HORIN - Phoenix and Pegasus
Brewery: Gekkeikan
Type: Junmai Daiginjo

Horin is a top-grade saké made by one of Japan’s leading breweries, Gekkeikan. Horin has won the prestigious grand gold medal in the spirits and liqueurs division of the Monde Selection from 2006 to 2011 (held in 2010) in Belgium. The name “horin” refers to the phoenix (ho) and Pegasus (rin) of Asian mythology. Gekkeikan uses this name for its top-ranked saké — the name has been used since the Meiji Era (1868-1912) for the highest-grade saké sent from Kyoto (Gekkeikan’s home base) to Tokyo. Using select rice polished to 50% of its original size, this ultrapremium junmai daiginjo saké is slowly fermented at low temperatures to give it a refreshing fruitlike aroma and mild flavor. It makes a good starter saké for those who’ve never tried the drink. It often surprises tasters who expect saké to be very dry. Light and crisp and ideal for sushi or picnics.

Karatanba - Dry Wave
Brewery: Ozeki
Type: Honjozo

This dry saké is produced in the Tamba region, surrounded by mountains and clean mountain air. The brewer uses rice grown in this area. Tamba is well known for some of Japan’s best saké brewers, who take to saké brewing in the winter. The unique-looking bottles used by these brewers are designed in the Tachikui-yaki style of pottery the region is known for A light, dry and crisp saké, Karatanba is robust while still being easy to drink. A nice sake to pair with sushi for those who like drier libations.

Yumeakari -Dream and Light
Brewery: Asabiraki
Type: Junmai Ginjyo

The name means “dream” and “light,” which is a nice way to describe this smooth saké. Brewed by an award-winning brewery in Iwate Prefecture, which uses a local high-grade rice called hitomebore. Floral and hinting of melon and citrus, it complements many of the flavors in sushi. This saké has received Monde Selection’s gold medal for six straight years.  

Yoizuru - Dancing Crane
Brewery: Ishioka
Type: Junmai

Delivers a solid, full-bodied flavor with distinct moromi (fermenting mash) aroma; mild dryness with a hint of spicy sweetness in the background.  Pairs well with the variety of flavors present in sushi.

Tsukinowa - Moon Ring
Brewery: Tsukinowa
Type: Junmai

Made with the delicate touch of a woman toji, or saké master, which is very rare, this tokubetsu junmai is made from rice milled down to the ginjo grade.  This saké has a body meant to be paired with food. The initial sweetness from the rice mash spreads across your palate and elegantly rests there to complement the perfect bite of sushi. It is very smooth and refreshing.