| Brand | Kikusui |
| Region | Niigata, Japan |
| Spirits Type | Sake |
| Spirits Style | Honjozo |
| ABV | 19% / Rice Polishing: 70% |
Product details
Kikusui Brewing Company, founded in 1881 in Niigata Prefecture—Japan's premier rice-producing region—has a storied history of crafting exceptional sake. The name "Kikusui" combines "kiku" (chrysanthemum) and "sui" (water), inspired by a Noh play where chrysanthemum dew grants eternal life, symbolizing longevity and purity. In 1976, Kikusui introduced "Funaguchi," Japan's first commercially available nama (unpasteurized) sake, showcasing their innovative spirit and dedication to sake culture.
The Kikusui Funaguchi Shinmai Green Sake is a limited-edition seasonal release that embodies the brewery's commitment to quality and freshness. Brewed each fall using 100% newly harvested, locally grown Niigata Gohyakumangoku rice, this unpasteurized and undiluted honjozo sake boasts a robust 19% ABV. Its rich, full-bodied flavor is complemented by a refreshing, clean finish. The sake's flavor profile evolves over time; initially offering a fresh, fruity bouquet, it matures into a brandy-like richness after six months and resembles Chinese rice wine after a year. To preserve its delicate nature, Kikusui packages this sake in aluminum cans that block light and fills them to the brim to minimize air exposure. This ensures that the sake retains its unique taste, previously only available to those visiting the brewery. Ideal food pairings include yakitori and other richly sauced dishes, enhancing the dining experience with its dynamic flavor profile.
