Our Take

Kikusui's Junmai Daiginjo Sakamai Genshu is a mouthful to say aloud, but speaks volumes when you want to give it as a gift or to serve for special occasions.

This daiginjo is made with a rare and almost extinct sake rice, the eponymous kikusui rice. The kikusui rice species is originally from Niigata prefecture and only had 25 individual grains left. With the partnership between local agricultural associations and farmers, the rice was able to be cultivated once again for making small batches of sake.

The result is a sake with an exceptionally crafted sake. It has a dry profile, elegant aroma (reminiscent of fresh apple) and rich flavor. The texture is perfectly rounded too. As a genshu with its slightly higher alcohol content, you'll get a more mature and mellower characteristic.

More about Kikusui

Details

• Junmai Daiginjo

• Genshu: undiluted sake

• 17% alcohol

• Best serving temp: room, chilled

• 720ml

• Made in Niigata

Food pairing

• Have on its own or for Japanese food. Bring this to your next sushi or omakase dinner. It’ll pair well especially with the fattier fishes