KOIMARI SHUZO
Brewery: Koimari Shuzo
Founded: 1909
The Maeda family of Koimari Brewery originally operated a kimono shop in the port town of Imari during the Edo period (1603–1867), before transitioning to sake brewing in 1909. Today, Koimari is a small 700-goku brewery in Imari City. In 1971, they launched Seishu Koimari, named in tribute to the elegance of the region’s famed Koimari porcelain. Aspiring to further refine their craft, the brewery introduced a new premium line in 2008 called Koimari Saki - meaning “ahead” or “forward” - symbolizing their commitment to progress. Rooted in the history and romance of traditional Imari ceramics, Koimari Brewery carries on generations of brewing expertise. While honoring time-honored techniques and cultural heritage, they continue to explore new expressions of sake that resonate with the tastes of the modern era.
SAGA
PRODUCTS
Tasting Notes
A sweet, grape-like aroma. Slightly sparkling upon opening. Light and smooth on the palate. Excellent balance between crisp acidity and sweetness. Pairs well with delicate ingredients, but also complements dairy-based desserts like ice cream. It works wonderfully when served in the style of a dessert wine.
Overview
Food Pairings: White-fleshed fish like sea bream, chicken, salads with nuts, bang bang chicken, strawberries, apples, peaches, fresh cream, vanilla, ice cream, soups or hot pots made with seafood broth, umami-rich fish (sashimi, sushi).
Awards:
Kura Master: 2019 PLATINUM
Specifications
Class: Junmai Ginjo
Style: Genshu
Rice: Oyamanishiki
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 55%
ABV: 16%
Size: 720ml
Brewery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
A gentle, elegant ginjo aroma reminiscent of ripe peaches. Slightly sparkling, with a well-balanced interplay of effervescence, sweetness, and acidity. Subtle sweetness akin to shiratama (glutinous rice dumplings). A pleasant rice-derived sweetness spreads across the palate, followed by a smooth, peach-like finish where richness and acidity harmonize beautifully, creating a refined and luxurious impression.
Overview
Food Pairings: Light meats, white fish, blue fish (raw or lightly seared), seafood such as squid and scallops, hot pot or soup dishes with dried sardine or fish-based broth, dishes seasoned with soy sauce or miso, dishes or desserts made with fresh cream or mascarpone cheese.
Awards:
IWC (International Wine Challenge): 2023 COMMENDED, 2022 BRONZE, 2021 BRONZE, 2020 GOLD, 2019 GOLD
U.S. National Sake Appraisal: 2023 SILVER, 2022 SILVER, 2021 SILVER, 2019 GOLD, 2013 GRAND PRIX
Kura Master: 2023 PLATINUM, 2022 GOLD, 2021 GOLD, 2020 PLATINUM, 2019 GOLD
Specifications
Class: Junmai Ginjo
Style: Genshu
Rice: Yamada Nishiki
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 55%
ABV: 16%
Size: 720ml
Brewery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
This sake has a refreshing melon aroma with a touch of effervescence upon opening. The mellow mouthfeel, mild acidity and light sweetness leads to a lovely finish with notes of mochi rice lingering on the palate. This sake pairs with a wide variety of foods! Enjoy it chilled with light fare or experiment with it at different serving temperatures to bring out this sake’s ability to pair with richer fare.
Overview
Food Pairings: Light white fish and chicken (steamed chicken is better than grilled). Coronation Chicken salad. Red fruits such as strawberries, apples and peaches. Dairy-based desserts such as tres leches.
Specifications
Class: Junmai Daiginjo
Rice: Omachi
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 50%
ABV: 16%
Size: 720ml
Brewery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
Refreshing sweet and tart aromas of melon, red apple, and yellow peach accented by cherry blossoms . Slightly bubbly when opened, with a mellow mouthfeel, gentle acidity, and sweetness. The finish is short, but the sweetness of the rice lingers pleasantly. Ideal food pairings would vary depending on temperature the sake is served at, but this sake is very versatile and can be enjoyed at a variety of temperatures.
Overview
Food Pairings:
Protein: White fish, chicken (steamed, poached, boiled), chilled poached chicken with sesame dressing & cucumbers.
Fruits & Vegetables: Berries, apples, peaches, salad with nuts, nutty dressings.
Dairy: Desserts with fresh cream, vanilla ice cream.
Awards:
2021-2022 Omachi Summit Ginjo Category, Honor Award
Specifications
Class: Junmai Daiginjo
Style: Genshu
Rice: Omachi
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 50%
ABV: 16%
Size: 720ml
Brewery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
A gentle, luxurious Ginjo aroma that resembles fresh peaches, ripe apples, and oranges. Slightly fizzy with an exquisite balance of sweetness and acidity. Hints of sweet mochi rice and green herbs bloom on the palate, and the gentle finish and fruity acidity harmonize beautifully to create a sense of refinement.
