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A fruity nose with pronounced floral notes, accompanied by sweet hints of vanilla and caramel. Very promising from the first impression. The aroma is lively and expressive, while the palate shows the freshness typical of unpasteurised sake. A slight natural effervescence adds to a well-balanced interplay of sweetness and acidity. Beneath the fruit-forward profile lies a pleasant, mellow rice character, giving the sake more weight and depth than expected.

The flavour unfolds gradually. It starts with a refreshing balance of sweetness, acidity, and umami, followed by richer sweet and savoury notes. A pleasant savoury bitterness then emerges and lingers into the finish, leaving a lasting impression of sweetness, umami, and gentle bitterness.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean, medium
Aroma: fruity, floral
Sweetness: Slightly dry
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: full
Flavour intensity: fruity, lactic, rice
Finish: clean, medium
Quality level: very good

Fruity and slightly sweet nose, with a few spicy notes in the background. It enters the palate softly, showing a gentle sweetness at first, before a clean, refreshing acidity emerges. Medium-bodied with a silky texture, it also carries a faint natural spritz that adds to its freshness.

Straight from the fridge, it comes across as lively and quite crisp. Give it a little time in the glass, however, and it gradually becomes rounder and more approachable. The Omachi rice seems to contribute both richness and structure, helping to maintain clarity despite the sake's generous flavour. Best enjoyed well chilled, but not ice-cold, allowing the aroma and texture to develop fully.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean, medium
Aroma: fruity, spicy
Sweetness: Slightly dry
Acidity: medium+
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: full
Flavour intensity: fruity, lactic
Finish: clean, medium
Quality level: very good

This is a lightly cloudy sake; before mixing in the lees, the clear upper layer shows a fruity aroma with subtle spicy notes. Crisp yet gentle and refined, it is full-bodied with a silky texture. On the palate, it is exceptionally well balanced, combining a touch of fruity sweetness with refreshing acidity and restrained dryness. Vibrant in flavour, it nevertheless maintains a quiet elegance throughout. The finish is clean, smooth, and lingering.

For the second glass, we stirred the lees into the sake, which brought out more lactic notes, additional sweetness, and deeper umami from the Gohyakumangoku rice. Naturally, the appearance also became noticeably cloudier.

We would strongly recommend serving it chilled. Start with the clear upper layer, then mix in the lees to see how the texture and flavour gradually change. Some people even enjoy it over ice, though we preferred it well chilled, undiluted.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean, medium
Aroma: fruity, spicy
Sweetness: Slightly dry
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium-
Alcohol: medium
Body: full
Flavour intensity: fruity, lactic, rice
Finish: clean, medium
Quality level: very good

Gentle and mild nose with faint lactic notes. Thick and creamy entry, slightly effervescent, leading into a full-bodied palate with a rich, velvety texture. Despite its dense, viscous character, the sake remains remarkably lively, showing an excellent balance of umami, acidity, and the rice's natural sweetness. The finish is clean and lingering, ending with a light sour tingle. Best enjoyed chilled to preserve its refreshing character.

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Appearance: thick lees and off-white
Nose: clean, light
Aroma: lactic
Sweetness: slightly dry
Acidity: medium+
Umami: medium+
Alcohol: medium
Body: full
Mousse: creamy
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: lactic, rice
Finish: clean, long
Quality level: very good

A gentle and smooth nose with hints of green notes, dried fruit, and rice. Soft on the entry, with a silky texture and medium body. Nicely balanced between acidity and umami, the palate shows a delicate rice character shaped by the brewery's soft-water brewing process (nansui jōzō 軟水醸造). The finish is clean and lingering. This is a very smooth, elegant, and classic food sake. We enjoyed it with sashimi, where it complemented the raw fish particularly well, bringing out its flavour.

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Appearance: clear and pale
Nose: clean, medium
Aroma: dried fruits, green, rice
Sweetness: Slightly dry
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: dried fruits, rice
Finish: clean, long
Quality level: very good

This is the first time Kinoshita Brewery has used the Kame no O rice variety, and the first time the brewery has polished the rice to just 88%. It opens with a gentle and smooth entry, leading into a full-bodied palate with a creamy texture. Umami and acidity are well balanced, giving the sake both depth and freshness. Because the rice is only lightly polished, it shows a pronounced grainy aroma with lightly roasted cereal notes. Part of Tamagawa's naturally brewed low-polishing series, this sake has a character quite different from the brewery's previous releases. The rich grain character from the unpolished rice is balanced by surprisingly light acidity and smooth umami, before finishing long, clean, and refreshing.

