{"title":"Yamadanishiki rice (山田錦)","description":"\u003cp\u003eYamadanishiki, the so-called \"King of Sake Rice,\" has an interesting story to tell. Yamadanishiki is known for being very well suited to sake aging, relatively easy to mill to very low seimaibuai\/RPR (35% or lower), a clear reflection of the brewer's decisions, and lending a soft, broad mouthfeel to sake. Many of these attributes are abstract, but the sum result is that it is a real pleasure to brew premium sake with top-tier yamadanishiki rice. It's like carving a sculpture from a perfect piece of marble, versus a challenging piece of irregular stone. Yamadanishiki doesn't fight back or make things difficult when you're trying to create something perfect!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYamadanishiki roughly translates to mountain field beauty, where the implication of beauty is one of a complex tapestry. It was crossbred in 1923 and registered in 1936, but until after the war, most rice fields were allocated to eating rice rather than sake rice. Researchers created Yamadanishiki in their quest to optimize performance both in sake brewing and in ease of growing. Its features are a soft structure, large grains, moderate stalk height, fairly low yield, and cold intolerance. The best fields are in Hyogo, in the mountains inland of Kobe. They are so highly prized that there is a complex system of field classifications which resembles that of burgundy villages and clos. The most coveted sake rice in the world can be said to come from Hyogo's Yamadanishiki fields. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e-\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!----\u003eRice varieties can have a huge influence on style, flavor, price, and storytelling for sake. While most rice varieties have a subtle impact on flavor --far less than grape variety in wine-- the variables you don't see or taste directly, play a part in making the sake what it is.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"akishika-bambi-cup","title":"Akishika Junmai Bambi Cup","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDry sake with a tranquil aroma of cream and grain. Round, viscous, creamy and savory flavor with clean finish. Akishika means autumn deer, and is a lovely example of Akishika's savory and rice-forward house style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"180ml","offer_id":40935791624348,"sku":"","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/akishika_cup.png?v=1721883830"},{"product_id":"harada-junmai-80","title":"Harada Junmai 80","description":"\u003cp\u003ePeach rings (thanks Bin Bin!), mango, cherry pit, vanilla, creme brulee, nutmeg, and full, rich rice umami. This is a total reformulation of the 80% polish Harada I fell in love with years ago: reinvented to be brighter, more quaffable, very \u003cem\u003eHarada\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":40935793197212,"sku":"","price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Harada80.png?v=1744155990"},{"product_id":"chiyomusubi-kitaro-junmai-ginjo-cup","title":"Chiyomusubi \"Kitaro\" Junmai Ginjo Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eCute packaging aside,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e this is a \u003cem\u003ereally good\u003c\/em\u003e junmai ginjo. It's distinctive for its lovely balance of rich umami and juicy fruit. Notes of \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eripe honeydew melon, applesauce, vanilla pudding, and just-ripe banana, make a strong case for a little $10 splurge!\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chiyomusubi series are \u003cem\u003eexcellent sake--\u003c\/em\u003e not just excellent for cup sake. Kitaro's sibling cups: Oyaji and Nezumi Otoko are equally good, and each very different. It's a tiny tour of Tottori prefecture, and a throwback to Tottori's beloved old-timey manga\/cartoon that graced Japanese televisions over 30 years ago!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"180ml","offer_id":41098518560924,"sku":"","price":13.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/chiyo_kitaro.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"copy-of-kenbishi-mizuho-junmai","title":"Kenbishi \"Kuromatsu\" Honjozo Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNutty, ricey, toasty, savory goodness. One of the best honjozo on the market.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe younger brother of \"Mizuho\", aged 1-3 years and made from a mysterious, proprietary blend of rice, techniques, and historic methods. \"A stopped clock tells the right time twice a day\" is one of the mantras of Kenbishi--  they firmly stick to their historic recipe (with \u003cem\u003every\u003c\/em\u003e rare changes, such as reverting to wooden fermenters about a decade ago)-- never chasing trends or brand new techniques.  By remaining committed to their old methods, Kenbishi maintains a loyal following of fans...myself included. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKuromatsu honjozo 180ml is packaged in a tempered glass cup, perfect for heating in hot water. Just prepare a small pot of hot water, submerge the container, and after a minute or so pull it out. Like Kenbishi Junmai Mizuho, gently warmed is my preferred temp.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"180ml","offer_id":41192365883548,"sku":"","price":13.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kuromatsu_sm.png?v=1721883828"},{"product_id":"joto-one-cup-honjozo","title":"Joto Futsushu \"Graffiti\" Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe best-value one cup ever. I was a skeptic right up until I tried it, but this $4, handheld, low environmental impact paper one-cup is actually everything I want and more. