Midorikawa's Hokujo opens with a tender ginjōka fragrance — a quiet blend of dried fruit, steamed rice, and a touch of refreshing sharpness. The first sip is gentle, gradually transcending into a fuller, more expressive body. Its texture carries both depth and clarity, with soft umami tones meeting a faint, peppery note. A lively thread of acidity runs through it, giving shape and lift without overpowering the palate. As it lingers, the flavours taper into a clean, dry finish with a trace of pleasant tartness that stays just long enough. Chilled, it shows a brisk, precise character; once at room temperature, it relaxes into something rounder and more supple, while still maintaining that bright acidity that defines its balance. Made with Hokuriku No. 12 rice, polished to 50% and matured for over a year at low temperature, it shows both the gentle fragrance and the sharp tanrei clarity that define Niigata's brewing style.
Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: medium
Aroma: ginjoka, dried fruits, steamed rice
Sweetness: slightly dry
Acidity: medium+
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: full
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: dried fruits, steamed rice, grain
Texture: standard
Finish: clean, lingering
Quality level: very good
Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: medium
Aroma: ginjoka, dried fruits, steamed rice
Sweetness: slightly dry
Acidity: medium+
Umami: medium
Alcohol: medium
Body: full
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: dried fruits, steamed rice, grain
Texture: standard
Finish: clean, lingering
Quality level: very good