Type
Kenbishi Shuzo · Hyogo
Kenbishi "Kuromatsu" Honjozo Cup
$13.00
No sales tax — Oregon
Rice
Yamadanishiki (Toku A), Aiyama
Prefecture
Hyogo
Flavor profileEach scale is our tasting-room read on where this bottle sits between two extremes — dry to sweet, light to full-bodied, soft to acidic, and subtle to aromatic. These are subjective, however, and will shift with food, serveware & temp.
DrySweetBalanced dry: reads as dry, with a little bit of softness, or maybe a fruit/brown sugar note that tempers the impression of dryness. Most people will read "2" as dry.
LightFullMedium: a bit of richness or creaminess, heft, more flavor intensity, more presence, sometimes higher alcohol or sweetness. A lot of namazake sits here.
SoftAcidicSoft: the most common degree of acidity for sake. A little bit of acidity to give it structure and keep the flavor refreshing, but acidity isn't an important part of its identity.
SubtleAromaticSubtle aroma: if you stick your nose in, you'll get a few quiet notes of fruit, grains, nuts & rice. Aroma isn't a big part of this sake's character. An aromatically quiet sake can still have a powerful flavor, though.
Nutty, ricey, toasty, savory goodness. One of the best honjozo on the market.
The 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 very 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.
Kuromatsu 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.
Your case:
$30 flat-rate case shipping (up to 12 bottles) — the more you add, the less per bottle. Per federal requirements, an adult (21+) with photo ID must be present to receive the delivery.
Sake Club members: $20 shipping (up to 12 bottles) with your club bottles About the clubs
Specifications
Region: Kansai
Type: Honjozo & Futsushu
Style: Yamahai, Koshu: Aged
Rice: Yamadanishiki (Toku A), Aiyama
Rice-Polishing Ratio: Blend. 70% minimum
ABV: 17%
SMV: +1
Acidity: 1.7
Size: 180ml
Shipping
Available nationwide to states and counties that permit alcohol. No sales tax (Oregon). Flat-rate case shipping; in-store pickup available.
Pick up in person
Shop open Tu–Sun. Order online and pick up at the shop — 107 SE Washington St. #121, Portland, Oregon.