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLight and fresh, notes of juicy green grape and watermelon. Great chilled, room temp or warm\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41331635880092,"sku":"","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/joto_cup.png?v=1721883830"},{"product_id":"copy-of-kan-nihonkai-cho-karakuchi-junmai-genshu","title":"Akishika Okarakuchi \"Super Dry\" Junmai Ginjo Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\" data-mce-style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eThe dry, dirty martini of the sake world. Like a spiced gin distilled with clove, almond and grains, the mid-palate brings a resonant, rich intensity while the finish ends sharply-- a crisp, briney clarity. Faint, unassuming aromatics of soft pear, white pepper and rice bran give way on the palate to deep, ricey umami: kombu dashi, five spice and apple chip. In addition to being super dry (SMV +15), this nama is also undiluted: high in flavor intensity as well as ABV, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\" data-mce-style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eand also high in acidity (2.6): roughly double your typical junmai. An overwhelmingly crisp, refreshing bottle which is equally delighftul on ice as it is warm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41484830081180,"sku":"","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/products\/AkishikiOkarakuchi_530x_2x_919426a7-fbbe-4a0f-9092-f583cac305bc_1.png?v=1671613713"},{"product_id":"daishichi-minowamon-junmai-daiginjo","title":"Daishichi Minowamon Junmai Daiginjo","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe very first premium sake to be produced with \u003cem\u003ehenpei\u003c\/em\u003e, or flat polished, rice. Flat polishing hugs the shape of the starch core more tightly, leaving less residual crude protein on the sides of the grain than the conventional method. Rice flat polished to 70% has a similar profile to 58% by regular polishing. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.daishichi.com\/en\/waza\/henpei.html\"\u003eMore on this method can be found on Daishichi's English site!\u003c\/a\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-cac898d5-7fff-509f-614c-ea78ef6428d3\"\u003eOn the nose, rich buttery shortbread, fino sherry, chamomile and lemon zest. Minowamon just feels so elegant on the palate- super round, super buttery, super smooth. A subtle, crisp minerality lays against a backdrop of buttery lemon shortbread. Nothing too complex, but gorgeously balanced with a flavor profile you don’t often see in Junmai Daiginjo. Drinks fresh and clean chilled. Gently warmed, the lactic, umami depth one would expect from an expertly crafted Kimoto comes out to shine. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42114054914204,"sku":"","price":108.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/minowamon.png?v=1721883830"},{"product_id":"shichida-junmai-ginjo-namazake","title":"Shichida Junmai Ginjo Nama","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\u003cspan width=\"100\" class=\"spec   right\"\u003eFrom the brewery: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\n\u003cspan width=\"100\" class=\"spec   right\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan width=\"100\" class=\"spec   right\"\u003e\"A hint of violet and white peach flavours, a slight sweetness in your mouth once you’ve finished tasting, and fizzy Nama feelings.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\u003cspan width=\"100\" class=\"spec   right\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-sm-6\"\u003e\u003cspan width=\"100\" class=\"spec   right\"\u003eShichida is always on the pricey side, but it's also always one of the best seasonal releases every year, worth a revisit to once again appreciate the gorgeous balance and seductive velvety texture. 2026 has a very long finish with violet candies, honeysuckle, vanilla soft cream, soft, ripe pear-- it's an almost black, dark green colored label but it should probably be periwinkle, if we're honest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42114073952412,"sku":"","price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/shichidanama.png?v=1711735548"},{"product_id":"kidoizumi-hyakkugokyo-junmai-ginjo-namazake","title":"Kidoizumi Hakugyokko Junmai Ginjo Muroka Nama Genshu, \"Fragrant Jewel\"","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis fresh Hakugyokko release evokes Chenin-like notes of beeswax, lanolin, cumin, white currant, white airhead taffy, green grape, canteloupe and tamarind jarritos. The palate goes deep with funky notes of mimolette, malt and oat bran, deep orange cheddars and a long finish. It's a wild ride!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHakugyokko is full bodied and densely concentrated: high acidity, high flavor intensity, high minerality and astringency with a long finish, but on the palate it's not cloying or heavy... it drifts across the tongue.  If you're familiar with other Kidoizumi products, this Yamadanishiki brew rests somewhere between Kidoizumi \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/kidoizumi-yamadanishiki?_pos=4\u0026amp;_sid=c4e8dfd7c\u0026amp;_ss=r\" target=\"_blank\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/kidoizumi-yamadanishiki?_pos=4\u0026amp;_sid=c4e8dfd7c\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\"Gold Label\u003c\/a\u003e\" and \"\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/kidoizumi-junmai-muroka-nama-genshu-yamahai-hanafubuki-pink-label?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=c4e8dfd7c\u0026amp;_ss=r\" target=\"_blank\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/products\/kidoizumi-junmai-muroka-nama-genshu-yamahai-hanafubuki-pink-label?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=c4e8dfd7c\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003ePink Label\"\u003c\/a\u003e stylistically. A bit of the fruity, jammy qualities of pink label, and a bit of the mushroomy, aged pungency of gold label. Unlike Gold Label, Hakugyokko is made with Hyogo Yamadanishiki rice and not aged at the brewery before release; Gold Label is made with Saitama organic Yamadanishiki from a single producer and aged before release.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStill, Hakugyokko is suitable for age. Store at cellar temps and check on it every few years. Time brings out kaleidoscopic, wild and chewy notes of salted cajeta, buttered sweet potato, miso, honeydew melon, dried mango, shiitake mushroom, gjetost, fig jam, caramelized onion, and milk chocolate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42194511757468,"sku":"","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Hakugyokko.png?v=1714427954"},{"product_id":"kamoshibito-kuheiji-eau-du-desir-2021","title":"Kamoshibito Kuheiji \"Eau du Desir\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAn elegant, harmonious sake made with brewing techniques designed to impart flavors faithful to the rice that they so painstakingly grow. Eau du Desir is created for the palates of sake drinkers veteran and novice alike. Made with Yamadanishiki grown in the mountains of Hyogo, this brew features the deep and profound flavors indicative of the variety, particularly when it is grown in such an optimal climate. Yamdanishiki is also well suited for long-term aging, while gifting the sake brewed from them a velvety and pleasant mouthfeel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42176486178972,"sku":"","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kuheiji.png?v=1721883825"},{"product_id":"kakurei-junmai-ginjo","title":"Kakurei Junmai Ginjo","description":"\u003cdiv data-en-clipboard=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eKakurei is a bit heavier, with a voluptuousness and fuller body-- notes juicy pear, salty Marcona almonds, roasted and fresh herbaceous fennel, and a round, Chardonnay-like mouthfeel. