Latest reviews

Kawatsuru's Olive G has a delightful fruity aroma reminiscent of ripe melons, figs, and muscat grapes, with subtle undertones of chocolate and olives. Yes, olives! The brewery uses a unique yeast extracted from olives grown on Shodo Island in Kagawa, which adds slightly bitter and nutty hints.

The palate is smooth and gentle, with a creamy sweetness and a velvety texture. It's well-balanced, with a soft sweetness contrasting nicely with the marked acidity. The finish is short and mild, featuring a refreshing fruity acidity and a slight bitter note from the olive yeast. This sake is a namagenshu, an undiluted and unpasteurised sake with a lower alcohol volume of 13%. We were very fond of the minimalistic label.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium
Aroma: fruity, sweet
Sweetness: medium+
Acidity: medium+
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium-
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: fruity, sweet
Texture: standard
Finish: short
Quality level: very good

Hanahato Koiōmachi Junmai Ginjō is a light and refreshing sake with a fruity nose and a gentle, smooth taste. It has a delicate sweetness and a long, slightly sour finish. The acidity gives it a refreshing quality that makes it perfect for enjoying both chilled or warmed. Made with Koiomachi rice from Hiroshima Prefecture, it pairs well with a variety of foods, including savoury dishes.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium
Aroma: fruity, ginjoka
Sweetness: medium
Acidity: medium+
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: fruity, citric
Texture: standard
Finish: long
Quality level: very good

A fruity aroma with hints of melon, white peach, and ripe figs. The first sip explodes with flavour, offering a delightful combination of sweetness, acidity, spicy bitterness, and a generous amount of umami. The mouthfeel is dry, with a slight tang and a touch of earthiness. The finish is clean and refreshing. This sake is part of the Ugoseisui series, released four times yearly.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium
Aroma: fruity, spicy
Sweetness: medium
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: fruity, spicy. earthy
Texture: standard
Finish: medium
Quality level: very good

Isaribi, a dry sake inspired by fishermen's traditions, offers a complex aroma with spicy notes, hints of sweetness, and a touch of alcohol. It's smooth and creamy on the palate, with a refreshing acidity and a distinctly dry, sour finish. The lingering aftertaste is clean and refreshing. Perfect for those who enjoy sashimi and dry sakes, Isaribi's delicate aroma of melon and cream complements its crisp, clean taste.

Isaribi (漁り火) refers to the lights used by fishermen to lure fish, and this is a sake crafted with the image of a
fisherman's sake during a meal, tailored for dry sake and sashimi enthusiasts.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium
Aroma: fruity (melon), lactic (creme fraiche)
Sweetness: medium
Acidity: medium+
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: fruity
Texture: standard
Finish: medium
Quality level: very good

Kamikokoro's Junmai Daiginjō Muroka Namagenshu offers a delightful fruity aroma reminiscent of melon, strawberry, and white peach. The palate is rich and sweet, with pronounced notes of ripe melon and a touch of effervescence. The mouthfeel is pleasantly prickly, balanced by a moderate yet refreshing acidity and a satisfying dry finish.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium
Aroma: fruity (melon, white peach, strawberries)
Sweetness: medium+
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium-
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: fruity
Texture: standard
Finish: medium
Quality level: very good

A mellow and gentle aroma of dried fruits greets the nose. The sake is smooth and creamy on the palate, with subtle acidity and a calm, balanced flavour. The soft water of Hiroshima contributes to a delightful drinking experience.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium
Aroma: dried fruits, narazuke pickles, alcohol
Sweetness: medium
Acidity: medium-
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: dried fruits, green
Texture: standard
Finish: long
Quality level: very good

Kuroushi Junmai Ginjō Ōmachi packs a spicy punch upfront, hinting at overripe fruit. It boasts a rich, velvety texture and a full body that explodes with earthy tones, a touch of bitter chocolate and a fruity sweetness reminiscent of dried apricots and persimmons--refreshing acidity with citric elements and a lingering finish with notes of alcohol.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium+
Aroma: fruity, citric
Sweetness: medium
Acidity: medium+
Umami: medium+
Alcohol: medium+
Body: medium+
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: fruity, citric, earthy
Texture: standard
Finish: long
Quality level: very good

Mutsu's Pink Label summer ginjo starts with a wave of strawberries, melons, and some bananas – like a summer fruit salad in a glass. The first sip is surprisingly rich and deep, with a sweetness that reminds me of perfectly ripe fruit. But it doesn't get cloying – there's a beautiful balance thanks to a crisp, dry acidity and a hint of bitterness. There's a touch of effervescence on the tongue, keeping things lively. The finish lingers pleasantly, with a subtle sour tingle. This is a fantastic sake for someone who enjoys fruity notes but still appreciates a complex and well-rounded profile.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium+
Aroma: fruity, floral, citric
Sweetness: medium+
Acidity: medium+
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: fruity (melon, banana, strawberry), citric, floral (white)
Texture: standard
Finish: long
Quality level: very good

Ugo no Tsuki's sparkling sake has a fruity, sweet nose with lactic elements. It starts out with an intense bitterness and dryness but is balanced against a moderate fruity sweetness of white peach. The active effervescence is intense, too, and it took more than five minutes to release the gas and pour it. It is rich; it is refreshing, it is a firework on your palates and one of the best sparkling sake we have had the pleasure to degust.

