KIKUSUI SHUZO
Brewery: Kikusui Sake Co., LTD.
Founded: 1881
With 130 years of history on their shoulders, the Kikusui Sake Company of Niigata prefecture built themselves up from the bottom. The name "Kikusui" is a reference to a Noh theatre play, wherein the dew (Sui) from the petals of chrysanthemums (Kiku) grant eternal life.
In 2004 they established the Kikusui Sake Research Institute in an effort to both raise the bar on the quality of their offerings and wrestle with concepts such as enjoyment of sake, and sake culture. They are proud to produce "Funaguchi" - Japan's first commercially available Nama (unpasteurized) sake.
NIIGATA
Japanese Sake Nurtured in the Majestic Natural Surroundings of Niigata
The Kikusui brewery is located in Niigata prefecture. Surrounded by oceans and mountains, Niigata is a land that boasts natural beauty and delicious food. By far its greatest claim to fame, however, is its production of Japanese Sake. The prefecture has more Sake breweries than any other prefecture, and those many breweries continue to work hard in their quest to produce fine Japanese Sake.
PRODUCTS
Tasting Notes
Rich yet surprisingly light. A full-bodied, umami-driven sake with a clean, straightforward character — that's Kikusui Junmai. When gently warmed, its depth intensifies, revealing a round, savory richness that lingers. Among all Kikusui products, this sake shows the greatest transformation and enhancement when heated.
Overview
Food Pairings: Karaage (Fried Chicken), Strongly Flavored Seafood Dishes, Parmesan Cheese
Specifications
Class: Junmai
Rice: 100% Niigata Rice
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 70%
ABV: 15%
Size: 180ml (NY NJ Only), 720ml, 300ml, 1800ml
Brewery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Kikusui sake rice (father of the renowned Gohyakumangoku sake rice) had been all but lost to the world for half a century… that is until Kikusui Sake Company stepped in. They spearheaded the effort to revive this ancient strain from only 25 grains, and now attempt to pay homage to its legacy of elegance. After they gently and methodically polished away the outer 60% of the rice grains, their brewers set to work and were rewarded with a pure, mellow aroma. The flavor is affable and light, and carries itself deliberately over the pallet. It is bolstered by the complexities and natural dryness brought to the table by the ancient Kikusui sake rice. Enjoy slightly chilled for a rare drinking experience.
Overview
Food Pairings: Fried White Fish, Sashimi.
Specifications
Class: Junmai Daiginjo
Rice: Sakamai Kikusui
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 40%
ABV: 15%
Size: 300ml, 720ml
Brewery Profile
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Tasting Notes
One of our most popular sake -- full-bodied and positively bursting with the fresh and creamy flavor of steamed rice, roasted hazelnuts, and pungent tropical fruit. Pop open an ice-cold Funaguchi to experience one of Japan's most unique offerings for yourself. Since Funaguchi's birth in the 47th year of the Showa period (1976), it has become beloved all over Japan, popular for home and restaurant consumption, and even as a portable treat for hikers and mountain climbers.
Overview
Food Pairings: Cheeseburger, Shiokara (heavily salted & fermented fish), Szechuan Cuisine & other strongly seasoned Chinese Cuisines, Chicken Empanadas, Ramen, Pizza.
Awards:
IWC 2014 - Honjozo Class Gold Prize
Specifications
Class: Honjozo
Style: Nama, Genshu
Rice: Gohyakumangoku
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 70%
ABV: 19%
Size: 1500ml (CA Only), 200ml
Brewery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Tempted by the irresistible notion that their flagship canned "Funaguchi" sake would be delicious if aged, Kikusui’s development team pooled their efforts and created this Aged Unpasteurized Sake! As time passes in the cold Kikusui cellars, the active enzymes in the sake elevate the already present richness to new levels - the little red can has a hard time holding all the flavor in! Boasting 19% ABV, gorgeous floral aromatics, strong flavor and personality, this full-bodied sake is great at dinnertime or cocktail hour. For fun times and comfortable afternoons.