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStats:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNiigata (Uonuma)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKoshi-tanrei (kakemai-local), Yamadanishiki (kojimai)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e55%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYeast : 1401\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSMV: 0.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAcidity: 1.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater: on-site well water from an underground mountainous current\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MITCHELL","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42202181599388,"sku":"","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"300ml","offer_id":42202181632156,"sku":"","price":21.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/products\/6261a96a25e54246597cc25f_Kakurei-JunmaiGinjo-bottle-image-2.png?v=1670572823"},{"product_id":"copy-of-tatenokawa-junmai-daiginjo-omachi-cat-tatenyan","title":"Tenmei \"Bear\" Junmai Cup","description":"\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTenmei: killing it. Always! They make such good sake.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis fresh restock from Fukushima has the tiniest bit of sparkle: a mark of freshness, like sake right from the tap. The flavor is bright and zippy, with notes of fresh banana, cherry-vanilla soda, rice milk, Fuji apple, and a lovely, umami-rich viscosity. I'm describing sweet things, but it isn't sweet! It's just chock-full of fun, fresh flavor.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"all: initial;\" class=\"notranslate\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"notranslate\" style=\"all: initial;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"all: initial;\" class=\"notranslate\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"notranslate\" style=\"all: initial;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"all: initial;\" class=\"notranslate\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"notranslate\" style=\"all: initial;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42304341606556,"sku":"","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/products\/10539_TENMEI_BEAR_CUP_SAKE_copy.png?v=1674700515"},{"product_id":"izumibashi-junmai-ginjo-megumi-blue-label","title":"Izumibashi Junmai Ginjo \"Megumi Blue Label\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn uncanny, gorgeous balance of acidity, mouth-coating and resonant umami, undulating contrasts of bright and deep. I love this sake, but it's so hard to explain in words, exactly what makes it special. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNotes of Fuji apple, marzipan, crispy fried brown rice, basque cider and a squeeze of lemon.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42482081824924,"sku":"","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/megumi_blue.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"hakutsuru-futsushu-toji-kan","title":"Hakutsuru Futsushu \"Toji-Kan\"","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eToji-kan is\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e beautifully balanced, lovely warm and hot (or room temp), with a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003edeep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e ricey sweetness. The \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003etypical\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e confected, marshmallowy notes of cheap futsushu are absent, instead flavors of chestnut, kinako, and marzipan. This is a very unique release from Hakutsuru-- a personal project from a beloved retiring toji, using ingredients far above grade for futsushu (\"regular,\" table sake)-- and its price is incredibly competitive for the quality. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAt Sunflower, I am deeply committed to small breweries but I give myself permission to flex from time to time when the argument is compelling. This is one such case. Making an excellent $18 sake available to my customers (not everyone can afford a $35 bottle, for sure!) is more important than sticking to dogma (I think!)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42590564614300,"sku":"","price":21.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Tojikan.png?v=1699562193"},{"product_id":"daijiro-yamahai-junmai-namazake","title":"Daijiro Yamahai Junmai Namazake","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe sharp acidity and powerful umami are perfectly integrated into a harmonious balance like fine chocolate, with a freshness and depth of flavor unique to namazake. It is technically dry but has a slight sweetness on the finish that reminds me of roasted sugar. The youth still stands out, but as a \"private reserve\" 2021 back vintage there is also a touch of bitterness that comes from aging-- you can lean into this character by enjoying the open bottle over a few months, or even years. The sake grows increasingly round about a week after opening, and shows a different expression chilled, room temperature and warm. Enjoy as you see fit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42619224096924,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Daijiroyamahainamagenshu.png?v=1778181110"},{"product_id":"kenbishi-kuromatsu-honjozo-900ml","title":"Kenbishi \"Kuromatsu\" Honjozo (900ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNutty, ricey, toasty, savory goodness. One of the best honjozo on the market.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe younger brother of \"Mizuho\", aged 1-3 years and made from a mysterious, proprietary blend of rice, techniques, and historic methods. \"A stopped clock tells the right time twice a day\" is one of the mantras of Kenbishi--  they firmly stick to their historic recipe (with \u003cem\u003every\u003c\/em\u003e rare changes, such as reverting to wooden fermenters about a decade ago)-- never chasing trends or brand new techniques.  