This brew gets a perfect score of 5.0 because it is iconic in the world of sake. Full-bodied and smooth, this sake exudes aromas that are at once sweet and savory. Caramel, nougat and cocoa powder combine with steamed button mushroom notes to create the most perfect umami liquid to grace this planet. Kenbishi's mottos of 'Be a Still Clock' and 'If you are chasing the trend, you are already late' are food for thought. This is the of the oldest brand of sake still produced (since 1505).

Two words: Liquid Diamonds 💎

This 'banana cream pie in a glass' also exudes notes of cantaloupe, bubblegum and poundcake, balanced by medium sweetness, water-like texture and slight effervescence. Made by my favorite brewery from Nara Prefecture, Imanishi Shuzo!​

The ridiculous Texas-esque label belies this Junmai Daiginjo Genshu's delightfully bodacious flavor profile. It is one of the most full-bodied Junmai Daiginjos on the market, matched with powerful aromas of papaya, banana, cantaloupe and flowers. The aromas, richness and slight sweetness keep this 18% abv brew in perfect balance. So just squint your eyes, buy the bottle, then move it to a fancy decanter (preferably one with an indentation for ice) and give this sake the visual confidence it deserves!

Another hit by Kubota! This seasonal nigori release is vibrant and lively, with a distinct sour tang reminiscent of kefir.

Spritzy when first opened with a persistent elegance and acidic brightness. Crisp and mineral when ice cold and more green apple / lime / banana at cool room temp (61F). Almost like Sprite with slightly melted ice on draft, just without the sugar. One of the best dry (+7 SMV) sake out there!

Stellar new JDG nama genshu from Nagano. All the pretty ginjo-ka a sake lover could ask for, but with a high alcohol kick and nama liveliness that cleans the palate and provides dimension.

A surprising example of the powerful ethyl caproate driven yeast strain CEL-24. Unlike it's clear sister Junmai Daiginjo (not nigori), it is not super candy-like green apple and is more unripe pineapple, coconut cream and green melon focused. Strong flavor of sake kasu persists on the palate and it is a bit less sweet than the original. It is cool to see how a nigori style CEL-24 expresses itself in the bottle. Now I am on a hunt for more CEL yeast sakes in nigori form. Try it ice cold or slightly warmed. 👀🙌

Dry, but mellow and rich. Subtle chestnut, steamed rice and rice flour, with a hint of earthiness. Great at every temp except straight out of the fridge.