Overview
Food Pairings: Richly Seasoned Foods, such as Unagi Kabayaki and Braised Pork.
Specifications
Class: Ginjo
Style: Nama, Genshu, Aged
Rice: Gohyakumangoku
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 55%
ABV: 19%
Size: 200ml
Brewery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Style meets depth in this special take on the famous Funaguchi. Instead of fortifying Kunko with the usual jozo (distiller's alcohol), sake-kasu Shochu is used, adding a whole new world to the aromatics and flavors of Funaguchi. Lush and luxurious mouthfeel, with a finish that leaves you smiling.
Overview
Food Pairings: Will draw out the flavors of rich, unique foods such as Sea Urchin.
Specifications
Class: Futsushu
Style: Nama, Genshu
Rice: Gohyakumangoku
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 70%
ABV: 19%
Size: 200ml
Brewery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Limited Edition Funaguchi "New-Rice New-Sake" "Shinmai-Shinshu" has arrived! Brewed using 100% newly harvested, locally grown Niigata Gohyakumangoku rice, this is a Funaguchi experience you can only get your hands on once a year. A rich and electrifyingly vivid treat for lovers of super fresh Namazake.
Overview
Food Pairings: Yakitori and other light salty dishes.
Specifications
Class: Ginjo
Style: Nama, Genshu, Seasonal, Limited
Rice: Gohyakumangoku
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 55%
ABV: 19%
Size: 200ml
Brewery Profile
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Tasting Notes
This seasonal sake is a lip-smacking treat for the fall! The balance evident in every sip is achieved through the Edo-era method of aging the bottles in the coolest part of the brewery from spring to fall. They doze there from the end of previous brewing season until the chill (Hiya) of fall creeps in , when the brewery drops (Oroshi) the sake into the market. This sake has a round, lively personality with notes of rice, honey, and roasted nuts.
Overview
Food Pairings: Pair with bold Fall flavors to experience the change of seasons.
Specifications
Class: Junmai Ginjo
Style: Seasonal, Limited
Rice: Gohyakumangoku
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 55%
ABV: 15%
Size: 720ml
Brewery Profile
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Tasting Notes
The clear nectar contained in this gorgeous blue bottle will impress upon you a gentle, fruity aroma and a light dry finish. A charming aspect of Kikusui Junmai Ginjo is that it draws out the inner flavors of accompanying dishes, however there is no single style of cuisine with which it absolutely must be paired. A fine choice for restaurants and beginners to sake.
Overview
Food Pairings: Tempura and other Deep-Fried foods, Fruit Salad.
Specifications
Class: Junmai Ginjo
Rice: Niigata Rice
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 55%
ABV: 15%
Size: 300ml, 720ml, 1800ml
Brewery Profile
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Tasting Notes
This drink has a pure and clear taste with no off-flavors, having a smooth texture that glides effortlessly over the tongue, accompanied by an elegant and refined ginjo aroma.
Overview
Food Pairings: White fish meunière / Seafood paella
Awards:
・International Wine Challenge 2014 Gold Award
・Delicious Japanese Sake in a Wine Glass Award 2019 Grand Gold Award
・LONDON SAKE CHALLENGE 2020 Platinum Award
・BORDEAUX SAKE CHALLENGE 2021 Gold Award
・Luxembourg Sake Challenge 2022 Junmai Daiginjo Sake Category Bronze Award and Best Design Award
Specifications
Class: Junmai Daiginjo
Rice: Sakamai Kikusui
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 23%
ABV: 15%
Size: 750ml
Brewery Profile
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Tasting Notes
A sip of this sake brings the same intensity, dryness and clarity as that of a crisp wind. This palate cleansing quality and a hidden but ever-present umami make this brew the Kikusui Sake Company's most highly recommended sake to enjoy with food. A fun suggestion is to experience this sake anew with the passing of each season - try chilling the sake in summer, warming it in winter, and matching it to a wide berth of your favorite seasonal dishes.