By remaining committed to their old methods, Kenbishi maintains a loyal following of fans...myself included. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKuromatsu honjozo is perfect for heating, and shows its full range of flavors and aromas once it hits 120F or higher. Just prepare a small pot of hot water, submerge a sake carafe (or heatproof vessel) of honjozo, and after a minute or so pull it out. Like Kenbishi Junmai Mizuho, gently warmed (think bath water) is my preferred temp.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"900ml","offer_id":42622205788316,"sku":"","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/kenbishi.png?v=1721883827"},{"product_id":"kikusui-funaguchi-junmai-ginjo-nama-genshu-aged-red","title":"Kikusui Funaguchi Ginjo Nama Genshu Aged \"Red\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTempted by the irresistible notion that their flagship canned \"Funaguchi\" sake would be delicious if aged, Kikusui’s development team pooled their efforts and created the official aged version: Funaguchi Red!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs time passes in the cold Kikusui cellars, the active enzymes in the sake elevate the already present richness to new levels - the little red can has a hard time holding all the flavor in! Boasting 19% ABV, gorgeous floral aromatics, strong flavor and personality, this full-bodied sake is great at dinnertime or cocktail hour. For fun times and comfortable afternoons.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"200ml","offer_id":42807558373532,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/funaguchi_red.png?v=1721883829"},{"product_id":"moriki-shuzo-hanabusa-junmai-yamahai-muroka-nama-genshu-2023","title":"Moriki Shuzo Hanabusa Junmai Yamahai Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eThe other side of Moriki Shuzo, Hanabusa (and Rie Style, available in Japan only), is drastically different from the brewery's famous export brew, Tae no Hana Challenge 90. Hanabusa is less assertive and wild than Tae no Hana, but it shares the brewery's philosophy of using local organic rice, ambient organisms, and pursuing a beautiful, complex style representative of place. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eI always bring sake home with me when I visit Japan, and there are a few brands I seek out in particular. Hanabusa is one of these. It expresses the rare, \"elegant\" side of ambient fermentations in sake: subtlety, softness, and verve, the volume of each element moderate and in beautiful harmony. Acidity isn't off the charts here, but it is crisp, clear and in focus. This is a transparent, sincere brew with clear flavors of rice, nutmeg, and white pepper, the fleshy juiciness of a good blueberry. The mouthfeel is round and soft, finishing with a finely etched texture, like the softest tannins in old Nebbiolo. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe pride of Mie and women in sake everywhere!\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42818190246044,"sku":"","price":44.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Hanabusayamahai.png?v=1699966946"},{"product_id":"koshi-no-kanbai-sake-muku-junmai","title":"Koshi No Kanbai Junmai Daiginjo \"Muku\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eImpeccably delicate, smooth, pure sweet steamed rice and chestnut notes with a light asian pear \u0026amp; white blossom backnote. Dry without being too crisp or sharp. A classic from the brewery that is credited for inventing the modern Niigata style.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis junmai daiginjo is brewed from Hyogo-grown Yamadanishiki rice, and clearly reveals the soft, fluffy, pillow-like character of this rice variety. Feeling like a cloud on the palate, the body is round and expansive with lovely, lingering umami. This is a fairly simple sake, not trying to be ostentatious, but perfectly executed in every way.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42994184716444,"sku":"","price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Koshino.png?v=1707763858"},{"product_id":"hakuto-tokubetsu-junmai-sake-deep-faith","title":"Hakuto Tokubetsu Junmai Sake \"Deep Faith\"","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eStats:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePrefecture\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: Ishikawa\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRice\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: Gohyakumangoku (kakemai), Yamada Nishiki (kojimai)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePolishing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: 55%\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGrade\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: Junmai\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYeast\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: Kanazawa\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eStarter\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: Sokujo\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAcidity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: 1.6\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSMV\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e: +2\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePasteurization:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once in bottle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42994240913564,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/9hakuto-deep-faith.webp?v=1705452980"},{"product_id":"matsunotsukasa-junmai-daiginjo-tosui","title":"Matsunotsukasa Junmai Daiginjo \"Tosui\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOne of my favorite pleasure JDG since \u003cem\u003eTsuki no Katsura Heian-Kyo\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43056323821724,"sku":"","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Matsusejdg.png?v=1706636951"},{"product_id":"ohmine-3-grain-yamadanishiki-junmai-daiginjo","title":"Ohmine Yamadanishiki Junmai Daiginjo \"3 Grain\"","description":"","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43146114400412,"sku":"","price":51.