as being made from sake-specific rice (such as Yamada Nishiki), polished to 60% or less (ginjo equivalent), or brewed using a \"special\" method.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e99% Of the time, tokubetsu sake is so categorized because of the first two reasons, sake-specific rice or polishing. So why not use other terms, like junmai or ginjo? Usually it's because the brewery already has a junmai and ginjo in their product lineup: one which loyal customers have enjoyed for years. Or maybe it's polished to 60%, and it's delicious enough to share, but it doesn't really taste like a ginjo... you don't want to disappoint your customer base by misleading them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTokubetsu sake is full of gems. It really feels like a space for brewery creativity and experimentation.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"rihaku-dreamy-clouds","title":"Rihaku Tokubetsu Junmai Nigori Dreamy Clouds","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis is definitely not your mama's nigori. Brisk, dry, ricey, serious! On the lighter side of nigori (that is, not very \"thick\" or sweet)-- Dreamy Clouds is very easy to drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDreamy Clouds carries\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e a unique contrast between a ricey, textural mouthfeel and a crisp dryness. Custard apple, just-ripe banana, blueberry, asian pear, “tart” flavor froyo, green apple, and petrichor notes dominate the palate, while a fleeting herbal and dry finish reminds me of juniper berries. A surprisingly serious, dry nigori with higher than usual acidity. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935793590428,"sku":"","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300ml","offer_id":40935793623196,"sku":"","price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Dreamy.png?v=1699569407"},{"product_id":"nishinoseki-tokubetsu-junmai-cup-180ml","title":"Nishinoseki Tokubetsu Junmai Daruma Cup (180ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis one-cup is a delicious representation of Southern-style sake: richer, bolder, a little bit sweeter, but not necessarily fruity. A soft note of brown sugar, yellow apple, ripe anjou pear, and a nice full texture, just a tad drier than other Southern cups, like Kumamon cup. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41307087241372,"sku":"","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/daruma_cup.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"copy-of-denshin-hiyaoroshi-junmai-aki","title":"Denshin Honjozo Shiboritate Namazake \"Fuyu\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis sake has very refreshing aroma and juicy character, with notes of white pepper, ripe persimmon, meringue, \u003c\/span\u003ebrazil nut, dates, pear, cream of wheat, bitter apple, and soft forest floor. It makes my mouth water-- delivering a crisp, smooth, bright and slightly effervescent taste. The overall impression is of brightness, clarity and gentle astringency.\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41484369887388,"sku":"","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Denshinfuyu.png?v=1744690453"},{"product_id":"matsunoi-tokubetsu-honjozo-lone-pine","title":"Matsunoi Tokubetsu Honjozo “Lone Pine”","description":"\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eFormerly known as \"Wishing Well,\" Lone Pine is an alternate telling of the Matsunoi kanji and speaks to the pines that dot the countryside in this remote Niigata village.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eFamiliar, earthy notes of toasted sugar, pine cones, hazelnuts, \u0026amp; crisp spring water. Classic old Niigata: a cleansing, tanrei karakuchi finish paired with a nutty, clean body.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eThere's not a lot to say about Matsunoi, but only because it brings you to a nostalgic place of peace and silence, pine trees and deep wells of fresh snowmelt.  \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42202161578140,"sku":"","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Matsunoi_TH.png?v=1719595462"},{"product_id":"kusudama-tokubetsu-junmai-sarubobo-cup","title":"Kusudama Tokubetsu Junmai \"Sarubobo\" Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eA dry but soft little sake, with a hidden umami richness typical of Gifu and the local hidahomare rice. The sarubobo-- little monkey charms made from cloth and gifted to expecting mothers and children in Hida Takayama-- decorate the cup. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SG","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42236908896412,"sku":"","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Sarubobo.png?v=1714357126"},{"product_id":"yukikage-tokubetsu-junmai-ginjo-snow-shadow","title":"Yukikage Tokubetsu Junmai \"Snow Shadow\"","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYukikage is clean and crisp, effortlessly evoking an alpine waterfall or high elevation meadow dotted with sweet-smelling wildflowers. This low-volume, pure prettiness-- Japanese tasting notes sometimes call it \"gorgeousness\"--is a \u003cem\u003eseriously\u003c\/em\u003e good deal at $26\/btl and one of my top recommendations for parties, weddings, and big groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003eLightly spiced with notes of fresh nutmeg and chestnut, soft poached pear, green apple flesh, and fresh white mushroom, finishing super clean. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42877345366172,"sku":"","price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":42877345398940,"sku":"","price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Yukikage_c0c417a2-6255-4fd8-bd61-f5af71460cc1.png?v=1719596290"},{"product_id":"azuma-no-fumoto-tokubetsu-junmai-muroka-nama-genshu-arabashiri-first-wave","title":"Azuma no Fumoto Tokubetsu Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu Arabashiri \"First Wave\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e Very, very unusual for an arabashiri-- one of a kind really!-- this nama genshu has incredible weight on the palate while at the same time dancing with the astringent bright structure typical of arabashiri (free run sake).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNotes of butterscotch, toasted coconut, toasted buckwheat, oolong, white soy, dried lemon \u0026amp; honeycomb cereal. There is a laser-like intensity and clarity to it that sets off the otherwise round notes. Absolutely brilliant as always.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42402963259548,"sku":"","price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/azuma.png?v=1714671576"},{"product_id":"nanbu-bijin-tokubetsu-junmai-cup","title":"Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eNanbu Bijin's signature brand, which uses locally-grown Iwate Ginotome rice and which, some might say, contributed to a revolution in sake style which is today known as \u003cem\u003emodern\u003c\/em\u003e sake: fresh, lightly effervescent, a little sweet, fruity and aromatic! A lot of quality and personality in one little cup.\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"180ml","offer_id":42506453581980,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Nanbu_Bijin.png?v=1719437310"},{"product_id":"copy-of-matsunoi-tokubetsu-honjozo-lone-pine","title":"Matsunoi Tokubetsu Junmai","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eCinnamon, iced tea and fuji apple tied up in a crisp, dry bow. Light, pretty and perfect on the table with dinner.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Sale: bottling date: 11\/24)\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42549239087260,"sku":"","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/62a7d6d1a6c7161c7ef724bb_Matsunoi-LonePine-TokubetsuJunmai--bottle-image-2.png?v=1769987222"},{"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":"RNDC","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":"yamada-shoten-everlasting-roots-tokubetsu-junmai","title":"Yamada Shoten Everlasting Roots Tokubetsu Junmai","description":"\u003cp\u003eSoft spiced notes, creamy and comforting texture, a rich toasty finish, while remaining light and dry. For lovers of Hakuto Tokubetsu Junmai \"Deep Faith,\" Kanbara Junmai Ginjo \"Bride of the Fox,\" and Masumi Junmai Ginjo \"Sleeping Beauty\", who are looking for a sake that over-delivers on quality and enjoyment for the price. This lightly matured, mountain style Tokubetsu Junmai from micro-brewery Yamada Shoten is always a pleasure, and not just because you get an extra carafe (180ml) from each bottle!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI'm often asked, what's my favorite place in Japan? And it's really difficult to answer, because I've loved nearly everywhere I've been. But something about Gifu, taking the train through the mountains to Hida Takayama and the beauty of that mountain village, its abundance of sake breweries, really affected me. So to this day, I have a soft spot for Gifu sake and Hida-Homare rice. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMukashi no Manma, \"Everlasting Roots,\" is made with local Gifu rice, Hida-Homare, developed for the Hida mountain range and Gifu prefecture, and is matured a short while before release. Hida Homare is a bit of a pain to grow but produces fuller bodied sake and has helped the Gifu region develop a stronger regional identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- notionvc: d0d34d71-d607-4286-855d-276191790431 --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43252471791772,"sku":"","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/everlasting.png?v=1714425931"},{"product_id":"tenbi-tokubetsu-junmai","title":"Tenbi Tokubetsu Junmai","description":"\u003cp\u003eA delightful, light and refreshing modernist junmai ginjo from a region usually known for its powerful umami and big juicy flavors. Notes of passionfruit, custard, caramelized pineapple, mamey, spearmint and laundry sheets!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcidity is on the high side at M+, a touch grassy when first opened but it dissipates after a few days. Finish lingers, but it doesn't rely on \"bigness\" to deliver this longevity...just great craftsmanship. On the finish I get that fine, Japanese wagashi sugar sweetness and a little starchiness too. Crisp and wonderful. Enjoy now, because the toji is changing-- and it may never be quite the same!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- notionvc: af829250-5874-4ec6-97bd-ae4867c9f205 --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43832320950428,"sku":null,"price":44.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/tenbitj.png?v=1717439285"},{"product_id":"haneya-tj","title":"Haneya Tokubetsu Junmai","description":"\u003cp\u003eA light, delicate, crisp and dry Tokubetsu Junmai with a lovely balance of earthen notes, minerality, and gentle orchard fruit (. It's not often that I resonate with the Japanese producer's descriptions, but I feel it's really apt to describe this sake as having \"a refreshing transparency, like a gust of wind blowing through fresh greenery.\" What makes this sake special isn't a paragraph of descriptors or aromatic complexity, but a refreshing cleanliness and purity that can be hard to define. It floats across the palate, soft and feathery, finishing on a soaring mineral plateau. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHaneya is the flagship brand of the brewery and uses competition junmai daiginjo as the inspiration for all of its products, including this tokubetsu junmai. They perform closely monitored water absorption in small batches, koji rice is managed carefully using small volumes in boxes and futa (small boxes),use only the middle (naka) fraction of the pressing, and source only the highest quality local rice. \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman', 游明朝, 'Yu Mincho', 游明朝体, YuMincho, 'ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3', 'Hiragino Mincho Pro', HiraMinProN-W3, HGS明朝E, 'ＭＳ Ｐ明朝', 'MS PMincho', serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;\"\u003eBecause Haneya's sake brewing process is extremely time-consuming, they are unable to expand production and only produce a small number of limited edition products.\u003cspan\u003e They've been gaining international acclaim with multiple IWC award wins and a French Kura Master title as well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman', 游明朝, 'Yu Mincho', 游明朝体, YuMincho, 'ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3', 'Hiragino Mincho Pro', HiraMinProN-W3, HGS明朝E, 'ＭＳ Ｐ明朝', 'MS PMincho', serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43832498094236,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/HaneyaTJ.png?v=1717569149"},{"product_id":"gin-sumiyoshi-tokubetsu-junmai","title":"Gin Sumiyoshi Tokubetsu Junmai Taruzake","description":"\u003cp\u003eGin Sumiyoshi is brewed with a special local eating rice, sasanishiki, which was developed in Sendai, Miyagi for the cool climates of Northern Japan. Taruhei omits the charcoal filtration step, which results in a delicate amber hue. The finished sake is dry and rich, finished by aging only for a brief period in taru--cedar barrels-- which confers a much milder cedar flavor than you'd find in standard taruzake. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGin Sumiyoshi is well loved by serious sake fans. As evidenced by the old-school, Showa-era, post-WW2 retro label that has not changed in forever...this is not an impressive, showboat, tutti-fruity sake. This is a sake for traditionalists, hearty eaters, and grumpy old men, like me 🙋‍♀️. \"This is how true sake should taste.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNotes of dried persimmon, kokuto sugar, miso chocolate chip cookies, London dry gin, Dolin vermouth and smoky fireplace.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44455864107164,"sku":"","price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Ginsumiyoshi.png?v=1726279997"},{"product_id":"azuma-no-fumoto-junmai-ginjo-nandemo-c-cup","title":"Azuma no Fumoto Junmai Ginjo \"Nandodemo C\" Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eVery classic Yamagata. Super soft, waterlike-- Fluffy, round, easy, a flavor that expands on the palate like fondue running over a cake. Notes of melted blue and red icee, marshmallow peeps, cherry extract and Italian almond cookies. Nostalgic and childlike. With an aerated, soft and plush mouthfeel that's also very lightly sweet, it's almost aerated tasting-- Whipped sake!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- notionvc: 24d9587e-05e8-4c05-9763-f8b2e0c84df1 --\u003eNandemo C is a collaboration project between Azuma no Fumoto and Tohoku University of Technology students. \"Nandemo C\" is a pun meaning \"delicious at any temperature\" or \"enjoyable every time.\" A slightly dry and refreshing sake that is recommended for sake beginners, and which evolves depending on the temperature it is served at. Heated to 115, the flavor profile is similar but with more peep and almond notes, and a little less stonefruit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45009390272668,"sku":null,"price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/azumanofumotoNandemoccup.png?v=1748476421"},{"product_id":"ippaku-suisei-tokubetsu-junmai","title":"Ippakusuisei Ryoshin Tokubetsu Junmai","description":"\u003cp\u003eSoft aromas of fresh white peach and sweet rice cakes lead into a gentle front palate which descends sharply into a short, clean semi-dry finish that begs for a bite of food with this crisp once-pasteurized muroka genshu. Reminds me of long afterglows, bouncy acidity, cotton candy, blue mango, melon, youth, summer festival, fireworks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sunflower Sake","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45148898623644,"sku":null,"price":47.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/ippakusuiseitokubetsujunmai.png?v=1753766178"},{"product_id":"kaika","title":"Kaika Sanomaru Tokubetsu Junmai","description":"","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45155951902876,"sku":null,"price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/sanomaru.png?v=1754432262"},{"product_id":"kuro-obi-yuu-yuu","title":"Fukumitsuya Kuro Obi Tokubetsu Junmai \"Yuu-Yuu\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eNotes of jujubes, dried dates, acacia honey, rice straw and rye bread. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Casa Bruno","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46379446665372,"sku":null,"price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/fukumitsuya_kuroobo_yu-yu_special_junmaicopy_79dd4e35-0aff-47a4-bf47-8a6a3a1b3896.png?v=1773333420"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/collections\/IMG_0067.jpg?v=1687461514","url":"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/collections\/tokubetsu-honjozo-and-tokubetsu-junmai\/ginjo.oembed","provider":"Sunflower Sake","version":"1.0","type":"link"}