Mutsu Hassen "Black Label" [750ml]
Mutsu Hassen "Black Label" [750ml]
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The Story
The Black Label from Mutsu Hassen is a composed, food-friendly expression of junmai ginjo. It's made with 100% Aomori-grown Hanafubuki rice, polished to 55%, with a settled, rounded flavor. Hachinohe Shuzo sources everything locally (rice, yeast, water), and the apple-forward aromatics that define this bottle are representative of Aomori as well; the prefecture is Japan's apple-growing capital, and that local heritage comes through clearly in the glass. If you're looking for a reliable, well-integrated ginjo that plays nicely with food, this is it.
Tasting Profile
Aroma: Fresh and juicy, with prominent apple notes alongside peach and nectarines.
Palate: Refreshing acidity that transitions into a pronounced umami flavor that spreads across the palate. Soft and lightly fruity, with a compact, gently jammy quality. Not too sweet.
Finish: Clean, with the fruit character fading gently into a savory umami tail.
Serving & Pairing
Serving Temperature: Chilled. This one is best cold.
Food Pairings: Chicken, oden, tuna sashimi, baked salmon, or any fatty cuts of sushi. The umami backbone makes it a natural with richer fish preparations.
Why We Love It
If the Pink Label is Mutsu Hassen's adventurous side, the Black Label is the composed, food-friendly counterpart. The pasteurization gives it a more integrated, smoother profile that's less about surprise and more about reliability at the table. Everything is still 100% Aomori-sourced (rice, yeast, water), and the apple character that defines the brewery's house style comes through clearly. It's a solid, well-made junmai ginjo that does its job quietly and well.
Specs
- Brewery: Hachinohe Shuzo
- Location: Aomori Prefecture
- Rice: Hanafubuki
- Polishing Ratio: 55%
- Style: Junmai Ginjo (Hi-ire / Pasteurized)
- ABV: 16%
- Storage: Chilled or in a cool, dark place
About the Brewery: Hachinohe Shuzo
Hachinohe Shuzo has been brewing since 1775, when founder Shozaburo Komai traveled from the Omi region (present-day Shiga Prefecture) to establish sake production in Mutsu (Tohoku). The "Mutsu Hassen" brand was created in 1998, named after a Chinese legend of the Eight Drunken Immortals. Now led by 8th generation owner Shozaburo Komai, the brewery prioritizes 100% locally sourced ingredients and innovative techniques. In 2021 they were ranked the #1 sake brewery in the world by the World Sakagura Ranking.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping & Delivery
shipping outside of NYC is calculated through a common carrier at checkout! (monthly subscriptions are the only exception) orders go out every Thursday unless stated otherwise
please note: we can only ship sake & wine outside of new york state (whisky or other spirits are excluded)
delivery is available for all of NYC at check out for $10! Wednesday-Friday only. orders must be placed before 1:30pm for same day delivery, otherwise you can plan for the next working day.