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/ohmineYNJDG.png?v=1771211304"},{"product_id":"kuheiji-betsu-atsurae","title":"Kuheiji Junmai Daiginjo \"Betsu Atsurae\" 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eClassic Kuheiji. Elegant, even understated on the nose, but overdelivering on the palate, much like a great chablis opening up from its rest in bottle. This particular Yamadanishiki junmai daiginjo is characterized numerically by 35% polish, and stylistically by its emphasis on umami and acidity. It is aged a minimum of one year before release. As of 2024, 2022 is the most current vintage available.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI sense elevated acidity with fresh citrus notes: lime leaf, orange fizz, and a tart lactic note reminiscent of kefir. Pure and crystalline-- lean and ephemeral, but with a long and haunting finish. Significantly lighter and more delicate than the entry level Eau de Desir, but clearly of the same mind.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom the Kuheiji website ([adjustments added for clarity])\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"One of the three versions of [Kuheiji] Yamadanishiki sake polished past 50 percent, [which is] the [threshold] beyond which notes of toasted undergrowth cereals and mushrooms are erased in favor of great freshness. Tertiary ([aging]) aromas will also take a special [direction] toward white pepper or anise.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e[Yamadanishiki] rice offers unlimited possibilities due to its ability to be highly polished. Like a diamond whose complexity reveals itself as you get closer to its heart.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e35 percent is the stage where the rice umami still expresses itself, with taut acidity, which explains the fiery feeling in the mouth from the start.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe residual sugar content has been deliberately reduced, which gives the sake a great clarity.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eIf sake [generally plays a supporting role against] the dishes it accompanies, [Betsu Atsurae instead] competes with the food, therefore requiring an equally robust pairing such as fatty meat or rich caviar.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c!-- notionvc: 4eff393a-7bdc-47f6-b04c-1218e612fce2 --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43565564166300,"sku":"","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Betsuatsurae.png?v=1714360543"},{"product_id":"gokyo-five-kioke-zukuri-kimoto-junmai-5-red","title":"Gokyo Five Kioke Zukuri Kimoto Junmai \"5 Red\"","description":"","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44326705430684,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Gokyo5red.png?v=1723250295"},{"product_id":"shirayuki-edo-genroku","title":"Shirayuki Junmai Kimoto Koshu \"Edo Genroku\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eEdo Genroku is a modern-day reproduction of a recipe that originated in the late 17th Century during the Genroku period, utilizing wild yeast, ancient methods, and old school brewing tool\/barrels, just as sake would be made at the turn of the 17th century. The rice is polished only to 88%, which was the maximum achievable by the water wheel and foot-powered rice mills of the era. The recipe calls for less water and is aged before release, resulting in a viscous mouthfeel, high umami, high concentration, sweetness, and very full body: a style enjoyed by wealthy merchants, courtiers and daimyo of the era. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerhaps the only inauthentic aspect of it, is the use of top-quality Hyogo Yamadanishiki rice-- a modern (early 1900s) variety. Still, the Konishi Family have long been the guardians of old-world brewing traditions as documented in their uninterrupted daily brewing logs that date back to the late 1600s. This is a notable achievement!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePhenomenal hot, which lets the sweetness mellow out a bit and brings up the sharp acidity. A killer pairing with chicken tsukune!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44326738624668,"sku":"","price":43.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Edogenroku.png?v=1723250591"},{"product_id":"shinomine-chokara-mng","title":"Shinomine \"Chokara\" Muroka Nama Genshu","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe nose on this fun little dry ditty is ricey, grassy, a little haystack and salt. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRight away, the palate snaps crisp and dry and sharp. A little bit of stinky floral like violet, and a refreshing lifting fruit like green grape, running behind the fore palate. Crisp, acidic, lightly spiced note of ice-cold root beer and coca cola. Leaves you with the lingering flavor of allspice and sasparilla.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWould it be weird to say that this is a refreshing, still namagenshu suited to lovers of sparkling canned beverages? Well, weird or not: it's true.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- notionvc: 7339a4bc-992e-4673-9bbd-0ecf8c9af28e --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44645928730780,"sku":"","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/chiyoshino.png?v=1733965627"},{"product_id":"chochin-junmai-nama-genshu-awa-yamadanishiki-65-長珍酒造","title":"Chochin Junmai Nama Genshu Awa Yamadanishiki 65 Shinbunshi BY6","description":"\u003cp\u003eOn the nose, seductive notions of cherry clafoutis, five spice braised pork belly, or cherry chutney. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the palate...oh man, it’s so good, it's so indescribable. Maybe it’s like a perfect toffee-covered custard pot or a bittersweet chocolate truffle with only a touch of sugar. Indulgent, intense, captivating.\u003cbr\u003eMouthwatering acidity after I swallow, but with a lovely essence of kuromitsu (Okinawan brown sugar) syrup lingering. Hints of mamey, hershey’s cocoa, and peach puree. On the other hand, elements of the aroma: Cherry Dr. Pepper, and a sharp dry minerality, keep it firmly upright. Absolutely gorgeous and indulgent, while also being thoroughly dry, and thoroughly drinkable. \u003cbr\u003eAt 19% ABV it holds its power very well, but it's not for the faint of heart either!\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003c!