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Appearance: clear and golden
Nose: clean, medium+
Aroma: ripe fruits, pronounced lactic elements, spices
Sweetness: Slightly dry
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium+
Alcohol: medium+
Body: full
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: ripe fruits, lactic
Finish: clean, long
Quality level: very good

Gentle and fruity nose with hints of strawberry, melon, mango, white peach and banana. The palate opens with a solid yet elegant entry. Full-bodied and creamy, it offers a smooth mouthfeel that balances fruity sweetness with deep umami and refreshing acidity. Towards the finish, a slight bitterness emerges before giving way to a clean, gentle finish with a faintly sweet aftertaste: a rich, expressive, yet refined sake from Yamagata.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean, medium+
Aroma: fruity (strawberry, melon, mango, white peach, banana), ginjo
Sweetness: slightly sweet
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium+
Alcohol: medium+
Body: full
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: fruity, ginjo
Finish: clean, medium
Quality level: very good

A gentle nose with sweet and spicy aromas, showing fruity notes of pear, muscat grape, and white peach. Crisp from the very beginning, the sake has a slight effervescence, a medium body, and a palate that briefly reveals soft, fluffy fruit sweetness before shifting into pronounced acidity and sharp dryness. It is seriously dry and refreshing, with a long, clean finish.

This is very much a modern food sake, designed to complement and enhance the dishes it's served with. Despite its approachable, easy-drinking character, it should not be overlooked that the sake carries a robust 17% ABV.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean, medium
Aroma: fruity (pear, muscat grapes, and white peach), green grass
Sweetness: very dry
Acidity: medium+
Umami: medium-
Alcohol: medium+
Body: medium+
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: fruity, sweet, citric
Finish: clean, long, crisp
Quality level: very good

A fruity nose with aromas of melon, white peach, green apple, and lychee, alongside gentle notes of vanilla. The first sip is remarkably refined, opening with a soft yet expressive entry, a velvety texture, and a full body. Akakura describes the sake in its "Sexy Series" as fruity, with a slight bitterness and mellow depth, and a fragrant aroma and broad flavour profile.

On the palate, sweetness and refreshing bitterness are balanced beautifully, with an almost lightly viscous texture. The character clearly reflects the Misatonishiki rice, originally developed from Yamada Nishiki and Miyama Nishiki, bringing together the richness of one and the light elegance of the other. The sake carries a distinct elegance throughout, finishing crisp and clean- a beautifully crafted brew.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean, medium
Aroma: fruity, sweet, vanilla
Sweetness: slightly dry
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium+
Alcohol: medium
Body: full
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: fruity, sweet
Finish: clean, short, crisp
Quality level: excellent

A gentle nose with fruity sweetness, showing aromas of raspberry, white peach, melon, and light citrus notes. The first sip is unexpectedly intense. What begins as mild, slightly creamy, viscous, and faintly sweet quickly develops into a lively burst of acidity. Crisp and refreshing, the sake balances its pronounced umami with juicy acidity and a clean, sharp finish. It pairs particularly well with savoury Japanese dishes, though it also complements a wide range of Western cuisine.

We reviewed the Hiyaoroshi variety here.

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

Sweet, floral aromata; soft, smooth entry; delicate sweetness and a slight effervescence. Full-bodied with a silky texture, the sake offers a refined, transparent mouthfeel, marked by an impressive balance between sweetness and umami. Its soft, moderately rich aroma is neatly supported by clean acidity and a light dry spiciness, creating a very harmonious overall impression. The finish is crisp, clean, and refreshing. We were genuinely surprised by the quality and once again reminded that some of the most rewarding discoveries can come from lesser-known jizake breweries.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean, medium
Aroma: fruity, sweet, floral
Sweetness: slightly dry
Acidity: medium+
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: full
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: fruity, rice
Finish: clean, short, crisp
Quality level: very good

Take three. Soft fruity aromas with hints of spice and gentle ginjōka. Smooth on the entry, with a medium body and velvety texture. The palate is gentle and rounded, showing a slight initial sweetness that gradually gives way to mild acidity and rich rice flavours. The finish is short, clean, and refreshing. Served chilled, the sake comes across as crisp and restrained, while at room temperature it reveals noticeably greater depth and character. A very classic and elegant sake overall.

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Appearance: clear and lemon
Nose: clean, medium
Aroma: fruity (apples, berries, melon), ginjoka
Sweetness: slightly dry
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium+
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: fruity, rice
Finish: clean, short, crisp
Quality level: very good

A nose reminiscent of freshly baked fruit cake, with notes of apple and pear compote alongside hints of vanilla and chocolate. This is the yamahai that started it all. The entry is crisp yet full, with a full-bodied structure and silky texture. Deep umami and lively acidity are beautifully balanced against fruity sweetness and a touch of bitterness, giving the sake a remarkable sense of harmony throughout.

