Rumiko Moriki, head brewer at Moriki Shuzo, isbeloved in the sake world. She not only is thefirst female toji in Japan, but she also saved her family’s brewery bymaking a connection with famedmanga artistOze Akira. WhenRumiko and herhusband, Hideki, took over her family brewery in 1989 afterher father fell ill, they faced adevastating blow to thebusiness shortly after. As Rumiko read Akira-san’s manga “Natsuko No Sake”, a storyof a fictional female toji taking over her family’s brewery,it really resonated with her. She wrote Akiraa letter expressing her gratitude & the rest is history! Hehelped her build a support network withinthe sake industry and alsoillustrated a label for Moriki Shuzo’s new line of junmaishu,”Rumiko No Sake”, and it gained a cult following! All he wanted in return was her sake.The story makes us sooo happy. You can read it in full ontheir website.

Tae no Hana “Sublime Beauty”

Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu / Moriki Shuzo,Nara

The experience:Drink this sake at all temperatures! Werecommendtaking it out of the fridge to try it chilled, then let it warm up on the table as you enjoy it. Roomtemperature is ourpersonal favorite (also prefer by Rumiko-san and Hideki-san). It is full bodied which present acidity, also savory-driven with notes of freshly cut herbs, apple, and rice bran.

Process:KimotoABV: 16%

Ingredients:85% polishedyamadanishiki rice

Storage:keep in a cool, dark place