-- notionvc: 29e0aaad-6a94-414c-8790-30c4e85f69b6 --\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44702699487388,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Chochin_YN65.png?v=1736738949"},{"product_id":"chochin-junmai-ginjo-nama-genshu-hattannishiki-5055-長珍酒造","title":"Chochin Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu Hattannishiki 5055 Shinbunshi","description":"\u003cp\u003eDense and smooth, like a slippery slide of melting chocolate. Lots of tasty Hattan-nishiki truffle and cocoa powder, almond butter and oatmeal cookie... notes that go on and on. The acidity on 5055 is less pronounced, sharpness is less apparent, ringing true to its more refined style. Playful notes of maraschino liqueur and chocolate coated cherries suggest something different than its objectively dry palate and low sugar content. Overall, this sake delivers a luxurious experience more akin to falling-apart short rib braised in plums, than to sake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's telling that I finished my tasting note by saying: \"Not sure what else to write. It tastes like addictive things\". \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Karla,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e5055 Hattan-Nishiki desperately needs some time to air out once it’s opened. I recommend opening the bottle to expose it to oxygen, re-cap, give it a good shake to integrate the oxygen, then leave it at room temperature for 1-3 days to open up. Pop it back in the fridge from there. Chilled is great, but it’s also fantastic gently warmed or oyuwari: with hot water.  Jo Takasaki recommends leaving a small bottle (~300ml) out at room temperature in the dark for about a month to soften it before warming, if that’s your jam. Crisp notes of Dr. Pepper, elephant plum, german chocolate cake, sparkling mineral water, white pepper, ruby red grapefruit and delicate honeyed florals. An initial impression that is simultaneously sharp and dry, muscular but delicate, lean but also velvety and sweet, leading into an intensely flavorful mid-palate that fades to a weightless, persimmon-inflected finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Karla,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eShinbunshi means newspaper wrapped, and it designates the junmai namagenshu line of Chouchin. This \"design\" started because he bottle enough of the namagenshu to bother printing special labels, so he just wrapped them in the local newspaper instead. This has the added benefit of protecting the sake from light, which really does ruin sake very quickly, thus allowing the sake to age gracefully. Newspaper wrapping has since been imitated by other breweries but Chouchin is the original. This bottling is “Hattan Nishiki 5055,” using Hyogo Yamadanishiki rice for the koji and Hiroshima Hattan for the remainder. This is a style and control-driven choice, as Hyogo Yamadanishiki is, among all rice in the world, the most predictable and optimal choice for koji: the primary style determinant and engine of sake. Even though koji is only 20% of the total brew, this choice allows the koji to be perfect each time…exactly how Kuwayama-san wants it. Thus, the Hattan-Nishiki dissolves and breaks down with the just-right composition and release of enzymes, thanks to the ‘perfect’ Yamadanishiki engine. There is no one right way to brew, but this choice suggests that the toji believes that optimizing the koji results in a more delicious expression than 100% Hattan Nishiki. I can hardly complain…the result is phenomenal and side by side with his 100% Yamada brews, the difference is obvious. The Hattan gives it so much cocoa-like texture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Karla,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Karla,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FIFTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44702713381020,"sku":null,"price":41.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Chochin_5055.png?v=1736738949"},{"product_id":"50-origami-nigori-white-lotus","title":"Origami Nigori \"White Lotus\"","description":"","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44783940862108,"sku":"","price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/WhiteLotus.png?v=1754091084"},{"product_id":"53-origami-junmai-daiginjo-angelfish","title":"Origami Junmai Daiginjo \"Angelfish\"","description":"","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44785200365724,"sku":"","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/angelfish.png?v=1773853799"},{"product_id":"dassai-blue-junmai-daiginjo-50","title":"Dassai Blue Junmai Daiginjo \"50\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eYou know what?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDassai Blue 50 is a damn good deal. it's a great junmai daiginjo, made primarily of Isbell Farms' Yamadanishiki rice from Arkansas, and I adore so many of the people involved in its production. it's no surprise that this Hyde Park-crafted sake tastes just right. It's incredibly well honed by a phenomenal team. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fruity, smooth junmai daiginjo costs less than the average imported honjozo, but it offers a cacophony of peach, maraschino cherry, honeysuckle, pineapple and banana notes, all wrapped up in a harmonious brocade of fruit and floral. Compared to standard (Japanese-made) Dassai it's a bit brighter, more acidic, less alcohol, and a whole lot fresher...it's traveling a much shorter distance, after all. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you're fed up with the rising costs of everything but you love a good daiginjo, give it a try. It's $50 flavor at $28.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":45229098238108,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300ml","offer_id":45229098270876,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Dassaiblue50.png?v=1752903159"},{"product_id":"kokonoe-saika-junmai-daiginjo-yamadanishiki","title":"Kokonoe Saika Junmai Daiginjo Yamadanishiki","description":"\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe platonic ideal of Yamadanishiki Junmai Daiginjo, brewed by a vinegar maker who always has food pairing on the mind. Plush soft texture with notes of wildflower honey, muskmelon \u0026amp; pillow mints. The IWC suggests it has fresh melon, custard apple and nougat notes and is light and lifted with a creamy rounded texture. That sounds about right!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis sake has been a Gold Award winner in the Premium Daiginjo category of the Fine Sake Awards for four consecutive years, in addition to winning gold in Kura Master twice as well as the National Kanzake Awards once. It's a rare junmai daiginjo that doesn't shy away from gentle warming, though I quite like it chilled.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe kasu (lees) of this sake are aged for over three years then brewed together with Junmai sake in a large 30-koku wooden vat to create Saika's Ginjo Akazu (red vinegar). The brewery recommends pairing the sake with salmon nigiri made using Saika akazu in the sushi rice!