Overview
Food Pairings: Unagi Kabayaki and other Rich Foods, Light and Refreshing Foods.
Specifications
Class: Honjozo
Rice: Gohyakumangoku
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 70%
ABV: 15%
Size: 180ml, 300ml, 720ml
Brewery Profile
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Tasting Notes
Kikusui Organic Junmai Ginjo, inspected and certified by the infamously harsh scrutiny of the National Organic Program, carries itself with a quiet dryness and a respectful disposition. The front of the nose is reminiscent of ripened bananas, blending well with an understated honeydew flavor on the palate. Enjoyable chilled, and a pleasure to pair with light fare, as the quiet and amiable personality of this sake will not hinder the seasoning of your meal.
Overview
Food Pairings: Fresh Seafood, Roasted Vegetables.
Specifications
Class: Junmai Ginjo
Rice: Koshihikari
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 55%
ABV: 15%
Size: 300ml
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Tasting Notes
A mouthful of Japan’s #1 selling Nigorizake “Perfect Snow” leaves a perfectly excellent impression. "Impact" is the main idea, coming from a flowery, full body, a crisp and dynamic sweetness, and the delectable aftertaste of steamed rice from the coarsely filtered rice mash particles - not to mention the amazing 21% ABV! It's no wonder there is no Nigorizake that can share the spotlight with this tasty sake giant.
Overview
Food Pairings: Spare Ribs, Spicy Korean Cuisine, Strongly Seasoned dishes, Sushi, Yakitori.
Specifications
Class: Unclassified
Style: Nigori, Genshu
Rice: N/A
Rice-Poloishing Ratio: N/A
ABV: 21%
Size: 300ml, 180ml
Brewery Profile
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Tasting Notes
This high-impact sake has lush aromas of fresh fruits, drying herbs and grasses, and a refreshing high note resembling apples. As with many luxury Genshu sakes, the fine, complex flavors come unto the palate with a rich mouth-filling character. The sake is brewed with the rare heirloom sake rice varietal Kikusui (coincidentally sharing it's name with Kikusui Sake Brewery) which had once been considered extinct, but which Kikusui Sake Brewery revived from only a small handful of grains.
Overview
Food Pairings: Slightly Fatty White Fish, Beef Caldaretta, Aged Gouda.
Specifications
Class: Junmai Daiginjo
Style: Genshu
Rice: Sakamai Kikusui
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 40%
ABV: 17%
Size: 720ml
Brewery Profile
Trade Resources
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Tasting Notes
An extra-rich Genshu (undiluted) sparkling sake, with powerfully refreshing Funaguchi flavor. Big playful bubbles meet bring Funaguchi's classic fruity aromas and juicy flavors to a brand-new level accompanied by refreshing carbonation. Enjoy this special sake by itself or alongside a meal in a champagne glass, on the rocks, and even mixed with fruits in a cocktail.
Overview
Food Pairings: Prosciutto and Ham Dishes, Hard to Semi-Hard Cheese such as Gouda, Cheddar and Parmesan, Memphis-Style BBQ.
Specifications
Class: Honjozo
Style: Nama, Genshu, Sparkling
Rice: Gohyakumangoku
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 70%
ABV: 19%
Size: 270ml
Tasting Notes
This sake offers a clean, dry taste with a gentle aroma and a sharp, crisp finish that reveals just the right amount of umami richness. It enhances the subtle flavors of light dishes and, with bolder dishes, refines and balances their depth and complexity.
Overview
Food Pairings: Chinese cuisine (sweet and sour pork, shrimp with mayonnaise, happosai, pickled mustard greens, gyoza,) Miso dishes (miso ramen, salmon "chan-chan yaki") Foods or dishes with strong acidity (vinegared dishes, kiwi, apple, etc.)
Specifications
Class: Junmai
Style: Nama, Genshu
Rice: Niigata Rice 100%
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 70%
ABV: 17.5%
Size: 200ml
Brewery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
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