Overview
Food Pairings:
Seafood: White fish, blue-backed fish (raw or lightly grilled) & other seafood (squid, scallops, etc.) with salt and citrus, seafood-based hot pots.
Protein: Light/lean meats, tofu, eggrolls or lumpia.
Dairy: Caprese, desserts with fresh cream or mascarpone cheese.
Other: Balsamic vinegar, dishes featuring soy sauce and miso, green herbs.
Awards:
2013, 2014-2017, 2019 US National Sake Appraisal Grand Prix Gold
2018-2019 Kura Master Gold
2020 Kura Master Platinum
2017, 2019-2020 International Wine Challenge Gold
2020 Taxation Bureau Liquor Appraisal Ginjo Category Gold
Specifications
Class: Junmai Ginjo
Style: Genshu
Rice: Yamada Nishiki
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 55%
ABV: 16%
Size: 720ml
Brewery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
High impact both visually and on the palate. Pronounced Ginjo aromas of cantaloupe melon, pineapple, pear, and a touch of yogurt. Subtle acidity and faint sweetness create Koimari Saki’s elegant Junmai Daiginjo. The juiciness, sweetness, and bright acidity takes you to another level in your most luxurious moments. Served in the first-class cabin on JAL domestic flights in 2015.
Overview
Food Pairings:
Seafood: White fish, seafood based soups and stews.
Fruits: Berries, tropical fruits.
Dairy: Dishes and desserts with fresh cream or mascarpone cheese.
Other: Dishes using fermented soy, such as soy sauce or miso, as seasoning.
Awards:
2015-2016, 2018 US National Sake Appraisal, Gold
2015, 2017 Fukuoka Taxation Bureau Liquor Appraisal, Gold
2016 Fukuoka Taxation Bureau Liquor Appraisal, Grand Prize
Specifications
Class: Junmai Daiginjo
Style: Genshu
Rice: Yamada Nishiki
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 39%
ABV: 16%
Size: 720ml
Brewery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
This sake feels like summer fading into autumn. Sweet candy-like banana and honeydew melon aromas with hints of sunflower seeds and persimmon in the background. Slightly bubbly when opened and crisp on the palate with very well-balanced sweetness and tight acidity. Playful and smooth textures with a slightly tannic finish. This sake goes well with lighter ingredients and dishes but also pairs nicely with dairy-based desserts such as ice cream. Enjoy as a dessert wine or digestif.
Overview
Food Pairings:
Seafood: Sea bream, white fish, sushi & sashimi of fish with strong umami, seafood-based soups and hot pot.
Chicken: Chilled poached chicken with sesame dressing & cucumbers, other chicken dishes.
Fruits & Vegetables: Berries, apples, peaches, salad with nuts.
Dairy: Desserts with fresh cream, vanilla ice cream.
Awards:
2019 Kura Master Junmai Category, Platinum Award
Specifications
Class: Junmai Ginjo
Style: Genshu
Rice: Oyama Nishiki
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 55%
ABV: 17%
Size: 720ml
Brewery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
Quiet aromas of liquorice and herbs with a round and light mouthfeel. Refreshing and smooth flavor with a nice balance of rustic acidity and umami. When warmed, the acidity and dryness are enhanced, but then the sweetness of the rice gradually surfaces. Try this sake chilled for a smoother mouthfeel, or warmed for more pronounced umami notes from the rice. This sake comes in a reusable Imari ware porcelain cup in five charming traditional patterns.
Overview
Food Pairings:
[With chilled NOMANNE] White fish, shellfish, chicken, chilled poached chicken with sesame dressing & cucumbers, berries, apples, peaches, other fruit from Rosaceae family, salad with nuts, desserts with fresh cream or vanilla ice cream.
[With warmed NOMANNE] Sautéed mushrooms, roasted radish or turnip, braised dishes, white mold cheese (Brie de Meaux).
Awards:
2007 Charming Japanese Souvenir Contest Foodstuff Category, Bronze and Hong Kong Prize
Specifications
Class: Junmai
Rice: Saga no Hana
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 65%
ABV: 15%
Size: 180ml
Brewery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
Quiet aromas of liquorice and herbs with a round and light mouthfeel. Refreshing and smooth flavor with a nice balance of rustic acidity and umami. When warmed, the acidity and dryness are enhanced, but then the sweetness of the rice gradually surfaces. Try this sake chilled for a smoother mouthfeel, or warmed for more pronounced umami notes from the rice. This sake comes in a reusable Imari ware porcelain cup in five charming traditional patterns.
Overview
Food Pairings:
[With chilled NOMANNE] White fish, shellfish, chicken, chilled poached chicken with sesame dressing & cucumbers, berries, apples, peaches, other fruit from Rosaceae family, salad with nuts, desserts with fresh cream or vanilla ice cream.
