Sasanokawa Ginjo

The Story

Sasanokawa Ginjo is a true taste of Fukushima. It's brewed with "Ten no Tsubu" (meaning "droplets of heaven"), a rice variety exclusive to the prefecture, and fermented using a locally developed yeast. The result is a clean, easy drinking ginjo with a gentle floral character and a soft, mochi-like sweetness. It's the kind of sake that feels effortless; crisp and mild, never demanding attention, but quietly rewarding when it gets some.

Tasting Profile

Aroma: Gentle and floral, with a soft, inviting bouquet.

Palate: Crisp and mild, with delicate notes of flowers and a subtle mochi rice sweetness. Clean and easy-drinking throughout.

Finish: Soft and smooth, fading gently without any harsh edges.

Serving & Pairing

Serving Temperature: Chilled

Food Pairings: The gentle, unobtrusive profile makes this a great match for lighter fare. Think steamed vegetables, delicate white fish, tofu dishes, or a simple salad. It's also great on its own as an aperitif.

Why We Love It

We love this bottle because it's a perfect introduction to the regional character of Fukushima sake. Local rice, local yeast, and local water - it's about as "of place" as you can get. And it comes from a brewery with serious range: Sasanokawa is also one of the oldest whisky producers in Japan, so they know a thing or two about crafting drinks with care. This ginjo is understated and approachable, but there's real craftsmanship behind every sip.

Specs

About the Brewery: Sasanokawa Shuzo
Sasanokawa Shuzo is the Tohoku region's oldest sake brewery, with roots stretching back centuries. But sake is only one part of their story. They've also been distilling whisky since 1946, making them one of Japan's pioneering craft whisky producers. Located in Koriyama City, Fukushima, they draw on excellent local water for both their sake and spirits. Whisky fans might recognize the name: Sasanokawa famously helped launch the storied Ichiro's Malt by storing casks from the now closed Hanyu Distillery. Whether they're brewing sake or distilling whisky, this is a company that understands patience, craft, and the value of local ingredients.