Buy Rare Japanese Sake Online in the U.S.

Attention Sake Lovers in the U.S.! A rare Japanese sake you can buy online in the U.S.—that’s Nanyo Brewery’s "Hanaabi". For those familiar with premium sake brands like Juyondai, Jikon, and Aramasa, Hanaabi has joined their ranks as one of the hardest-to-find sakes. On release days, fans line up before stores open to secure a bottle. It’s even referred to as a “phantom sake” in Japan. Here’s everything you need to know about Hanaabi.

Founded in the 1860s, Nanyo Brewery is a small, family-run sake brewery located in Saitama Prefecture, right next to Tokyo. Operated by a married couple and the wife’s brother, the brewery produces sake using soft, pure spring water from Saitama. This soft water gives their sake a gentle, smooth taste. The hallmark of their craftsmanship is their use of the traditional fukurozuri method. -What is Fukurozuri? Fukurozuri is a classic sake pressing technique used to produce high-quality sake. The fermented mash (moromi) is placed in cloth bags, which are then hung up, allowing the sake to drip naturally without applying pressure. This method results in an elegant, refined sake. However, it also yields a very small amount, making the sake extremely rare. Nanyo Brewery also uses a labor-intensive method called bin-kan kyu-rei (bottle pasteurization with rapid cooling). During the pasteurization process, bottles are gradually heated to 65°C (149°F) in a large water tank. Once they reach the target temperature, the bottles are carefully cooled by replacing the hot water with cold water. This meticulous method preserves the sake’s aroma and flavor while tightening its taste through cooling. Each bottle is crafted with such care and attention to detail that Hanaabi is only available at select specialty stores in Japan.

The name Hanaabi(花陽浴) combines 花 (flower), 陽 (sun), and 浴 (bask), symbolizing the idea of “blooming under the sunlight.” It reflects the brewery’s hope for Hanaabi to become a beloved sake, bringing happiness to both the people who drink it and those who make it.

Hanaabi is known for its refreshing fruity aroma and perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Imagine the scent of tropical fruits like pineapple—it’s that bright and vibrant. This fruity aroma and flavor have made it a favorite among sake enthusiasts, not just in Japan but globally. Hanaabi has won several international awards, solidifying its reputation as a premium sake.

As an unfiltered and unpasteurized sake(Muroka Genshu), Hanaabi is best served chilled. While traditional sake cups (Ochoko) are great, a wine glass enhances the fruity aroma, making it the perfect choice for this elegant sake. It’s ideal to drink right after opening, but you can also enjoy how the flavor evolves over two to three days. With its clean taste, Hanaabi pairs well with meals or can be savored as a dessert sake after dinner.

Curious yet? Hanaabi is a must-try for sake lovers. Don’t miss this rare chance to experience a sake that’s hard to find even in Japan. Take your opportunity to savor one of the finest Japanese sakes available today!

Nanyo Brewery Company

Saitama

http://www.nanyo-jozo.com/

Established in 1860, our brewery has been crafting the renowned sake "Hanaabi" with unwavering dedication since its inception. Fueled by the passion of three artisans determined to become masters in sake brewing, we spare no effort or compromise in preserving traditional methods while also delving deep into cutting-edge techniques. Despite being a small brewery producing only 300 koku (5,400l), our sake quality has seen significant improvement in recent years, earning us recognition as a notable brewery in the industry.

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Buy Rare Japanese Sake Online in the U.S.

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Hanaabi Junmai Daiginjo

Nanyo Brewery Company

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