[With warmed NOMANNE] Sautéed mushrooms, roasted radish or turnip, braised dishes, white mold cheese (Brie de Meaux).
Awards:
2007 Charming Japanese Souvenir Contest Foodstuff Category, Bronze and Hong Kong Prize
Specifications
Class: Junmai
Rice: Saga no Hana
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 65%
ABV: 15%
Size: 180ml
Brewery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
Quiet aromas of liquorice and herbs with a round and light mouthfeel. Refreshing and smooth flavor with a nice balance of rustic acidity and umami. When warmed, the acidity and dryness are enhanced, but then the sweetness of the rice gradually surfaces. Try this sake chilled for a smoother mouthfeel, or warmed for more pronounced umami notes from the rice. This sake comes in a reusable Imari ware porcelain cup in five charming traditional patterns.
Overview
Food Pairings:
[With chilled NOMANNE] White fish, shellfish, chicken, chilled poached chicken with sesame dressing & cucumbers, berries, apples, peaches, other fruit from Rosaceae family, salad with nuts, desserts with fresh cream or vanilla ice cream.
[With warmed NOMANNE] Sautéed mushrooms, roasted radish or turnip, braised dishes, white mold cheese (Brie de Meaux).
Awards:
2007 Charming Japanese Souvenir Contest Foodstuff Category, Bronze and Hong Kong Prize
Specifications
Class: Junmai
Rice: Saga no Hana
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 65%
ABV: 15%
Size: 180ml
Brewery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
Quiet aromas of liquorice and herbs with a round and light mouthfeel. Refreshing and smooth flavor with a nice balance of rustic acidity and umami. When warmed, the acidity and dryness are enhanced, but then the sweetness of the rice gradually surfaces. Try this sake chilled for a smoother mouthfeel, or warmed for more pronounced umami notes from the rice. This sake comes in a reusable Imari ware porcelain cup in five charming traditional patterns.
Overview
Food Pairings:
[With chilled NOMANNE] White fish, shellfish, chicken, chilled poached chicken with sesame dressing & cucumbers, berries, apples, peaches, other fruit from Rosaceae family, salad with nuts, desserts with fresh cream or vanilla ice cream.
[With warmed NOMANNE] Sautéed mushrooms, roasted radish or turnip, braised dishes, white mold cheese (Brie de Meaux).
Awards:
2007 Charming Japanese Souvenir Contest Foodstuff Category, Bronze and Hong Kong Prize
Specifications
Class: Junmai
Rice: Saga no Hana
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 65%
ABV: 15%
Size: 180ml
Brewery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
Tasting Notes
Quiet aromas of liquorice and herbs with a round and light mouthfeel. Refreshing and smooth flavor with a nice balance of rustic acidity and umami. When warmed, the acidity and dryness are enhanced, but then the sweetness of the rice gradually surfaces. Try this sake chilled for a smoother mouthfeel, or warmed for more pronounced umami notes from the rice. This sake comes in a reusable Imari ware porcelain cup in five charming traditional patterns.
Overview
Food Pairings:
[With chilled NOMANNE] White fish, shellfish, chicken, chilled poached chicken with sesame dressing & cucumbers, berries, apples, peaches, other fruit from Rosaceae family, salad with nuts, desserts with fresh cream or vanilla ice cream.
[With warmed NOMANNE] Sautéed mushrooms, roasted radish or turnip, braised dishes, white mold cheese (Brie de Meaux).
Awards:
2007 Charming Japanese Souvenir Contest Foodstuff Category, Bronze and Hong Kong Prize
Specifications
Class: Junmai
Rice: Saga no Hana
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 65%
ABV: 15%
Size: 180ml
Tasting Notes
Low in acidity, with a subtle sweetness reminiscent of shiratama (glutinous rice dumplings). Though slightly viscous, a pleasant rice-derived sweetness gently spreads across the palate. Selected as a First Class sake on JAL domestic flights in 2015. Featuring a refined, luxurious ginjo aroma, this beautifully crafted sake offers a juicy, sweet, and smooth flavor. The elegant harmony with acidity creates a truly indulgent and exquisite drinking experience.
Overview
Food Pairings: Mild white fish, hot pots or soups made with fish-based broth such as dried sardines, dishes seasoned with fermented soybean products like soy sauce or miso, dishes or desserts made with dairy products such as fresh cream or mascarpone cheese, berry fruits, tropical fruits.
Awards:
U.S. National Sake Appraisal: 2015 and 2016 GOLD
Fukuoka Regional Taxation Bureau Sake Appraisal: 2015 Gold Prize, 2016 Grand Prize
Specifications
Class: Junmai Daiginjo
Style: Genshu
Rice: Yamada Nishiki
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 39%
ABV: 16%
Size: 720ml
Brewery Profile
Trade Resources
Specification Sheets & Bottle Images
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