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Appearance: medium lees and off-white
Nose: clean and medium
Aroma: fruity, lactic
Sweetness: dry
Acidity: medium+
Umami: medium-
Alcohol: medium-
Body: medium
Mousse: slightly aggressive
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: fruity (white peach), lactic
Texture: standard
Finish: medium
Quality level: excellent

Mioya's Yuho Kimoto Junmai Ginjō offers a complex and refreshing experience: its intense fruity aroma, dominated by grapefruit and a hint of alcohol, immediately captivates the senses. The palate is challenged by a harmonious blend of underlying sweetness, subtle bitterness, and refreshing acidity. As the flavours unfold, more citric sweetness emerges, creating a captivating interplay with the underlying spiciness. It's a truly remarkable sake that leaves a lasting impression.

We look forward to tasting more of Fujita Miho's and Yokomichi Toshiaki's creations!

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium+
Aroma: fruity, citric
Sweetness: medium
Acidity: medium+
Umami: medium-
Alcohol: medium+
Body: medium+
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: fruity, citric (grapefruit)
Texture: standard
Finish: medium
Quality level: excellent

Mansaku no Hana Kame Label Junmai Ginjō Namagenshu is a complex and intriguing sake with a rich, full-bodied flavour profile. The nose exhibits notes of dried fruits and narazuke pickles, while the palate showcases a velvety texture and a deep, earthy sweetness reminiscent of brown sugar. The sake's long maturation process has softened its initial bitterness and astringency, resulting in a well-balanced and harmonious taste. With its smooth, gentle finish and a touch of acidity, this sake is perfect for those who appreciate the unique character of aged sakes.

It is stored refrigerated in a temperature-controlled thermal tank for the first three years after being squeezed. Over that period, the quality of the sake improved, and the flavour developed beautifully. Then, for the last year, it was stored at 15 degrees. It can be served cold but would be best at room temperature or even warmed to let the full flavour of Kamenoo emerge.

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Appearance: clear and gold-amber
Nose: clean and medium+
Aroma: dried fruits, narazuke
Sweetness: medium+
Acidity: medium+
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium+
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: dried fruits, cereal
Texture: oily
Finish: short
Quality level: very good

Kozaemon Uranatsugin Hattan No.35 exhibits a complex aroma profile featuring fruity, floral, and lactic notes with hints of overripe fruit. It is smooth and velvety on the palate, with a rich flavour of ripe fruits balanced by moderate sweetness and a subtle bitterness that transitions into refreshing acidity. The finish is dry and crisp, with a lingering aftertaste. Overall, Uranatsugin offers a well-balanced and enjoyable drinking experience. As it is a namazake, you should serve it chilled and consume it as fast as possible once it is opened—we assure you this won't pose a challenge.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium-
Aroma: dried fruits, floral, cereal
Sweetness: medium-
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium-
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: fruity, cereal
Texture: standard
Finish: medium
Quality level: very good

It has a fruity nose with floral elements and a mild, gentle entrance with moderate acidity and sweetness. It is moderately dry. Its unique flavour derives from the blend with the nose and attack of Hanahaot's Junmai Ginjo Nakakumi. This makes for a perfect table sake or aperitif.


Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium-
Aroma: dried fruits, floral, cereal
Sweetness: medium-
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium-
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: fruity, cereal
Texture: standard
Finish: medium
Quality level: very good

Hanahato Natsu no Jungin has a fruity aroma, showcasing expected pineapple notes alongside citrus, grapes, and dried fruits, all grounded by subtle graininess. The palate is a smooth journey of fruity sweetness balanced by refreshing acidity and pleasant dryness. A gentle effervescence adds intrigue. The medium finish lingers with pineapple tang and a return of grain and cereal notes. Equally enjoyable chilled or at room temperature, this versatile sake even surprised us on the rocks, proving its adaptability.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium+
Aroma: dried fruits, lactic, citric
Sweetness: medium to off-dry
Acidity: high
Umami: medium+
Alcohol: medium+
Body: medium+
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: fruity, lactic, citric
Texture: standard
Finish: long
Quality level: very good

