Azakura Junmai Daiginjō Muroka Namagenshu Ichihozumi

Azakura Junmai Daiginjō Muroka Namagenshu Ichihozumi (阿櫻 純米大吟醸 無濾過生原酒 一穂積) is a limited-release sake brewed by Azakura Shuzō in Yokote, Akita Prefecture. It is made exclusively from Ichihozumi (一穂積), a new sake rice variety developed in Akita Prefecture, producing a light, clean style with a gentle fullness in the finish. Ichihozumi was created by crossing Akita Sake Komachi (秋田酒こまち) with Koshitanrei (越淡麗), itself derived from Yamadanishiki and Gohyakumangoku. The variety was developed to express the crispness and elegance associated with Gohyakumangoku while using rice grown entirely in Akita.

This junmai daiginjō is brewed from 100% Akita-grown Ichihozumi rice polished to 50% and fermented with Akita Hana Yeast AK-1 (秋田流花酵母AK-1). Bottled as an unfiltered, unpasteurised, undiluted sake (muroka namagenshu), it retains the freshness and character of newly pressed sake.

The brewery describes the sake as combining a clear, light profile with juicy rice-derived umami, balanced acidity, and a clean finish. It is best served chilled and pairs particularly well with dishes that highlight the natural flavours of the ingredients, such as sashimi, carpaccio, cold shabu-shabu, and lightly seasoned grilled chicken.

Azakura Shuzō is a heritage sake brewery founded in 1886 in Yokote, Akita Prefecture—a snowy town renowned for its traditional kamakura snow huts. Steeped in history, the brewery shares its name with Yokote Castle (横手城), the city's emblem, which is also known by the poetic name "Azakura-jō" (阿櫻城).

Blessed with the natural bounty of the region and sustained by the deep dedication of its brewers, Azakura Shuzō stands as a proud testament to over 130 years of sake-making tradition. Under the guidance of master brewer Terui Toshio—representing the prestigious Sannai tōji guild, one of Japan's five great brewing schools—the brewery employs the refined techniques of kan-zukuri, Akita's signature method of long, low-temperature fermentation during the coldest months.

Crafted exclusively with locally grown Akita rice, Azakura's sake is distinguished by its elegant aroma and smooth, rounded flavour. The result is a clean, balanced profile that invites another sip—an enduring hallmark of this time-honoured brewery.