Where it truly makes an impression is its alcohol content: a formidable 20% ABV, though it remains surprisingly controlled and integrated. The finish is clean, crisp, and lingering. Simply brilliant — Phil Harper at his very best. Five stars on take two.

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Appearance: clear and lemon
Nose: clean, medium+
Aroma: fruity (apples, pears, muscat grapes), sweet (vanilla, chocolate)
Sweetness: dry
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium+
Alcohol: high
Body: full
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: fruity
Finish: clean, short, crisp
Quality level: excellent

It has a fresh, lively aroma with notes of citrus, green apple, fresh herbs, and a touch of spice. There is also a faint sweetness and soft umami beneath the bright nose, along with a light hint of alcohol. The entry is gentle and rounded, with a full body and slightly creamy texture. Even so, the sake remains remarkably clean and transparent. Bright citrus acidity and a mild sweetness appear first, followed by deeper umami and a pleasant savoury bitterness. Mineral notes and a refreshing coolness add further depth as the flavours gradually spread across the palate.

The finish is long, crisp, and clean, balancing refreshing sharpness with lingering umami bitterness. It feels smooth and well-integrated throughout, showing the clarity and elegance so typical of Kokuryū's brewing style. Crystal Dragon was originally released as a limited restaurant-exclusive sake during the COVID-19 pandemic in support of restaurants facing difficult circumstances.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean, pronounced
Aroma: fruity, alcoholic, spicy
Sweetness: slightly dry
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: full
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: fruity, spicy, alcoholic
Finish: clean, long, crisp
Quality level: very good

This is our second time enjoying Mukade Daiginjō. It opens with a rich aroma of stewed apple and pear compote. We have since revised our classification to "full-bodied", accompanied by a smooth, creamy texture. The palate is creamy and expressive, with pronounced notes of ripe apple balanced by lively acidity and a slight bitterness. Together with its marked umami, the overall balance is remarkably refined. The finish is short and clean — robust and powerful, yet still elegant.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean, pronounced
Aroma: fruity (apple, pear)
Sweetness: slightly dry
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium+
Alcohol: medium+
Body: full
Flavour intensity: pronounced
Flavour characteristics: fruity (apple, pear)
Finish: clean, short, crisp
Quality level: excellent

Spicy-sweet aroma with light floral notes. Gentle and rounded on the entry, with a medium body and creamy texture. The palate is mild and smooth, showing soft umami and a clean finish, followed by lingering notes of rice and alcohol. Overall, it is a mellow, well-balanced, slightly sweet futsūshu (sugar-added) that, given its specifications and overall quality, could easily be mistaken for a honjōzō. A 900ml bottle comes under 1000 yen.

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

Second trial: the 2025 release has a delicate nose with subtle citrus notes and a hint of muscat. The entry is gentle and smooth, with noticeable acidity and a slight effervescence. Its lively mouthfeel is defined by pronounced dryness, bright citric acidity, and a touch of bitterness.

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

A surprisingly fruity and expressive nose with citrus and gentle spice notes. The entry is mild and refreshing, with a medium body and silky texture. Bright citrus character appears immediately on the palate, accompanied by slight astringency and bitterness.

Although classified as an extra-dry sake with an SMV of +15, it initially displays a faint sweetness. Once tasted, however, its sharp dryness and spicy character emerge all at once, creating a striking contrast between the soft opening and the crisp, powerful finish.

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

Pronounced ginjō aroma with notes of dried fruit and mild spice. Highly aromatic on the palate, with a medium body, silky texture, and a rich mouthfeel shaped by pronounced umami and the natural sweetness of the rice. Crisp and dry on the finish, yet very approachable and easy to drink, an excellent example of a dry sake.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean, medium
Aroma: ginjoka, dried fruits, spices
Sweetness: dry
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium+
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium+
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: ginjoka, dried fruits, rice
Finish: clean, short
Quality level: very good

A mild, fruity aroma with notes of muscat grapes and melon. The palate opens softly and slightly sweet, leading into a full-bodied, creamy texture. Fresh and rich on the tongue, it carries a faint natural effervescence, while the visible sediments add further depth and creaminess. A gentle acidic tingle appears towards the finish, followed by a light bitterness. The Omachi rice gives the sake a lively, slightly untamed character with plenty of depth. Refreshing and highly satisfying, it finishes cleanly and is relatively short. The fine sediments are especially noticeable near the bottom of the bottle.

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Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean, medium
Aroma: muscat grapes, melon, lactic
Sweetness: slightly dry
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: full
Flavour intensity: medium+
Flavour characteristics: muscat grapes, melon
Finish: clean, short
Quality level: very good