Kinoene "Kanjuku" Apple Junmai Ginjo

The Story

Shocking many people enjoying this brew for the first time, no apples were used in the making of this sake. Despite the name, and a flavor profile that will absolutely remind you of biting into a crisp apple, this junmai ginjo contains zero fruit. The apple character comes entirely from the yeast: Kyokai #77, which produces about 70% of its acids as malic acid (the same acid found naturally in apples). The result is a sake that's bright, tart, and fruit forward in a way that feels more like a crisp white wine than a traditional Junmai ginjo. Brewed by the 300 year old Iinuma Honke in Chiba Prefecture and then "kanjuku" aged (a seasonal aging technique), it develops a richness and depth of texture while preserving that signature apple brightness.

Tasting Profile

Aroma: Fruity and inviting, with (BIG!) notes of apple plus pear, pineapple, and a touch of citrus.

Palate: Bright and puckering at a high acidity (3.0!) that creates a wine-like tartness. Despite an SMV of -17 (very sweet on paper), the intense acidity counterbalances everything, creating a dynamic sweet/tart interplay that's somewhat reminiscent of a Riesling.

Finish: Crisp, tart, and lingering, with an acid-forward quality that keeps you coming back for more.

Serving & Pairing

Serving Temperature: Chilled

Food Pairings: The high acidity makes it incredibly food friendly, especially with dishes that have some richness or fat to cut through. Try it with karaage with a squeeze of lemon, smoked duck, mild soft cheese, or cured meats or fish. It's also a natural alongside fruity desserts.

Why We Love It

If you've ever wondered if there were a bridge between sake and wine, this is it. The malic acid profile from the yeast creates something that will genuinely surprise even seasoned sake drinkers, and the kanjuku aging process rounds everything out beautifully. Iinuma Honke has been brewing in Chiba for over 300 years, and this bottle shows they're still finding new ways to push the boundaries. It's the perfect bottle for the wine lover in your life who says they "don't like sake."

Specs

About the Brewery: Iinuma Honke
Iinuma Honke has been brewing in Chiba Prefecture for over 300 years (founded sometime between 1688-1703). The town of Shisui where they're located takes its name from "Sake-no-Ido" (sake well), and the brewery has deep roots in the community. In 2022, their 300 year old main house, designated a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property, was renovated and opened as a restaurant. They also operate a blueberry farm and sake campground on the brewery grounds, blending centuries of tradition with a modern willingness to experiment.