Norman

9.0

Kubota Suijyu (翠寿) Daiginjo Nama — Asahi Shuzo, Niigata, Japan

Technicals: Daiginjo • Nama (unpasteurized) • Gohyakumangoku koji rice / Niigata-grown kakemai • Seimaibuai: 50% koji rice / 40% kakemai • SMV: +4 • Acidity: 0.9 • ABV: 14% • Brewing alcohol added • Yeast: not disclosed • Amino acid: not disclosed • Low-temperature storage • Seasonal release: April–September • Recommended serving temperature: ~10°C / 50°F

90 pts. Light-bodied with a touch of sweetness. Delicate and clean through the palate with little weight or coating texture. A mild bitter/astringent note emerges toward the finish, creating a mouth-filling sensation along the cheeks rather than richness. The finish is long and persistent despite the sake’s light body. Aromatics are restrained when served cold. Happy that these are all pretty fresh. Brewed 05/2026 — 9 days ago

Brian Hearty

9.1

Since it is half price sake bottles on Tuesdays at Blue Sushi Sake Grill, we decided to have another! — 5 months ago

Norman

9.2

This was all part of our Sake Day 2025 experience. We only tasted 60ish sakes out of an estimated 450, so a small fraction of what was available. While I attempted to rinse the glass with water and stay hydrated it’s difficult to fairly rate in this environment and I use it solely as a time to try a wide variety and interact with the brands. This was nice. Top quartile. — a year ago

Naoki Kondo

9.3

ソフィスチケイテッド！　slightly bubbling, smooth! — 2 years ago

Gerald Montoya

9.2

Light with an oiky texture. Floral aromatics and palate with hints of fruit and a honeyed tones. Delicate yet palate coating. — 3 years ago

Adam Kincaid

9.0

This bottle over delivers on price - great value! Steamed rice and grapefruit aromas lead to a complex nose which is fun. It’s silky smooth texture, heavy on the mineral side, but pairs well with some great Asian spices and fried foods. — 4 years ago

Christina Burnham

9.6

Rob and Laura brought back from Japan for me. — 2 months ago

Norman

9.5

Powerful. Borders on sweet. Delicious. I JKON
瓶水吟機愛山 火入
Junmai Ginjo Aiyama — 4 months ago

A L

10

Start - Gentle sake flavor
Finish - Neutral like water
Overall = Excellent (Favorite sake so far)
———
Chilled - Excellent
Room temp - Good
Hot - Great — 6 months ago

Norman

9.0

Sake World 2024 Had to judge given it’s the same glass throughout the tasting but this was very nice. This is polished to 50% and is delicious. The gold is the highest level of polish and was perhaps sake of the night although I loved all three. — 2 years ago

Charles Duncan

9.1

Gift from Toshi for J&v welcome party. — 2 years ago

Norman

9.2

Large/magnum-like sake bottle. — 3 years ago

Gina Puente

9.3

Full pear, enjoyed it!! Would order again $138 — 5 years ago

ella németh

9.5

På dejt med en söt sak(e) — 2 months ago

Norman

9.3

It’s a classic. I thought it got better as it chilled off. It was a bit syrupy and sweet at first. Cooled off it was delightful for me. Interesting as the other bottle was the opposite. — 3 months ago

Norman

9.0

Hitakami Junmai Ginjo Nakadori
Brewery: Hirako Shuzo
Location: Ishinomaki, Miyagi
Type: Junmai Ginjo (Nakadori)
Bottle size: 720ml
Bottled: 2025.07

Aromatic with a clean, restrained profile. The nose shows fresh melon with a soft sweetness. Entry is crisp and dry with a light weight on palate. Body stays lean.

Mid-palate - fruit and a gentle mineral edge. The finish brings the melon note back with a slight bitterness that helps it fade cleanly.

I’d prefer more palate weight and a fuller, longer finish. — 7 months ago

Mark Wadley

9.4

Fruity bright. Made in a daiquiri like cocktail. — 2 years ago

with Karina

Chris Haywood

9.5

Agree with the honeydew simplicity in the comments below. A perfect junmai at room temp for easy drinking. — 3 years ago

Aura Novembre

9.7

11th Anniversary Dinner with Bernie and Jason — 3 years ago

Louis Martin

9.2

One of the best sakes I’ve had. Floral bouquet, smooth, silky, semi-sweet, amazing to pair with flavorful fresh nigiri. Tried it at Mako in Chicago and was a highlight of the wine and sake pairing Omakase experience. — 5 years ago