Kiku-Masamune Kinushiro Junmai Nigori Sake, Japan, offers a rare blend of creamy texture and gentle sweetness that has captivated sake lovers across the globe, especially in the United States, where it was saved from discontinuation by overwhelming demand. Brewed in Hyogo Prefecture, this sake showcases the brewery’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, delivering a luxurious nigori-style experience perfect for modern palates.
Product Details:
- Category: Junmai
- Subcategory: Nigori
- Rice Variety: Japanese-grown rice
- Yeast: In-House Yeast (Kikumasa Hb2)
- Alcohol: 10.0%
- Polishing Ratio (RPR): 73%
- SMV: -40
- Acidity: 2.0
- Region: Hyogo Prefecture, Kinki Region
Sensory Description:
Kiku-Masamune Kinushiro pours with a beautiful, silky-white cloudiness characteristic of nigori sake. On the nose, it gives off inviting aromas of banana and melon, followed by soft, dessert-like notes of lychee and custard apple. The palate is rich and sweet yet remarkably smooth, with a touch of refreshing acidity that balances its texture and sweetness. It’s a sake meant to please a broad range of drinkers, from newcomers to aficionados.
Awards & Accolades:
- Bronze – 2019, International Wine Challenge
- Commended – 2020, International Wine Challenge
Producer's Background:
Kiku-Masamune Brewing Company, founded during the Edo period, is one of Japan’s most renowned sake producers, celebrated for its dedication to dry sake styles. Though best known for its crisp, food-friendly expressions, the brewery also explores innovative releases like Kinushiro. Their philosophy centers on producing timeless, authentic sake using high-quality ingredients such as Yamada-nishiki rice and the famously mineral-rich Miyamizu water. The result is a portfolio that appeals to both traditionalists and contemporary drinkers.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve well chilled in a white wine or Champagne glass to highlight its aromatic fruit notes and creamy texture. It pairs beautifully with yakiniku (Japanese grilled meats), teriyaki-glazed dishes, or even light desserts. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 8–10°C.
Creamy, expressive, and full of character, Kiku-Masamune Kinushiro Junmai Nigori Sake, Japan, is a delightful addition to any table—an irresistible testament to how tradition and innovation can beautifully coexist in a single bottle.