When making this junmai sake, Mukai Shuzos current head brewmaster, Kuniko Mukai, uses a red rice varietal that grows locally in Ine, the town where she grew up. The sake is called Ine Mankai, or Ine in Full Bloom. The brewery is located in a fishing village in Kyoto, we hear that locals are able to dock their boat at the brewery to pick up their sake.

Mukai Shuzo “Ine Mankai”

Junmai Genshu / Mukai Shuzo,Kyoto

The experience:This sake is extremely unique. Not only does it stand out from it’s deep pink hue, it also tastes unlike any other sake I’ve ever tasted. It’s both sweet & savory at the same time. For a while I considered it to be akin to amaro, a little bitter, a little briney. But its umami presence also makes it a great food sake. This sake is best chilled or at room temperature, though I’m sure it’s great warmed up too.

Process:SokujoABV: 14.2%

Ingredients:70% polished Kyo no Kagayaki & 90% polished Murasaki red rice, yeast strain #701

Storage:keep in a cool, dark place