Type
Kenbishi Shuzo · Hyogo
Kenbishi "Kuromatsu" Honjozo (900ml)
$45.00
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.
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 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.
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%
Starter: Sokujo
SMV: +1
Acidity: 1.7
Size: 900ml
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.