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45240574705820,"sku":null,"price":56.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kokonoesaikayamadanishikijunmaidaiginjo_058728f3-d2ef-403f-a4b0-4c78226ed4b2.png?v=1756492002"},{"product_id":"harushika-junmai-ginjo-hiyaoroshi-300ml","title":"Harushika Junmai Ginjo Hiyaoroshi (300ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Harushika experience through and through. This junmai ginjo is made with Harushika's own house variation on Kyoukai #7 yeast, lending delicate top notes of melon cream soda, strawberry shortcake, rice pudding, and osmanthus tea. Brewed last Winter and rested through the Summer, this year's bottling feels fresh, yet mature. A touch on the sweet side, but refreshing enough to please a dry sake purist. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45274395541660,"sku":null,"price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/harushika_4094d0d5-2c1b-4dd2-bad3-6f7653f4334c.png?v=1757635217"},{"product_id":"uehara-furosen-nakagumi-junmai-ginjo-yamahai-mng","title":"Uehara Furosen Nakagumi Junmai Ginjo Yamahai MNG (6\/25 bottling)","description":"\u003cp\u003eUsing Yamadanishiki rice grown in Shiga prefecture, this junmai ginjo is viscous and robust, with a beautiful balance of juicy fruit notes like half-baked plum, a round softness at the start and end of the palate, and sharp, defining acidity that meanders into bittersweet, single origin chocolate-like intensity and long finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color: #0000ee;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/furosen.com\/\" title=\"Uehara Sake Brewery Official Site\" style=\"color: #0000ee;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ethe official website:\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003eOur company was founded in 1862 and has been brewing sake in the snowy northwest of Lake Biwa, bringing out the full flavor of the rice. We mainly brew Yamahai sake, using only temperature manipulation to attract and cultivate the natural yeast within the brewery, a traditional method of brewing sake brewed using the power of nature. We do not use machines to press the sake, but rather use a wooden barrel and balance press, which takes three days and three nights. The sake brewed over two months or more has a nostalgic acidity and a unique flavor with a mellow, firm texture that goes down smoothly, making it a genuine Japanese sake that can be enjoyed both cold and warm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003eSake flavors are not limited to \"dry\" and \"sweet.\" There is also a flavor called \"umakuchi.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: inherit;\"\u003eThe moment you put it in your mouth, the richness and sweetness of the rice spreads throughout your mouth, leaving a refreshing aftertaste as it passes down your throat and quickly disappears. This is truly delicious sake.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"JS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45348578328732,"sku":null,"price":47.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Furosenjunmaiginjonakagumi.png?v=1758581834"},{"product_id":"nabeshima-tokubetsu-junmai","title":"Nabeshima Tokubetsu Junmai","description":"","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45348793548956,"sku":null,"price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Screenshot2025-10-09at4.52.18PM.png?v=1760054067"},{"product_id":"nabeshima-junmai-ginjo","title":"Nabeshima Junmai Ginjo Yamada Nishiki","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45348793974940,"sku":null,"price":47.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Screenshot2025-10-03at2.50.31PM.png?v=1760054088"},{"product_id":"dassai-blue-junmai-daiginjo-nigori-50","title":"Dassai Blue Junmai Daiginjo Nigori \"50\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eYou know what?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDassai Blue 50 is a damn good deal. it's a great junmai daiginjo, made primarily of Isbell Farms' Yamadanishiki rice from Arkansas, and I adore so many of the people involved in its production. it's no surprise that this Hyde Park-crafted sake tastes just right. It's incredibly well honed by a phenomenal team. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fruity, smooth junmai daiginjo costs less than the average imported honjozo, but it offers a cacophony of peach, maraschino cherry, honeysuckle, pineapple and banana notes, all wrapped up in a harmonious brocade of fruit and floral. Compared to standard (Japanese-made) Dassai it's a bit brighter, more acidic, less alcohol, and a whole lot fresher...it's traveling a much shorter distance, after all. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you're fed up with the rising costs of everything but you love a good daiginjo, give it a try. It's $50 flavor at $28.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":45542626820252,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Dassai_blue_nigori.png?v=1763052949"},{"product_id":"akagisan-daiginjo","title":"Akagisan Daiginjo","description":"\u003cp\u003eCombining the pristine water of Akagi Mountain and the esteemed techniques of Iwate Nanbu Toji (aka. “a northern sake brewing guild\"), this sake is a hand-crafted masterpiece. Aromatic, with notes of ripe fruits and flowers, this medium-bodied Daiginjo pairs well with vegetable crudité, shrimp shumai and\/or gyoza.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sunflower Sake","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45617867391132,"sku":null,"price":93.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Screenshot2025-12-07at7.55.04PM.png?v=1765166246"},{"product_id":"akishika-yama","title":"Akishika Junmai Yamahai Yamadanishiki Namagenshu \"Yama\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eMade with house-grown, zero outside input (composted only with rice hulls and stalks leftover from milling) Yamadanishiki and aged at room temp (cooling only kicks in above ~90F for a few years before release, by the magicians at Akishika Shuzo in Nose, Osaka.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe label depicts a drawing of yama (mountain in Japanese), named after the Yamahai process and Yamadanishiki rice used in the sake, and was drawn by kuramoto-toji Oku-san himself. The rice is polished to 70% for depth of flavour and fermented with the strong but subtle yeast #7 for a fine acidic backbone, savory depth and long finish. Stored in the fride, you can enjoy this bottle for months once opened.