Sake specs
- Prefecture
- Saga (佐賀)
- Rice type
- Yamada Nishiki (山田錦)
- Polishing rate (semaibuai)
- 50%
- Alcohol content
- 16%
Koimari Saki Junmai Ginjō (古伊万里 前 純米吟醸) is made of Yamdanishiki rice milled to 50%. It is a beloved cornerstone of Koimari Shuzo in Imari, Saga Prefecture, epitomising the region's sweet, indulgent style. A subtle effervescence complements its delicate peach aroma and luxurious texture. A harmonious balance of sweet and tart notes, reminiscent of white mochi, creates a rich, full-bodied experience. This exceptional sake has garnered international acclaim, winning triple gold medals at the All Japan Sake Evaluation, Kuramaster, and IWC in 2019 and a prestigious platinum award at the Paris KURAMASTER in 2023. It is perfect for pairing with light meats, white fish, or hot pots.
Awards:
- Gold Award at the National Sake Appraisal 2023
- Platinum Award in the Junmai category at Kuramaster 2023
- Awarded "Commended" in the Junmai Ginjo Sake category at the International Wine Challenge 2023
- Gold medal in the Junmai category at Kuramaster 2022
- Gold medal at the International Wine Challenge 2020
- Platinum Award in the Junmai category at Kuramaster 2020
- Gold medal at the National Sake Appraisal 2019
- Gold medal in the Junmai category at Kuramaster 2019
- Gold medal at the International Wine Challenge 2019
- Silver Award in the Junmai Ginjo category at the Sake Competition 2018
- Gold medal in the Junmai category at Kuramaster 2018
- Gold Award at the 2016 National Sake Appraisal
About the brewery
- Brewery
- Koimari Shuzō
- Name in Japanese
- 古伊万里酒造
- Address
- Nakazatoko-3288-1 Niricho, Imari, Saga 848-0034
- Phone
- 0955-23-2516
- Website
- Online store
Imari, a bustling port city from the Edo to Meiji periods, gained global renown for its exquisite pottery, often marked with the "Imari" seal. This distinctive ware, cherished worldwide, is known as "Ko-Imari." Interestingly, the Maeda family , once drapery shop owners in Imari's bustling port during the Edo era , transitioned to sake brewing in 1909. This year marks the birth of Koinari Shuzō, a small-scale brewery nestled in Saga Prefecture's rice-rich landscape.
Koinari Shuzō has crafted beloved sake for over a century, leveraging the region's abundant rice and famed Arita white porcelain water. In a nod to the city's iconic pottery, the brewery introduced "Ko-Imari" sake in 1971. To expand its offerings, Koinari Shuzō launched "Koimari Saki," an exclusive sake for local retailers, in April 2008. The following year, the Koimari sales office reopened, showcasing local sake, limited-edition sake brewer's pickles, Koimari sake buns, and Imari souvenirs. A unique gallery within the shop permanently displays the Maeda family's traditional "shellfish matching" artistry from Nisato-machi.