This exceptional sake, crafted by a small family brewery in northern Nagano, unveils a vibrant bouquet of green apples and citrus. Its gentle, light to medium body offers a delightful interplay of moderate fruit sweetness and refreshing acidity. A distinct green apple crunchiness and dryness characterize the palate, complemented by subtle bitter and earthy notes. The finish is crisp with lingering acidity. As it warms, the sake transforms into a softer, creamier profile with a gentle fruitiness, maintaining its light to medium body.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium+
Aroma: dried fruits, lactic, citric
Sweetness: medium to off-dry
Acidity: high
Umami: medium+
Alcohol: medium+
Body: medium+
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: fruity, lactic, citric
Texture: standard
Finish: long
Quality level: very good

A concentrated aroma of dried fruits, reminiscent of resins, figs, and apricots, intertwines with lactic notes of pudding and custard, all underscored by a distinct alcoholic character. The initial taste is a harmonious blend of moderate sweetness and striking acidity. The medium-bodied, velvety palate gradually unveils a more pronounced sweetness and refreshing acidity while the intense rice essence of Akita Komachi takes centre stage. A sharp and lingering sourness concludes the experience.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium+
Aroma: dried fruits, lactic, citric
Sweetness: medium to off-dry
Acidity: high
Umami: medium+
Alcohol: medium+
Body: medium+
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: fruity, lactic, citric
Texture: standard
Finish: long
Quality level: very good

Hōyō Junmai Namazake offers a fruity pear aroma complemented by subtle lactic notes and spicy undertones. The palate is initially gentle and sweet, transitioning into a well-balanced profile reminiscent of dried fruits. Green aromatic qualities, mineral notes, and moderate acidity add complexity. The crisp finish leaves a lingering sour tang. This versatile sake is an excellent choice for pairing with food.

The mythological creature on the label represents a Chinese phoenix called "Hōyō" (鳳陽) in Japanese.

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Appearance: clear and golden
Nose: clean and medium
Aroma: fruity (pear), minerals, green
Sweetness: medium-dry
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium+
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: fruity, minerals
Texture: standard
Finish: medium
Quality level: very good

Koimari Saki Junmai Ginjō offers a captivating profile: the nose is inviting, with pronounced peach notes complemented by sweet undertones of custard cream and vanilla pudding. A subtle alcoholic scent rounds out the aroma. The sake presents a smooth and gentle entry on the palate, quickly followed by a refreshing sweetness. The texture is clean and crisp, with a well-integrated balance of acidity, umami, and sweetness. The finish is satisfyingly long. A testament to consistent quality, this Junmai Ginjo has earned an impressive three IWC Gold Awards in the past four years (2017, 2018, and 2020).

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium
Aroma: fruity with lactic elements
Sweetness: off-dry
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium+
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: fruity, lactic
Texture: standard
Finish: medium
Quality level: excellent

Established in 1822, Ohmine Shuzou boasts a rich history despite its relatively new brand identity. The brewery lay dormant for over half a century before being revived in 2010 by Akiyama Takeshi. Ohmine's appeal lies in its contemporary approach to traditional sake. The minimalist white brewery and sleek sake bottles stand out in an industry typically characterised by brown glass and intricate labels. The modern brewhouse opened in 2018 and has become a popular Instagram spot. However, tradition is at the heart of Ohmine's sake. Crafted with locally grown Yamadanishiki rice and pristine spring water from the nearby Beppu Benten Pond, often called "Water for Gods," their premium sake embodies the region's natural bounty. Visitors can savour Ohmine's creations at the on-site cafe, which offers sake flights, coffee, and desserts. While the brewery isn't open for tours, guests can glimpse the brewing process through the windows and purchase limited-edition merchandise.

This namazake has a fruity nose dominated by white peach and melon. The palate entry is lively with a subtle effervescence, followed by a full-bodied flavour profile showcasing melon, white peach, and muscat grape notes, along with a mineral undertone. The sweetness is pronounced on the mid-palate, balanced by a moderate acidity. The finish is long and refreshing with a slight sour tang. Note that the sake contains sake lees but remains clear.

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Appearance: slightly hazy and lemon
Nose: clean and medium
Aroma: fruity, minerals
Sweetness: medium-sweet
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium-
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: fruits (melon, white peach, muscat grapes), minerality
Texture: standard
Finish: long
Quality level: very good

Nate Brewery's Kuroushi Junmai offers a strong aroma of dried fruits with herbal undertones and a subtle alcoholic scent. On the palate, it presents a spicy entry leading to a full-bodied texture. The flavour profile is a complex interplay of crisp acidity, bitter notes, and moderate sweetness. The finish is long and intense, with increasing bitterness culminating in a sour tang. While enjoyable chilled, this sake truly shines when allowed to reach room temperature, revealing additional layers of complexity.

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Appearance: clear and gold
Nose: clean and medium+
Aroma: dried fruits, cereal
Sweetness: medium-sweet
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: dried fruits, cereal
Texture: standard
Finish: long
Quality level: very good