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is the most fresh-tasting and light of Akishika's export sake, even among the dry okarakuchi and jikagumi--it sits delicately on the palate, but with the same haunting earthy character we expect from Akishika, just dialed back and evoking spring fields rather than winter caves.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI quote my dear friend Sid (of Pianozake fame) because I don't think I could do a better job myself.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt's so powerfully herbal but also shows awesome savory tones, a perfume of fresh spring veggies, mushrooms cooked in butter, cantaloupe, little pictures of a garden after rain. It's dense and nutty on the palate, but with a cool, minty kind of finish that begs you to take another sip. I tried it at every temp from cold to hot- all amazing, although both extremes were the most interesting- cold was refreshing and still so complex even with the chill muting the details, and gently heating it brought out a lot more of the fruity notes, meeting the herbal and umami tones at eye level.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"JS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46706800066716,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Akishikayama2022_a04a9cf1-6d5d-44c2-86b5-a2cd3a6c3139.png?v=1778002369"},{"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;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\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":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kikuhimeyamahai.png?v=1778001939"},{"product_id":"akishika-junmai-ginjo-muroka-nama-genshu-okushika-2019","title":"Akishika Junmai Ginjo Muroka Nama Genshu \"Okushika\" 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eAkishika's flagship, a junmai brewed from organic rice and aged a minimum of 3 years in mountainous inland Osaka, about 45 minutes outside of Kyoto. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs we can always expect from Akishika, this \"fresh\" (well...) Okushika vintage has a completely distinct character: still with that deep roots, earthy, complex yet intense duality, but more koshu character in 2019... I want to warm it up much more than I did for 2018, to bring out the goat caramel\/cajeta, gjetost and tangy cheese, fenugreek, vanilla, white pepper and quince paste notes, set off by a minerally spine that will keep it aging well into the 2030's. This is a vintage you'll pair with pork agrodolce, spiced game-- think goat massaman curry, seared venison, chanterelle and vadouvan soup, and and other spiced-land foods (or, you know, a nice piece of charred albacore...)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith a texture of velour, the comfort of a weighted blanket and a persistent finish... Okushika is really a marvel and a work of art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"JS","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":46818644492444,"sku":null,"price":64.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1800ml","offer_id":46818644525212,"sku":null,"price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Okushika2019.png?v=1778180012"},{"product_id":"kikuhime-yamahai-nigori","title":"Kikuhime Yamahai Nigori","description":"\u003cp\u003eThick ricey yakult! With lovely sweet rice, banana, chestnut and yogurt notes, a touch of acidity to keep it interesting. A nigori lover's nigori, to be sure. It's expertly made, and full of character.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":46965456830620,"sku":null,"price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Kikuhimenigori.png?v=1782190349"},{"product_id":"gokyo-junmai-nama-natsuzake","title":"Gokyo Junmai Nama Natsuzake","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e[Preorder: Arriving Tuesday, 7\/7]\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSummertime brings with it glorious sunshine, feelings of inner warmth, and this sensational seasonal sake! Gokyo Junmai Nama is the perfect summer brew, made with both Yamadanishiki and Nihonbare rice grown in Yamaguchi prefecture. These rice strains, together with Association No. 1801 and 9E yeast, deliver a balanced, enlivening acidity like that of lychee or fresh-squeezed lemonade. Serve cold on a summer day for ultimate satisfaction.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46965467709596,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/GokyoJunmainatsunamazake.png?v=1783011884"},{"product_id":"narutotai-junmai-ginjo-led","title":"Narutotai Junmai Ginjo \"LED\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eA modern, somewhat experimental entry in Matsuura Honke's Narutotai line up. LED Dream Yeast is the result of irradiating existing sake yeast strains with LED blue light to create mutant strains with bold, amplified aromas and acidity. It's development was carried out in Tokushima prefecture, for exclusive use by its local brewers. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this sake, LED Dream kicks the door to the party open and shouts, \"I'm here!!\" with a blast of pineapple, guava, apple and banana aromas that's reminiscent of Japanese fruit gummies. Parading in after is a mid palette of unctuous umami: a yogurty parfait topped with toasted nuts, raw wildflower honey and more candied fruit. Elevated acidity keeps the fruit notes in check, tying together a sake that sounds sweet on paper into something powerful yet well balanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChilled in a wine glass is the move to enjoy LED's enhanced aromas. A wide, shallow sakazuki is great for slowing down and enjoying the subtlety underneath.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47051997577372,"sku":null,"price":43.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Narutotai_Junmai_Daiginjo_LED.png?v=1783039648"},{"product_id":"gangi-junmai-ginjo-natsu-kara","title":"Gangi Junmai Ginjo Natsu-kara","description":"","brand":"COHO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47149033816220,"sku":null,"price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/files\/Ganginatsukarakuchijunmai.png?v=1783014373"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0590\/4075\/9964\/collections\/IMG_4086.jpg?v=1721948411","url":"https:\/\/sunflowersake.com\/collections\/yamadanishiki-rice.oembed?page=4","provider":"Sunflower Sake","version":"1.0","type":"link"}