Noguchi “Kanagaso” 2020 Muroka Nama Genshu [720ml]

The Story

This is the everyday drinking sake from a man widely known as "The God of Sake Brewing." Noguchi Naohiko has spent over seven decades perfecting his craft, and Kanagaso is his invitation to experience that mastery without ceremony. Named after the village where the brewery sits, Kanagaso, meaning "under the watchful eye of Mt. Kannon", this bottle is classified as futsushu (table sake) on purpose. It's meant to be casual, affordable, and enjoyed with whatever you're having for dinner. But don't let the humble classification fool you: this is muroka (unfiltered), nama (unpasteurized), and genshu (undiluted) sake that has been aged in-brewery for over three years, developing a truly premium depth and complexity.

Tasting Profile

Aroma: Gentle and inviting, with subtle notes of ripe banana, dried figs, and a hint of caramel.

Palate: Lean and savory and smooth. Three years of aging contribute layers of mild miso and dried fruit, while the elevated genshu strength (20% ABV) gives it satisfying weight on the palate without ever feeling heavy.

Finish: Sharp and dry, with a long, satisfying umami tail that lingers well after the sip.

Serving & Pairing

Serving Temperature: Extremely versatile. Enjoy it chilled, at room temperature, or gently warmed. Each temperature reveals a different side of this sake.

Food Pairings: This was designed for the dinner table; the savory, umami-rich profile pairs beautifully with dashi-based dishes, fatty fish like tuna or salmon belly, salty snacks, and rich comfort food. It's also fantastic with a simple bowl of ramen.

Why We Love It

We love this bottle because it proves that great sake doesn't need a flashy classification to be extraordinary. Noguchi Naohiko, an extremely storied brewer who has won 27 Gold Medals at Japan's National Sake Appraisals, created Kanagaso so that more people could experience his sake casually with their daily meals. The fact that it's aged for three-plus years and bottled undiluted at 20% ABV as a futsushu is borderline rebellious. It's one of the best values on our shelf and a testament to a legendary career in brewing.

Specs

About the Brewery: Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute
The Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute was founded in 2017 with a singular mission: to preserve the techniques of legendary Toji (master brewer) Noguchi Naohiko for future generations. Noguchi began brewing at age 16, became a Toji at 28, and spent decades at prestigious breweries like Kikuhime before coming out of retirement to open his own institute in Komatsu City, Ishikawa. His career accomplishments include 27 Gold Medals, 12 consecutive wins at the National Sake Appraisals, and a central role in both the 1980s Ginjo boom and the revival of the nearly-lost Yamahai brewing method. The brewery sits at the foot of Mt. Kannon, drawing medium-hard snowmelt water, and every sake is produced in the muroka nama genshu style, unfiltered, unpasteurized, and undiluted.